Legacies of Service

Dear Community Member,

As we stand at the crossroads of history and progress in our beloved community, it is important to honor and remember those who have paved the way with their dedication and service. My words to you today are filled with a deep sense of reverence and sorrow as we reflect on the lives of three outstanding persons who have recently passed away: Congressman Donald Payne Jr., former Mayor Harold Mitchell, and Mr. Robert Patterson. Each of these men led lives of notable public service, each serving in their own way, leaving legacies that will inspire and guide us for many years to come.

Congressman Donald Payne Jr. was not only a political figure but a beacon of hope and justice on the national stage. His advocacy for racial justice and equal rights broke barriers and fostered change, echoing through the corridors of power in Washington. He fought passionately for reproductive freedom and believed fervently in the transformative power of education, advocating for free college tuition that would open doors for countless individuals.

Congressman Payne understood the foundational role of public transportation in community connectivity and worked tirelessly to improve these systems. Beyond these efforts, he was a defender of the working class, advocating for lower prescription drug costs, broader voting rights, and proactive measures against the climate crisis. His unwavering dedication to these causes has left a lasting imprint on our nation's laws and on the hearts of those who fight for justice.

Harold Mitchell, though perhaps known to many as the humble barber from around the corner, wore the mantle of Mayor of Plainfield with a profound sense of duty and compassion. His leadership was not defined by grandeur but by genuine, tangible impacts on the lives of the people he served. Mayor Mitchell's tenure was marked by his accessibility and his relentless advocacy for the welfare of every resident. His approach reminds us that effective leadership is often shown in simple, daily acts of kindness and commitment rather than in grand gestures.

Robert Patterson, who passed in January of this year and whose three decades of service to the City of Plainfield spanned critical years of development and change, was a pillar of reliability and integrity. His dedication behind the scenes ensured the smooth operation of essential city services, which many of us take for granted. Mr. Patterson’s retirement in 2002 marked the end of an era of steadfast public service characterized by quiet dedication and a deep-seated love for our city.

What binds these three individuals together is their shared commitment to the idea that serving their city and state was not just a duty but a privilege. They each embraced the challenges of leadership and service, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement. Their contributions were not just acts of service but acts of love for their community and its people.

As we mourn their loss, we also celebrate their lives and the indelible marks they have left on our world. Their stories are a call to each of us to consider our own legacy. How will we impact the lives around us? What contributions can we make to ensure a brighter, more equitable future? Serving one’s community is among the highest callings, and these men exemplified this truth.

As the Mayor of Plainfield, I am continually inspired by the giants on whose shoulders we stand. I have chosen to serve not because it is easy, but because it is necessary for the growth and well-being of our community. Inspired by the monumental lives of Congressman Payne, Mayor Mitchell, and Mr. Patterson, let us each strive to lead with courage, serve with dedication, and live with integrity. Together, let us build a legacy of service and love that will endure for generations to come.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

Legados de Servicio

Querido(a) Community Member,

Mientras nos encontramos en la encrucijada de la historia y el progreso de nuestra querida comunidad, es importante honrar y recordar a quienes han allanado el camino con su dedicación y servicio. Mis palabras para ustedes hoy están llenas de un profundo sentido de reverencia y tristeza al reflexionar sobre las vidas de tres personas destacadas que fallecieron recientemente: el congresista Donald Payne Jr., el ex alcalde Harold Mitchell y el Sr. Robert Patterson. Cada uno de estos hombres llevó vidas de notable servicio público, cada uno sirvió a su manera, dejando legados que nos inspirarán y guiarán durante muchos años.

El congresista Donald Payne Jr. no sólo fue una figura política sino un faro de esperanza y justicia en el escenario nacional. Su defensa de la justicia racial y la igualdad de derechos rompió barreras y fomentó el cambio, resonando en los pasillos del poder en Washington. Luchó apasionadamente por la libertad reproductiva y creía fervientemente en el poder transformador de la educación, abogando por una matrícula universitaria gratuita que abriría puertas a innumerables personas.

