Our children fishing at Cedar Brook Pond |
There
have been many positive changes around our city since 2014. Crime has fallen,
investors have displayed renewed confidence in Plainfield through various
redevelopment projects, many roadways have been repaved, new businesses have
opened in our downtown area, and there are more opportunities for our young
people to get involved in community activities.
There
are still many who perceive Plainfield as the place it was years ago, and that
is simply not so. It has become a norm to emphasize negative information and
use it as a basis for vilification of our city. The
question we need to ask ourselves, Plainfield, is: “How much loyalty do I owe
to my City?”
Just
as, within a family unit, people viewing from the outside react to the behavior of the
family members, those outside of Plainfield who are looking in feed off the
comments and reactions of those who live here. While we cannot pretend that our city
is a utopia, we can acknowledge the positive changes that are happening and let
the world see Plainfield through our eyes.
So,
where do we begin to build trust and loyalty? It begins in our homes; the
integrity we display at home follows us into our social gathering places. It
extends into our workplaces. How much equity do we place in trust and loyalty?
How much of a force for positive change could we be if we displayed that
loyalty at all times?
How
much could the reputation of Plainfield benefit from the trust and loyalty of
those who claim to love her most of all?
As
a family, we struggle through hard times together, but if we remain loyal, when
one of us rises, we all rise together. This shared prosperity is the real reward in
uniting to overcome obstacles; this is the strength that comes from working
together; this is how real families and healthy communities create change that
lasts; this is how each of us can be part of building this city that we call
home. Integrity,
trust, and loyalty go hand in hand and family, friendship, and a community
built on these can only thrive.
I
pledge my loyalty to Plainfield. I have given and will continue to give my
time and my energy to the task of building our communities, supporting our
businesses, creating jobs, and creating a safe environment in which to enjoy it
all.
What
will it take to give your loyalty, too, to your family, team, city, state
and nation?
Creating
One Plainfield, One Future...
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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