Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said Monday he will establish a seven-member commission to review his "Plainfield Promise" proposal and to report back in six months. Its charge will be to "take a new look" at the tuition and financial literacy proposal, especially regarding sale of the city-owned Bierstadt paintings as a funding source.
"It has been said that a politician plans for the next election, but a statesman plans for the next generation," Mapp said at Monday's City Council meeting.
Mapp first announced the Plainfield Promise in his State of the City Address on Feb. 9, tracing his own educational journey and suggesting a $500 bank account for every kindergartner to foster financial literacy, as well as tuition for college-eligible students who can't afford to pay on their own.
But when Plaintalker sought details, Mapp declined, saying only the plan was modeled on "Oakland Promise."
Last week, multiple news articles revealed that Mapp was seeking a court ruling on whether the city could sell the Bierstadt paintings, deemed to be worth millions but given to the city by Dr. J. Ackerman Coles with terms precluding sale, according to several past city attorneys. On Friday, Mapp explained more about his intentions in his weekly newsletter to residents, but his remarks Monday apparently mean the matter must now wait on the outcome of the commission's study.
In public comment Monday, Dr. Harold Yood said he was "very happy" to hear Mapp was appointing a commission, but said after reading Mapp's explanation in the newsletter he was "now more strongly convinced" that it was not in Plainfield's best interest. Yood questioned the cost, the projected contribution of JFK Health System and why, if one painting has been deemed to have racist overtones, a copy will be made and hung for public view.
Mapp is seeking re-election to a second term as mayor and critics, including supporters of other candidates, have called Plainfield Promise a ploy. In his remarks Monday, Mapp seemed to be setting the proposal apart, saying the coming election is important for the city.
"Whoever is elected will have an impact on the next generation," he said, but added "we cannot fail our children" by focusing on short term things such as the next election.
So far, Mapp, Councilwoman Bridget Rivers and former Councilwoman Tracey Brown have announced they will run for the four-year mayoral term. All are Democrats, pointing to a primary contest on June 6. Mustapha Muhammad has indicated he plans to file as an independent on June 6 and if so, he will be on the Nov. 7 ballot with the Democratic primary winner. No Republicans or other independents have announced campaigns. Party members must file on April 3 to run in the primary and independents file on June 6.
--Bernice
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Where was the commission to study the transportation needs of our residents before the sledgehammer came down in the form of the taxi ordinance? As for the 'Bierstadt Commission', better to spend a year developing real partners to fund the overtly ambitious Plainfield Promise. Think of this as the Mapp Gap Rap.
ReplyDeleteSo was the Order To Show Cause withdrawn? If not, it should be and soon since the City put out "an intent" to sell. Now any of the surviving charities can file. The Order To Show Cause needs to be withdrawn.
ReplyDeleteThere you go again Alan, you’re the spin monster. And for what, to see your name in lights? Your comments spin the facts and your witty sarcastic innuendos give the residents the wrong reality – the fake news spin, ala Alan, for Alan, and by Alan.
ReplyDeleteAll the taxi ordinance does is to give the Police Department additional tools to help them enforce the current ordinance. You’re WAY off when you suggest that this is “sledge hammering” the transportation needs of the citizens.
There was a very vocal minority on the Council last night that suggested we need to license more cab companies in the City. Well that’s in the realm of the council to make that happen – they are the Legislators. If they want to make it happen they should do their jobs and write legislation.
Personally I feel the Taxi cab drivers from North Plainfield have no interest in purchasing a Plainfield license. I’m sure it’s cost prohibited and it’s cheaper for them to break the law and pay the fines - hence the expansion of the ordinance.
Plainfield Promise is indeed ambitious. And if the Mayor’s vision to help the next generation is as right on as the promises he has delivered to begin to fix the city – well I’m in.
Jim, give it a rest, really. Where is the fake news spin? On the one hand the transportation needs of all of our residents is immaterial to you, probably because you have a car and can hop in and go about your business without further ado. On the other hand you imply that it's all a simple matter of making legislation, no matter the ramifications, or any particular understanding of an issue. Apparently you believe that winning an election is tantamount to being all-knowing as well, no matter what sort of vacuum you may be working in.