El congresista Payne entendió el papel fundamental del transporte público en la conectividad comunitaria y trabajó incansablemente para mejorar estos sistemas. Más allá de estos esfuerzos, fue un defensor de la clase trabajadora, abogando por menores costos de medicamentos recetados, derechos de voto más amplios y medidas proactivas contra la crisis climática. Su inquebrantable dedicación a estas causas ha dejado una huella duradera en las leyes de nuestra nación y en los corazones de quienes luchan por la justicia.

Harold Mitchell, aunque quizás conocido por muchos como el humilde barbero de la esquina, llevó el cargo de alcalde de Plainfield con un profundo sentido del deber y compasión. Su liderazgo no se definió por la grandeza sino por los impactos genuinos y tangibles en las vidas de las personas a las que servía. El mandato del alcalde Mitchell estuvo marcado por su accesibilidad y su incansable defensa del bienestar de cada residente. Su enfoque nos recuerda que el liderazgo eficaz a menudo se demuestra en actos simples y diarios de bondad y compromiso, más que en grandes gestos.

Robert Patterson, quien falleció en enero de este año y cuyas tres décadas de servicio a la ciudad de Plainfield abarcaron años críticos de desarrollo y cambio, fue un pilar de confiabilidad e integridad. Su dedicación entre bastidores garantizó el buen funcionamiento de los servicios esenciales de la ciudad, que muchos de nosotros damos por sentado. La jubilación del Sr. Patterson en 2002 marcó el final de una era de firme servicio público caracterizada por una dedicación silenciosa y un amor profundamente arraigado por nuestra ciudad.

Lo que une a estos tres individuos es su compromiso compartido con la idea de que servir a su ciudad y estado no era sólo un deber sino un privilegio. Cada uno de ellos aceptó los desafíos del liderazgo y el servicio, transformando los desafíos en oportunidades de crecimiento y mejora. Sus contribuciones no fueron sólo actos de servicio sino actos de amor por su comunidad y su gente.

Mientras lamentamos su pérdida, también celebramos sus vidas y las marcas indelebles que han dejado en nuestro mundo. Sus historias son un llamado a cada uno de nosotros a considerar nuestro propio legado. ¿Cómo impactaremos las vidas que nos rodean? ¿Qué contribuciones podemos hacer para garantizar un futuro más brillante y equitativo? Servir a la propia comunidad es uno de los llamamientos más elevados, y estos hombres ejemplificaron esta verdad.

Como alcalde de Plainfield, me inspiran continuamente los gigantes sobre cuyos hombros nos encontramos. He elegido servir no porque sea fácil, sino porque es necesario para el crecimiento y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Inspirándonos en las vidas monumentales del congresista Payne, el alcalde Mitchell y el Sr. Patterson, esforcémonos cada uno de nosotros por liderar con valentía, servir con dedicación y vivir con integridad. Juntos, construyamos un legado de servicio y amor que perdurará para las generaciones venideras.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

Click to Read the 2024 State of the City Speech

Plainfield, New Jersey - April 20, 2024—In a monumental milestone for the New Jersey cannabis landscape, The QCC Group LLC proudly hosted the City of Plainfield and Mayor Adrian O. Mapp for the official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at its cutting-edge facility located at 1355 West Front Street. The event, held on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at 4:20 PM, marked the launch of The QCC Group’s Adult Use Class I Cultivation operations, heralding a new era of community-focused cannabis cultivation in the state.

Rooted in the competitive Californian cannabis market, The QCC Group brings a wealth of expertise to New Jersey. Its flagship brand, Clade9, renowned for its exceptional product quality, is set to captivate the discerning tastes of New Jersey consumers. "Our journey in California has been a testament to Clade9's commitment to excellence," remarked Managing Founder Kurt Parra. "We are thrilled to bring our unparalleled standards to the vibrant cannabis landscape of New Jersey."

