Statement from Hon. Adrian Mapp, Mayor of Plainfield, NJ on GWB Closing

Statement from Hon. Adrian Mapp, Mayor of Plainfield, NJ on GWB Closing

January 9, 2014

I find the closing of the George Washington Bridge as a punitive political measure incomprehensible and unconscionable.  It’s a clear example of the worst that can happen when elected political officials and their staffs lose sight of the reasons why they were elected, and instead act out of arrogance and spite.

  

The incident points out the need for elected officials to be “hands-on” with their responsibilities, and that is why I have selected key staff who share my beliefs and who are qualified, competent professionals.  Ultimately, I am responsible for all that happens in my administration, and I can assure every Plainfield resident that my response to a crisis of this magnitude will never be “I wasn’t aware of what my staff was doing.”  That simply will not happen in my administration.

Unfortunately, this incident will give many Plainfielders, as well as many New Jerseyans, more evidence for the charge that politics is a dirty business.  However, I choose to believe to the contrary, and I hope that every elected official runs for office because, at some level, they believe they can make a positive difference in the lives of their constituents.

I hope that all elected officials will learn from this episode and pledge a renewed effort to restore our citizens’ faith in government by acting from the highest and best levels of integrity and decency in all our actions.

 ​​​​​​​####

Information Alert: Warming Centers in Plainfield

Resident Alert

As you already know, another round of bitter cold temperatures is expected across the region from tonight into Wednesday.  The City of Plainfield has opened two warming centers:

 

The Plainfield Senior Citizens Center - 400 East Front St.

Washington Community School at 427 Darrow Avenue

 

If you are cold, do not have heat, or know of others who may be in danger, please advise them to come to the warming centers.

 

 

 

"A Million Thanks" - Letters to Our Military - Week of Service Day 6

Today, thank-you cards and letters to our military will be collected at City Hall from 9:00-5:00 p.m. and distributed through the organization, “A Million Thanks,” which has delivered over six million letters to date to those who serve to keep us safe. Guidelines can be found on the organization’s website at www.amillionthanks.org.  As the website states:  
 
A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.

 

Please continue to drop off new or gently used men's, women's, and children's coats until Friday, January 10--the bitterly cold weather confirms the ongoing need for these items.

Shop, Eat, Support Plainfield - One Plainfield Week of Service - Days 4 & 5

*Due to the snow storm, we are rescheduling Senior Appreciation Day, 

which was to have taken place on Friday, January 3. 

Today continues our Inaugural Week of Service. I am asking you to continue to "Shop, Eat, and Support Plainfield" by patronizing our local stores and restaurants through the weekend. I am focused on revitalizing our downtown and increasing our economic development--it starts with our commitment to our city.

Regards,

Adrian

Mi Ranchito Viejo!

ACE Men's and Ladies' Apparel, 200 E. Front Street

Coat Drive Today at City Hall - "One Plainfield" Week of Service - Day 2

UPDATE: Please continue to drop off coats into next week--the snow storm and continuing cold weather confirm the ongoing need for these items. Thank you, Plainfield.

Judging by today's weather (as well as yesterday's), this promises to be a very cold winter--snow is expected later this evening. Sadly, there are still those in our beloved community who lack basic necessities, such as proper winter outerwear.

As part of our Week of Service toward our goal of One Plainfield, I am asking for those who are able to please remember the needy at this time. Today, new and gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s coats will be collected at City Hall from 9:00 am – to 5:00 pm. The coats will be distributed to service organizations throughout Plainfield. 

Thank you for your care and concern for the less fortunate. Let us truly show that we are One Plainfield.

Adrian 

An Open Invitation to "The People’s Inaugural"

In about 48 hours, I will take the oath of office to become Plainfield’s next mayor; it will be an opportunity for Plainfielders to come together to celebrate the city’s new beginning. Therefore, I am extending an invitation to the “One Plainfield” community, family, and friends to join us for The People’s Inaugural.

This historic event will take place at 12 noon this Wednesday, January 1 on the steps of Plainfield City Hall, beginning with a ceremonial swearing in. Following a brief ceremony, attendees and all Plainfield residents are invited to “The People’s Feast,” an event with food and music at the Plainfield High School from 1-4 p.m. Plainfield’s restaurant community will donate food tastings for the event, which is free of charge. Following the People’s Inaugural will be the Inaugural Week of Service from January 1-January 7.

 

The Inaugural Week of Service will feature the following service activities:

Wed, January 1 – Ceremonial Swearing In, noon, City Hall, and People’s Feast, 1-4 p.m. at the Plainfield High School.  The People’s Feast will have opportunities for residents to sign up for membership on Plainfield’s Boards and Commissions. 

Thurs, January 2 – New and gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s coats will be collected at City Hall from 9 am – 5 pm.  The coats will be distributed to service organizations throughout Plainfield.

Fri, January 3 –Senior Appreciation Day.  Mayor Adrian Mapp will visit senior centers across Plainfield.  Plainfield residents are asked to perform acts of kindness and gratitude for Plainfield’s senior citizens.

Sat & Sun, January 4 and 5 – Plainfield residents are asked to “Shop, Eat, Support Plainfield” by patronizing local stores and restaurants throughout the weekend.  The Mapp Administration is focused on economic development and revitalizing Plainfield’s downtown.

Mon, January 6 – Thank-you cards and letters to our military will be collected at City Hall from 9-5 p.m. and distributed through the organization, “A Million Thanks.”  Guidelines can be found on the organization’s website at www.amillionthanks.org. The City’s reorganization meeting begins at 6:00 pm in the auditorium at Plainfield High School.

Tues, January 7 - Mayor Adrian Mapp and other city officials will participate in “Read Across Plainfield,” an initiative designed to highlight the importance of education in the Mapp Administration. This will be done in partnership with the Plainfield Board of Education.

In the coming weeks, I plan to introduce a “Plainfield Volunteer Corps,” an initiative that will match city residents with volunteer opportunities. Please join us and extend this invitation to participate in both the historic People’s Inaugural and the Inaugural week of Service.

Regards,

Adrian O. Mapp

Mayor-Elect, City of Plainfield

Happy Holidays, Plainfield!

On behalf of my family, my beautiful wife, Amelia, and my daughters, Shermona and Ayisha, I want to wish all my friends, supporters, and the wonderful residents of our beloved Plainfield a joyous and safe holiday season!  

Adrian