6/21/15 Plainfield City News: From the Office of the Mayor

The list of this week's updates is below in my weekly letter--to read each update in depth, please sign up via email to have it delivered straight to your email inbox. It's easy--call (908) 753-3310 and provide an email address, or just send an email to:

 cynthia.blake@plainfieldnj.gov or marilyn.nieves@plainfieldnj.gov

  

Dear Plainfield,

It is with deep sorrow that we, the residents of Plainfield, join the rest of the country in mourning the death of nine innocent black Americans who lost their lives to senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the nine victims, their families, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the City of Charleston. The tragedy occurred in a historic church where worshipers seek peace and reflection. Ironically, this storied church was founded by African Americans seeking freedom and justice. However, in 1822, Emanuel A.M.E. was burned to the ground after plans for a slave revolt were exposed. Some of our brightest leaders spoke from the front steps of this church as they led marches while embracing the highest ideals of our nation. Too often, hate claims the lives of our innocent and, as a society and nation, we must unite and find a way to be one human race.

Today, June 21, we are welcoming the first day of summer and observing Father's Day. As a society, we know the vital role fathers play in the lives of their children. Very often, fathers are our first coaches, teachers, mentors, and role models, who demonstrate by example the people they hope we become. We can discuss at length education, workforce development, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and economic development, but "government" cannot make our children pick up a book and study, or provide discipline and motivation. That is our job--as fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, and extended family.

The key message I want to share with Plainfielders on Father's Day is that our children don't need us to be "extraordinary"--they need us to be ordinarily present and engaged in their lives. The family dinners and conversations, bedtime stories, the encouragement to dream, and the ability to persevere in the face of life's challenges, no matter how large, are paramount. 

Over the span of my professional career, I have been a CPA, a Certified Purchasing Agent, a Councilman, a Freeholder, and am now serving as Mayor of Plainfield. I can say, though, with all my heart, that my most important job has been as father to my two daughters, Ayisha and Shermona, and I do this in partnership with the most amazing person in my life--my wife, Amelia.

BTW, call your father this Sunday and tell him how much you appreciate him! Happy Father's Day!

Creating One Plainfield - One Future,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

This week's updates:

• PACHA (Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs) Advocates Translation of Council Meetings
• Impact on the Tax Payer: Bilingual Day Care Comparison
• Administration and Finance Update
• Public Affairs and Safety Update
• Workforce Development Update
• Division of Parks and Recreation
• Plainfield Health Center Events
• Plainfield Area YMCA Update
• Plainfield Education Update
• Plainfield Learning Center
• Union County Update: Freeholder Meeting
• State of New Jersey Update: Bill to Impact Atlantic City
• Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman: Service Academy Days
• President Obama: State on the Murders at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC