Council sets first-ever virtual meeting for Monday; the public is invited

City Council will hold its first-ever virtual meeting
Monday, and the public can participate.

Plainfield City Council has set its first-ever virtual meeting for Monday (April 13)  at 7:00 PM.

This is a video conference call. You must register to participate. Register here --

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4998772791474831628

The principal item of business is the introduction of the 2020 City of Plainfield budget, in excess of $88 million.

The City is already said to be facing a shortfall of tax receipts in the area of $18 million owing to the business shutdown precipitated by the Coronavirus crisis.

How this shortfall will impact both the upcoming budget and current spending ought to be a topic of discussion at the Council meeting.

Other items of interest include a resolution sponsored by Council President Hockaday in support of state legislation mandating the release of COVID-19 data.

Resolution R160-20 authorizes the use of storm recovery funds for unexpected COVID-19 expenditures. That money would be replaced with any FEMA monies received.

There are no instructions about when to call in to participate in the meeting. I would suggest calling the Clerk's office during the day Monday for further information, at (908) 753-3222.

Oh, and by the way ... those who were skeptical when I predicted a tax increase for the 2020 budget can find the exact amount in the resolution introducing the proposed budget.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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How Plainfield got to 472 COVID-19 cases

Growth in Plainfield's COVID-19 cases.

New Jersey case growth (through Thursday).

While the Mapp administration has been assiduous about releasing the latest Coronavirus case figures on an almost daily basis, several readers have asked for figures on the growth of the pandemic virus in Plainfield.

The chart above is based on the numbers released by the Mapp administration. The very first case was reported on March 16. No other cases were reported until March 24, which is where the chart starts.

For comparison, I am putting up the New Jersey chart (to 4/8/20).  State authorities have said they expect the number of cases to peak in the next day or two.

The chart does not show hospitalizations or individuals who have been quarantined.

The fact that Plainfield's numbers did not peak even higher can be attributed to the public's cooperation with the shelter-in-place order by Gov. Murphy and other safety measures (such as masks).

Now is not the time to ease up on any of these measures.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Lady Luck deals Dems a surprise at ballot position drawing

Sample ballot, showing drawing results taped in place.
Image courtesy Union County Clerk's Office.

Lady Luck dealt the Union County Democratic Party something of a surprise on Thursday afternoon at the drawing for the ballot position in the Democratic Primary election.

County Clerk Joann Rajoppi and her assistants conducted the eight-minute event on Facebook Live because of the Coronavirus ban on public meetings. You can view video of the drawing here.

All the years the New Dems wandered in the political wilderness, the Promised Land of politics was Column A, being the first column of candidates the voters see.

Despite the fact that drawing are supposed to be random, it seemed the Regular Democratic Organization always came out ahead. As New Dems we were relegated to the "Siberia" of column E or even further to the right.

So, it was a real surprise that challengers David Rutherford and Emily Morgan ended up with ballot position Column A.

Although not in their own names. Slates of candidates are organized according to the topmost office a candidate is running for.

In the case of the Progressive Democrats, Rutherford and Morgan are running with the indomitable Larry Hamm of Newark, who is running for the nomination for U.S. Senator against incumbent Cory Booker.

So, when the drawing was down, it was Hamm whose name was pasted into the appropriate space, and then Booker in Column B.

Clerk Rajoppi now has the task of filling in all the other spaces, down to the least municipal candidate and then having the printed sample ballot ready to mail to voters in good time.

Because of Gov. Murphy's Executive Order Number 120, and out of an abundance of caution, the Primary Election date has been moved to Tuesday, July 7.

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Negative can be good

The dialysis environment is super clean.

So, Dan's wild & crazy week turns out not to be so much.

I had to get tested for the coronavirus because there were two warning signs of three that are used: shortness of breath and persistent dry cough (the third is fever).

The test results came back Tuesday (I was told it could be up to ten days) -- before I ever even went to my alternative treatment center.

The Plainfield director asked if I would just rather come to Plainfield on an altered schedule. No problema!

All of this was out of an abundance of caution on DaVita's part. All dialysis patients have compromised immune systems.

Infections of all sorts are a constant risk -- so the coronavirus only heightens the attention already paid to  these matters.

Our chairs -- which are about 8' apart -- are wiped down with each use. Everyone wears masks and gloves, changing gloves after every function they perform. These are habits that become invisible, but they protect patients and staff.

I am thankful to DaVita for their thoroughness. And thanks to the many well-wishers who gave encouraging words.

Now, back to business.

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Plainfield landlord to tenant: Get a lawyer

Logo of Plainfield's largest commercial property owner.

