At the end of Monday's City Council meeting where Councilwoman Tracey Brown was honored for her service, she had a few things to say.
"I have lived in Plainfield for over forty years," she began.
Brown commended the Police Division, but added, "The reality is, our city is not safe.
"I think it's an insult to say our city is very, very safe," she said, perhaps referring to Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's quoted comment in the Courier News after the city's tenth homicide.
"Sometimes our city is divided," Brown said, adding all residents are important, "not just some who live in certain wards."
Saying she prays for violence to stop, Brown alluded to social media threats against her and said, "So far, nothing has been done. I had to speak out before something horrible happened."
Brown is pastor of Ruth Fellowship Ministries and noted she had eulogized several of the homicide victims.
With her term ending on Dec. 31, how come some of her remarks sounded like campaign talk? Councilwoman Bridget Rivers gave a clue when she said to Brown, "We'll see you next year."
That's when the the mayoral and Fourth Ward seats will be up for election. Mapp has already launched his re-election campaign. His longtime nemesis, former Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, showed up Monday to praise Brown, who is her pastor. Rivers must also run if she wants to keep her Fourth Ward seat.
In retrospect, the "no" votes on the taxi towing penalty by Brown and Rivers certainly endeared them to the many Soria Taxi employees and supporters who live - and maybe vote - in Plainfield.
One good thing about Plainfield politics is that the battles are often settled in the June primary. The 2017 filing date for the June primary is April 3 and the primary election is on June 6. See all 2017 election timelines here.
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Finally some one is willing to tell the Truth. The City is NOT safe and people avoid it as much as they can.
ReplyDeleteMayor Mapp said The City is VERY VERY SAFE
DeleteI am so sorry Ms. Paglia I always agree with your blogs but instead of you talking about Councilwomen Tracey Brown leaving you should be talking about not just the murders, the gun shots fired, the domestic violence, the car break in that are accruing as I type in the city of Plainfield. I was sitting in the audience also the Cab issue is a big mess. Why because the owner of one of the taxi companies in Plainfield have donated to Mayor Mapps campaign. I also heard someone speak about the crime that's going on right over there in the fire department why are you not commented about that. I do not know the specifics of the fire department but I did here one of the council member's say it was bad. Let's talk about some real news and stop covering up for this failed administration. Right is Right. I was a strong supporter of Mayor Robinson-Briggs when she did wrong I commented go back and check your records. I also VOTED for Mayor Mapp but what's happening now is wrong so I will call him on his mess also.
ReplyDeleteRenee
I would prefer she tell us what she did on the Counsel to make the city safe. I don't count prayer. If that is all she did or plans to do, stay out of politics.
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray that councilwoman Brown is done in politics, great person, wonderful pastor, goes out of her way for anybody, but not a good politician she is to honest and will say always the brutal truth which gets her in trouble. Her views are sometimes to religious for politics. She accuses the Ad.Min. of not caring about certain wards, she only cares about certain wards. She was asked one time why she only focus on certain area's she said, the well does not need a doctor, something like that. Anyway, I hope she gives this political stuff up. I was at the meeting Monday and Bernice I BELIEVE you misquoted her terribly, she said it is an insult to grieving parents to say this city is safe, she said the police are doing a good job but need help. I work upstairs in City Hall and the rumor is that our next mayor is coming from the fourth ward.
ReplyDeleteI LIKE EGGS
DeleteREV.TRACEY BROWN WILL GIVE THE SHIRT OFF OF HER BACK. SHE NEED TO STAY IN HER PULPIT, GREAT HUMANITARIAN.THE STUFF HER CHURCH DOES IS QUITE HONORABLE.
ReplyDeleteThe so called social media threats are infighting among members of her church. Is she saying that the Plainfield Police are ignoring threats on her life? Please. Church drama. Otherwise why isn't she filing complaints? Because she knows what's really going on in her church and try to make it seem like our police don't care. What about the police who go to her church? They aren't doing anything? It's not difficult to find the culprits if you really want to find them. Too bad the good reverend is trying to play politics. She barely paid attention at the council so for her whole term. Clergy doesn't want her to run for mayor. She should listen.
ReplyDeleteAfter the 10th murder in Plainfield I read the article in the C-N where Mayor Mapp was quoted saying “the city is very very safe” . When speaking about safety issues with some co-workers who live in Plainfield and several residents in my neighborhood as well as some residents in other parts of the city, the general response was yes, Plainfield is safe.
ReplyDeleteThey also agreed If you are or associate with gang-bangers, drug dealers and such, then NO, the city may not be so safe for you.
If you’re a regular working class citizen taking care of your family, home, business and NOT engaging in any type of illegal activities, then yes, you can and should feel safe in the city. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, home invasion and the likes are down in the city. These statistics could be easily verified, you don’t have to take my word or the word of Councilor Williams.
Is there room for improvement, absolutely. We should continue to bring our concerns to the administration, city council, heads of the police department and hold them accountable. As citizens we should do whatever we can to maintain safety in our own neighborhoods, if you see something say something.
Yes, indeed to Anon 2:04pm - "They also agreed If you are or associate with gang-bangers, drug dealers and such, then NO, the city may not be so safe for you." I would add hanging out on the streets at night for no other purpose than hanging out drinking and such.
ReplyDeleteAnon, 2:04, is definitely a cop or Safety Director. The information shared is only in a police report.You would think with Plfd.being the murder capital of union county cops would have more to do than attack Rev. Brown who is being victimized along with members of our church.When PMUA officials were threatened, phone traces were done, and the suspects were immediately questioned.Crawford knows about church drama he should talk. Lee Evans
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous December 15, @ 8:09 AM, definitely not a cop nor am I an advocate for the police department. I’m just a concerned citizen and active member of my community who loves Plainfield and want to make sure we paint a true picture of our city for those on the outside looking in. Yes, gangs have become an issues in Plainfield, but let’s ask the question, out of all union county why are all the guns and gangs migrating here?
Deletegood question for Jerry Green!
Deletethanks to Sharon and Harry green strucking a deal to dump them here in plainfeld. They will come here because they get hugs and kisses from the previous mayor.
DeleteProbably a play to get them in one general location to round them all up one sweep. That would benefit us all. I mean we all want a safe city right?
Delete