DeleteDon't be such an elitist cheerleading campaign manager. There was no study. That's not spin, but fact. Likewise with Plainfield Promise, or else why the need for a 7-member commission? How statesmanlike is it to put the cart before the horse just because you can, or think you can? Laying off the planning division? Hiring a neophyte to demolish a building? If you think this is all about me, think again.
Alan, even if the Mayor did jump-the-gun on the planning division he was intelligent enough to listen to the public and act accordingly. This is more than most would have done or would do. Give credit where it’s merit. Plain and simple, the Mayor is not a saint and he doesn’t walk on water but he’s very good for Plainfield with a proven track record and has earned the right to be re-elected. I myself am a champion for the Mayor and far from being an elitist. Alan, when you say there was no study for the decision concerning the taxi ordinance, does a study have to be done by professionals or a committee or can it just be reviewed and study by the Mayor and his staff? I’m in favor of the new taxi ordinance and it’s enhancement of a more severe penalty for violators. I say it’s about time we start enforcing our laws and looking forward to when code enforcement gets up to speed.
DeleteIs the real problem the lack of enforcement, or is it the lack of adequate service, all things considered? Something along these lines (http://www.cityofboston.gov/intergovernmental/taxiadvisory.asp) would be advisable.
DeleteDon't extrapolate a blanket rejection of all things Mapp just because some things are criticized. But I think he could do a much better job keeping his ears to the track and anticipating what will be coming down the line.
Alan, Boston is a city of approximately 668, 000 residence with 7 approved taxi cab companies, assembling an advisory committee most likely was warranted. Every decision made by the Mayor and his administration does not necessitate we hire people to do a study. Until someone writes some legislation proving the need to expand/revise our taxi services the Mayor and his staff are more than capable of making decision on their own in this matter. Time to move from this taxi drama.
DeleteIf they're so capable maybe we didn't need to spend $61,000 on a consultant for a parking feasibility study last year. And now there's the 7-person commission to study Plainfield Promise. Who needs that if they're so capable of making a decision on their own?
DeleteAlan - you are really stretching it at this point. The parking feasibility requires a little more than walking around and saying "i think we need more parking" - it involves studying traffic patterns, shopping habits and most importantly the master plan and current committed activity within economic development as well as proposed/possible development. If there was someone on staff that could dedicate the time and had the professional training to conduct the study (Planning department may have professional skills but not the bandwidth) you would be outraged (and blogging your fingers off) at the added labor cost, benefits etc for such a role that isn't needed full time. So you can't have it both ways.
DeleteThe 7 person commission for the Plainfield Promise is designed to get public insight and design a program and has NO COST to the taxpayers since it appears that it will be all volunteer. Cynicism for the the sake of cynicism is beneath you. You are far too smart for that.
I agree. The disenting councilors had plenty of time to introduce the possibility of adding more taxi licenses to Plainfield. They didn't. So what does that mean? Possibly they aren't really in support of Soria. Those affected should be careful who they are applauding.
ReplyDeleteVoters need to remember that for many years Bridget and Tracy did whatever Robinson-Briggs and others wanted to help other politicians control Plainfield. Often their actions were not for the greater good of Plainfield, but for the good of select people. I think Plainfield has been changing for the good and hope it keeps going in that direction. I don't trust Sharon's people to do that. They may have changed, but I won't take the chance.
ReplyDeleteWe are still awaiting when Mayor Mapp will issue a statement if the City’s appeal to the Superior Court of Union to void the Trust restriction on selling the paintings had been withdrawn.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/articles/updated-mayor-adrian-o-mapp-unveils-plans-for-c
DeleteWe have received the following message from the Mayor's office: "The City has rescinded the Complaint and order filed with the Union Superior Court to show cause for permission to sell the Bierstadt paintings."
DeleteAre you satisfied now Timothy? The mayor does listen to the community. You who was ready to call to the state. If you make frivolous calls to higher powers, they may not listen when you really might need them.
DeleteYes we are Jeanette
DeleteNot sure to which Jeanette you are referring, but it is not me.
DeleteJeanette Criscione
Anonymous @ 5:47 PM, State and Federal employees read newspapers. This story was picked up by the AP, and has been in newspapers across the country. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey/articles/2017-03-09/plainfield-decides-against-selling-million-dollar-paintings
ReplyDelete