Under Gov. Murphy's strict shelter-in-place rules, many of Plainfield's small businesses are shuttered, their employees laid off, their livelihoods cut off.

While elaborate care was taken by the Governor to deal with homeowners' mortgages and renters' issues (see here), small business got 'a lick and a promise'.

One restaurant owner confided to a customer who came to pick up a take-out order that their business was down 50% -- and that if it stayed there they could survive, but if it fell they would be out of business.

Then we have Plainfield's largest commercial property owner and manager -- Paramount Assets.

A number of years ago as it became noticeable Paramount was buying up a lot of downtown, I asked a Mapp administration official if they thought it was a good thing to have so much of our commercial property in the control of one company. All I got was a shrug.

When the owner of a popular downtown business approached Paramount recently about forbearance on the rent, they were told "get a lawyer."

Downtown could be in for big trouble if that is the attitude and there are very many businesses who find making the rent difficult -- or impossible.

Suddenly, all those smiling ribbon cuttings look hollow if there is no help for merchants.

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This will be Dan's wild & crazy week at dialysis

A coronavirus swab test.

So last Friday at the end of my session, the charge nurse came over and rather nervously informed me that I must go immediately that evening and find someplace to get a test for the coronavirus.

Further that next week (this week) I was not to report to the Plainfield center for dialysis but would be advised what to do.

Why all this? It turns out that an x-ray I had on Thursday revealed a small amount of fluid in my lungs. That, plus a persistent dry cough I have had since mid-November (well before the coronavirus) set off the protocol.

These are two of the three warning signs. The third, a fever, did not appear. I am a low average body temp person -- usually clocking in around 97.7° Fahrenheit.
 
I will be treated at another center designated by DaVita to handle questionable cases in isolation from the general dialysis population.

Once my test results come back (7 to 10 days), I will return to the Plainfield center if I'm not infected with the coronavirus.

I joked with the Plainfield center's director that if I were infected, I would probably already be dead since I am one of those "high risk" individuals of which they speak.

Given all the talk in the media about how comparatively little testing is being done, I was surprised when the Medemerge in Green Brook told me they did the swab testing on a walk-in basis.

"Walk-in" was something of a misnomer as they were conducting business outdoors under triage tents . An intake person took my ID papers plus a description of my vehicle and I was told to go wait in the vehicle.

In a few minutes, a tech came to the car, returned my ID stuff, and told me to follow them to an outdoor location where another tech would take the swab. After that I was told I could leave and that the results would be available in 7 to 10 days.

The large parking lot was full of maybe 60-70 vehicles, many of whom were getting the same test.

So my treatment schedule this week shifts to Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I will try to post on my regular schedule but I hope you will understand if I'm just too pooped.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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"No wipes in the pipes" -- why disinfecting wipes should not be flushed

Disinfecting wipes are wreaking havoc on sewer systems.

In addition to the threat to lives and damage to the economy, the coronavirus brings another unhappy circumstance.

The explosive use of sanitary wipes to disinfect surfaces has led to problems in the nation's sewer systems when those wipes are flushed down toilets. See an informative article here.

Bottom line: Sanitary wipes should be thrown in the trash and not flushed. They are not designed to disintegrate and are causing expensive problems.

In the trash!

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Without fanfare, new Pemberton Avenue bridge opens

Handsome is as handsome does: the approach to
the new bridge.

A closer view.

And, of course, credit must be given.

The rebuilt --or should I say "new" -- bridge over the Cedar Brook in Cedar Brook Park was unceremoniously opened to traffic on Friday, April 3.

When I came through on Thursday afternoon late for a medical appointment, the barricade at Park Avenue was still up.

When I came through from the pharmacy on Friday evening, the barricades were gone. I confirmed the bridge's opening on Saturday.

I would be a misnomer to refer what happened here as a "rebuilding". This is a new bridge -- or may I say BRIDGE -- replacing the formerly almost unnoticeable passage over the stream's culvert.

The bridge that was replaced was so inconsequential
it can't even be seen amidst the construction gear.

The splendid new white concrete bridge carries the appropriate memorialization of officials on each wall.

The Union County engineers outdid themselves on this one.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Pandemic can't keep down Plainfield's annual Easter Egg Hunt

Kids can have their own Easter Egg hunts at home
with kits supplied by Plainfield Parks & Recreation.

Plainfield Parks & Recreation's annual Easter Egg Hunt is one of its most eagerly anticipated events.

Each year, upwards of two hundred children show up for the event at Cedar Brook Park.

But what to do when there is a pandemic?

All public events -- including the Easter Egg Hunt -- have been cancelled out of an abundance of caution for resident health and safety.