The QCC Group also announced a groundbreaking partnership with PRECIOUS, the first Black women-owned pre-roll brand to debut in New Jersey. Founded by Precious Osagie-Erese, a nationally recognized cannabis entrepreneur and advocate, this collaboration represents a union of vision and innovation. "As a staunch advocate for diversity in the cannabis industry, I am excited to partner with The QCC Group to introduce PRECIOUS to New Jersey," expressed Precious Osagie-Erese, Founder and CEO of PRECIOUS Canna Co. "Together, we are committed to delivering premium cannabis products that prioritize wellness and empowerment."

With a state-of-the-art cultivation facility in Plainfield spanning 132,500 square feet, The QCC Group aims to redefine industry standards by implementing best practices from California. Co-founder Rich Fryling emphasized, "Our goal is to disrupt the market with a new level of quality previously unseen in New Jersey. We have meticulously designed our facility to ensure premium indoor cannabis cultivation, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence."

The QCC Group's commitment extends beyond cultivation to community partnership and economic development. The company endeavors to create job opportunities and foster career growth within the burgeoning legalized cannabis industry, aligning with Plainfield's vision for economic revitalization.

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp hailed the partnership between The QCC Group and the City of Plainfield as a catalyst for progress. "Plainfield is proud to embrace the cannabis industry, and under our leadership, we are poised to reap substantial benefits," Mayor Mapp stated. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to economic growth and urban revitalization."

The QCC Group's journey from application to operation underscores its dedication to compliance and community engagement. As New Jersey embraces regulated cannabis operations with the enactment of the "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," The QCC Group stands at the forefront of this transformative industry.

Ribbon Cutting Event for Koinonia Academy & First Children School

Plainfield - Wednesday, April 17th, at 12:00 PM noon, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield, in collaboration with developer J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc. (J.G. Petrucci), hosted a momentous Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Koinonia Academy and First Children School (First Children). The event took place at the campus of Koinonia Academy and First Children School located at 1040 Plainfield Ave, Plainfield, NJ.

"As we prepare to inaugurate The First Children School and Koinonia Academy, we not only celebrate the physical structures but also the limitless opportunities they offer our children. These new educational facilities symbolize our dedication to fostering young minds and empowering them to achieve their utmost potential," stated Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.

J.G. Petrucci, alongside its subsidiary Iron Hill Construction Management, successfully undertook the development and design/build of two cutting-edge educational facilities for both First Children and Koinonia Academy, culminating in construction completion in December 2023. The First Children facility, spanning 45,000 sq. ft., stands as a state-of-the-art school meticulously crafted for children with special needs, providing an enriching environment for their growth and development. Commencing with demolition in March 2023, the school commenced operations, welcoming its first cohort of students in January 2024.

In tandem, Koinonia Academy, renowned for its faith-based and comprehensive educational approach, received a significant expansion with the construction of a 10,700 sq. ft. annex, housing eight additional classrooms. This expansion enables Koinonia Academy to accommodate 36 more students and four additional staff members, enriching its educational offerings.

Collaborating with Cerminara Architect, J.G. Petrucci, and Iron Hill embarked on these transformative projects, creating purposeful and innovative facilities tailored to the educational needs of Plainfield's children. They take pride in contributing to the establishment of a school environment that fosters learning and growth, enriching the educational landscape of Plainfield, NJ.

"I am immensely proud of the collective endeavor that has brought the First Children School and Koinonia Academy to fruition. These institutions stand as a testament to our commitment to crafting spaces that inspire learning and development. We are honored to have played a pivotal role in shaping the educational narrative of Plainfield, NJ," expressed Greg Rogerson, Principal at J.G. Petrucci.

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Union County Cannabis Job Fair Cultivates Employment Opportunities for Residents

April 25, 2024

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce a Job Fair: Opportunities in Cannabis Industry on Thursday, May 9th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ in Elizabeth. This job fair is a collective effort of the Board of County Commissioners and the American Job Center.

