City of Plainfield to Hold Major Town Hall Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

City of Plainfield to Hold Major Town Hall Meeting

Plainfield, NJ - December 1, 2016 - Mayor Adrian O. Mapp responds to mounting concern about the upcoming change in the country's administration

On Thursday, December 8, 2016, the City of Plainfield will hold an important Town Hall meeting at the Senior Citizens Center, 400 E. Front Street 7-9 PM. The primary goals of the Town Hall are to:

Address any concerns residents may have about the potential impact to their lifestyle due to the coming change in the country's administration. Discuss legal and social implications to this change. Consider what actions can be taken to protect the rights of those potentially impacted and, what options are available or will be provided in response to any adverse action.

The title of the Town Hall is "A Critical Conversation - Questions for a Changing America." And will be moderated by Ms. Tara Dowdell political pundit and Principal of The Tara Dowdell Group.

The panelists are:

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor, City of Plainfield.

Ari Rosmarin, Public Policy Director, ACLU NJ.

Reverend Damaris Ortega, Pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational.

Adriana Abizadeh, Executive Director, Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Christian Estevez, Latino Action Network.

Todd Cox, Director of Policy, NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Ashley Vazquez, Plainfield high school Senior

There will also be perspective from other elected State, County and Local officials.

Panelists will prepare with the following guiding questions in mind: Is there a reason for concern? If so, why? What are the powers or limitations of the Mayor or Municipality? What can be done locally to protect the rights of potentially impacted residents (i.e. the undocumented, LGBTQ, Seniors, etc.)? What is the difference between a Welcoming City and a Sanctuary City? How deep will the changes be to healthcare and social service programs, and are there options that communities can take to limit the impact? 

 

Each panelist will provide focus on the work of their organization, and how possible changes on the national level will have a local impact. They will share any strategies their organizations might be contemplating in light of the change in administration, and how local governments, houses of worship, community groups and residents can help shape their work around human, economic and civil rights. 

 

"Our goal is to provide answers in what may seem to be a time of uncertainty for many," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, "and to ensure that we protect the rights of every person in our community. These are important and valid concerns, and it is the intent of my administration to provide as many answers and resources as we possibly can to address the issue."

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield