"Mapp a Better Choice for Mayor": Dottie Gutenkauf in Courier-News

COURIER-NEWS: Mapp a Better Choice for Mayor

May 29, 2013

Letter to the Editor:

I’m sure this will come as a surprise to many of my friends in all parts of Plainfield, because in the past I’ve supported Sharon Robinson-Briggs every time she ran for office. But not this year, and here’s why. 

Plainfield’s city administration has been characterized by conflict and incompetence since Sharon took office in January 2006. We’ve had so many city administrators that I’ve lost count and couldn’t possibly name them all. We haven’t had a full-time chief financial officer, as both the Plainfield charter and state law mandate, and the result is that the city’s finances have consistently been in disarray — as they still are. The City Council hasn’t received a budget on time for years. There has been so much turnover in the city administration that the result has been constant chaos and failure to run the city efficiently and effectively. 

Many of us have been very patient, hoping Sharon would get her act together and that the situation would improve — but that hasn’t happened. Sharon has, I believe, become increasingly infatuated with what she perceives as her power as mayor. But Plainfield is not a monarchy, and what our community needs is a leader, not a queen. We need a mayor who can work in cooperation with the City Council to do what is best for Plainfield and all its citizens — a mayor who is willing to accept responsibility and not try to blame others when things go wrong, as they often do. That’s no way to lead — it just doesn’t work, and often it makes things worse. That’s what we’ve seen in city hall, and it’s time for a change.
  
I’m not a “New Democrat,” and I don’t believe Adrian Mapp walks on water. But this year I’m supporting Adrian for mayor of Plainfield because I believe he can conduct the business of the city in a professional manner, without the hugs and kisses that have been Sharon’s trademark, and that he will be able to get things done appropriately and in a legally proper way. We need to put an end to the constant disruptions that have prevented the city from moving forward. I believe Adrian will work with the City Council, our legislative representatives — Nick Scutari, Jerry Green, and Linda Stender — as well as the freeholders, now chaired by Plainfield’s Linda Carter, and all the citizens of Plainfield.

It’s time to bring us all together, no matter where we live, to improve our city and bring it into the 21st century. What Plainfield needs is competence, not charisma. We need to become one Plainfield, one community, and we can make that happen by choosing Adrian Mapp as Plainfield’s next mayor. 

I hope Plainfield’s citizens will join me on Tuesday, June 4, in voting for Adrian Mapp and all the Democratic candidates in Column B. 

Dottie Gutenkauf

CWA ENDORSES MAPP FOR PLAINFIELD MAYOR

Today, I received the endorsement of the Communications Workers of America in my quest to be your next mayor. I am grateful and thankful for the support. Below is the press release.

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 28th, 2013

Contact: Joshua Henne, 732-407-5938

CWA ENDORSES MAPP FOR PLAINFIELD MAYOR

Standing Alongside Those Who Fight For Working Families

(TRENTON, NJ) – Today, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) endorsed Adrian Mapp to be Plainfield’s next Mayor.

“Now more than ever, New Jersey’s municipalities need progressive leaders who stand up for working families. That’s why we’re eagerly endorsing Adrian Mapp,” said Hetty Rosenstein, CWA NJ Director. “CWA is committed to standing alongside those who share and fight for our values. We look forward to helping Adrian win on June 4^th.”

Mapp has a vision to bring people together to build a better Plainfield. CWA was particularly impressed by Mapp’s experience leading a community board to negotiate a cable franchise agreement for the city while on the Plainfield Council.

“I’m proud to have CWA’s endorsement,” said Mapp. “We share the same progressive values to spur economic growth, create opportunity and bring people together. I am honored that CWA is standing alongside my campaign to move Plainfield forward.”

The Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO) represents both private sector and public workers. CWA represents more than 70,000 working families in New Jersey, including over 40,000 state workers, 15,000 county and municipal workers, and thousands of workers in the telecommunications, airlines, health care and direct care industries.  

Regards,

Adrian

The Candidate Forum That "Wasn't"

This evening, I arrived at the Candidate Forum co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Plainfield and the neighborhood civic association known as FOSH, ready to face the residents of Plainfield and to discuss the issues with my opponent in the race. I was, therefore, extremely disappointed to learn that the mayor did not show up. The crowd waited anxiously to hear from us. About 30 or so minutes after the scheduled start time of 7:00 pm, with no word from the mayor or anyone else from her camp, the moderator shut the forum down, as forum rules developed by the League of Women Voters do not allow for it to move ahead if there are not opposing candidates. 

After that, the mayor's representative, Barbara James eventually showed up with a letter from the mayor dated this evening (May 22), in which the latter reported that, because of illness, she was "light-headed" and decided not to participate. The letter also insinuated that I had deliberately not shown up at another forum hosted by the NAACP this past Sunday. My friends,nothing could be further from the truth. The mayor's husband, Peter Briggs, who was running that forum, knew full well that I had a conflict on that date, as I had alerted him to it in an email dated May 10, well over a week in advance. He never contacted me again, not even to reschedule. Below is a copy of my response, followed by the original invitation. so that you can see the truth. I am ready to discuss the serious issues facing our community at any time. Anyone asking for your vote should at least show up.

 

City Council Third Ward Town Hall Meeting Tonight at Cedarbrook School

  CITY COUNCIL TOWN HALL MEETING

Monday, May 20, 2013 – 7:00 PM

  Cedarbrook Elementary School

1049 Central Avenue

On behalf of my colleagues on Plainfield City Council and myself, I cordially invite all residents to attend our third town hall meeting. Although this meeting is set in the Third Ward, residents from all four wards of our city are welcome to attend and participate. These informal meetings offer you an opportunity to meet with all the council representatives and to share your thoughts and concerns about our city. I hope to see you there!

Regards,

Adrian

Women for Mapp Present...A Caribbean Jazz Feast!

Please join me and WOMEN FOR MAPP for this wonderful event in support of my campaign to be the next Mayor of Plainfield!

The festivities will be held at St. George Manor
535 West 8th Street in Plainfield

Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 4pm to 9pm.
Tickets: $75

 You may also click here to make an online donation!

 

One Plainfield. One Future. My Vision for Plainfield.

My beautiful wife, Amelia, and I were the guests of honor at a recent "meet and greet" hosted by Plainfield Democratic City Committee Candidate (Third Ward, District One) John Stewart and his partner, Craig Bowman.

MAPP FOR MAYOR CARIBBEAN JAZZ FEAST ON SATURDAY, MAY 18TH!

I hope you will be able to join me and WOMEN FOR MAPP for this wonderful event in support of my campaign to be the next Mayor of Plainfield!

You may also click here to make an online donation!