“The cannabis industry is vital for both recreational enjoyment and medical relief, meeting the diverse needs of many people, said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Cannabis is known to treat a range of ailments including chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and symptoms associated with cancer and HIV/AIDS. Embracing both aspects, the industry promotes holistic well-being, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. We encourage anyone looking for employment opportunities to join us on May 9th.”

The Cannabis Job Fair will be held at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ’s Elizabeth campus, located at 40 West Grand Street in Elizabeth. The fair will run from 10:00am-2:00pm and will host employers looking to fill positions ranging from Cannabis Extraction Technician and Budtender to Reception and Security.

Since our first Cannabis Job Fair in 2023, Union County has seen a remarkable change. From just two dispensaries, we are now home to 12 thriving establishments,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who also serves as Liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “These dispensaries aren’t just places to buy cannabis—they are centers of employment. By facilitating connections between job seekers and employers in this rapidly growing sector, we are not only promoting economic development but also ensuring that Union County remains at the forefront of this emerging industry.

The New Jersey cannabis industry has experienced an extraordinary surge of growth in 2024, especially compared to the previous year. With legislative changes and regulatory updates, the industry has expanded rapidly, leading to a significant increase in the number of dispensaries and growing facilities across the state. This surge has not only increased job opportunities, but has also improved access to both medicinal and recreational cannabis products.

Interested residents should visit http:// www.ucnj.org/job-fair to register. For more information, or to learn how your business can participate in the Cannabis Job Fair, please contact Carolina Marin at astrid.marin@ucnj.org.

ICYMI: Treasury Releases Fiscal

Year 2023 Debt Report

April 23, 2024

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s bonded debt is at its lowest level in a decade, according to the Fiscal Year 2023 Debt Report, released this week by the Department of the Treasury.

The report, which outlines the State’s outstanding debt obligations, showed that overall state debt declined $38.1 billion since 2018, from $239 billion to $200.9 billion in 2023. Bonded debt was reduced to $41.5 billion in 2023, marking a five percent reduction year-over-year and reaching the lowest level in ten years.

“Since we established a fund to pay down state debt roughly three years ago, we have saved taxpayers a total of more than $1.3 billion while continuing to meet our sacred obligations – fully funding our pension system, investing in our schools, and making New Jersey more affordable for our working families,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By balancing our books without relying on financial tricks or gimmicks, we are proving once again that New Jersey can be trusted. As a result, we have secured seven credit rating upgrades in the past two years alone while putting forth a proposed budget that makes a full payment into New Jersey’s pension system for the fourth year in a row.”

“We have made great strides towards righting our fiscal ship, including actions such as making full pension payments and defeasing bond obligations, leading to reductions in the State’s overall debt levels,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the hard-working professionals in Treasury’s Office of Public Finance for their continued fiscal stewardship in the day-to-day management of our state debt.”

The Murphy Administration has made a concerted effort to substantially reduce outstanding debt and improve the State’s long-term fiscal health. Through the Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund, the state has defeased a total of $3.686 billion in bond principal, saving State taxpayers $1.358 billion in interest expense since Fiscal Year 2022.

Most recently in January, Treasury successfully retired almost $500 million in debt, saving taxpayers about $160 million.

The full report, which was delivered to the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning on Tuesday, is available.

Statement from President Joe Biden on First Quarter 2024 GDP

April 25, 2024

Washington, D.C - Today’s report shows the American economy remains strong, with continued steady and stable growth. The economy has grown more since I took office than at this point in any presidential term in the last 25 years—including 3% growth over the last year—while unemployment has stayed below 4% for more than two years.

But we have more work to do. Costs are too high for working families, and I am fighting to lower them. I took on Big Pharma to lower prescription drug and health care costs.

I’m banning hidden junk fees that corporations use to rip off families in air travel and banking. And I have a plan to lower housing costs by building 1 million new homes. Congressional Republicans have no plan to lower costs. They are fighting to give the wealthy and big corporations more tax cuts while cutting programs like Social Security, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. They think the best way to grow the economy is from the top down.

The American people know we need to build it from the middle out and the bottom up, so the middle class has a fair shot and no one is left behind.

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