But that didn't stop the creative crew at P&R. Superintendent Roni Taylor asked herself whether there wasn't a way to bring the event to the kids, since the kids couldn't come to the event.

Voilà!

Take Home Easter Egg Hunt kits. Taylor and her staff packed two hundred bags with 2,000 candy-filled eggs and 200 chocolate bunnies for a do-it-yourself Easter Egg Hunt at home.

Given the health concerns, staff sanitized each plastic egg and wore gloves while stuffing the eggs with candy.

Through a partnership with the Plainfield Public Schools, the bags are being distributed to youngsters in the District's regular lunchtime meal distributions by Maschio Food Services this Thursday and Friday.

Here's to a Happy Easter for all, and a Thank You to Recreation and Maschio for making it happen!

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Will rent and mortgage relief be a concern at Mayor's Facebook Live event tonight?

 

Rent, mortgages, credit card bills will be
on people's minds tonight.

It's the first of the month and folks in Plainfield like everywhere else are getting out their checkbooks.

It's time to pay bills. Rent. Mortgage. Credit Card. Auto loan.

Mayor Mapp will likely be peppered with questions from worried homeowners, anxious renters, and nervous consumers at tonight's Facebook Live event he is hosting.

Between last month and this, many Plainfielders have found themselves out of work -- laid off or furloughed -- and many will have trouble paying all the bills this month. And for the foreseeable future as long as the coronavirus pandemic has the US economy basically shut down.

While Mayor Mapp has been very good about keeping residents up-to-date on COVID-19 cases, and the state's shelter-in-place regulations, these other questions will be much on Plainfielders' minds tonight.

Gov. Murphy has taken steps to help.

Toward the end of last week, Murphy negotiated a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments with 40 banks and financial institutions. The banks promised not to start any new foreclosure proceedings for at least 60 days.

According to terms of the agreement, credit scores will not be impacted, there will be no late penalties, and it is expected that banks will add the missed payments to the end of the loan instead of requiring one big catch-up payment.

However, mortgagees will have to contact their lenders on their own and will have to show that their difficulties are coronavirus-related.

The situation with renters is a little different. Murphy has issued an executive order forbidding landlords to evict tenants for 90 days. Though he says it will stick, I suspect this will be harder to enforce. Once again, the first thing for tenants to do is get in touch with their landlords.

As for credit cards, he is asking card companies to reduce interest rates (fat chance of that!) and waive late fees.

Small businesses -- like the hundreds in Plainfield's Special Improvement District -- have also been impacted by the shelter-at-home decree.

Many stores and other small businesses have been forced to close. Many restaurants are having a tough time getting by on take-out orders. These businesses also have rents coming due. And their landlords may also have mortgages of their own to pay on their commercial properties.

Everyone is hurting and everyone is looking for help. Though the stimulus package passed by Congress last week will bring resources to bear on the problems, there will be a natural delay in getting programs up and running and then businesses will face the usual paperwork before finally getting aid -- whether loans or grants. In the meantime, some will succumb.

Mayor Mapp's Facebook Live event is 6:00 PM today (April 1). Go to the city's Facebook page here.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Johns Hopkins' tips on dealing with coronavirus

A representation of the coronavirus.

A tip o' the hat to retired Muhlenberg Hospital physician Ted Turner, MD, for forwarding this useful information sheet from Johns Hopkins University.



The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code.  (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own.  The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile;  the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat.  That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).  By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat;  this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything.  In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it can irritate your skin in the pure form.

* NO BACTERICIDE SERVES.  The virus is not a living organism like bacteria;  antibiotics cannot kill what is not a bacteria.

* Although debates are present it is best not to shake used clothing, sheets or cloth exposed to the virus .  While the virus is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic; and wood, be
cause it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and disintegrates); 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic).  But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or air conditioners in houses and cars.  They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness.  Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein.  For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask sun is perfect.  Be careful, sun also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and skin cancer.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, ie VODKA, serve.  The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be.  The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* you have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc.  And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize HANDS from so much washing of them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks.  The thicker the moisturizer, the better.  Coconut butter and oil is perfect.


* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Coronavirus leads to innovations in Plainfield politics

Plainfield Progressive Democrats will hold a virtual
Town Hall on March 31 using ZOOM.

As Plainfield enters the 2020 Primary political season, the coronavirus pandemic is bringing with it changes in the way politics are being done.

Under New Jersey's stay-at-home and social distance rules, campaign events, in-person fundraisers, and door-to-door canvassing are out.

As of the moment, candidates are in the signature gathering phase for their petitions. Candidates must meet signature requirements to be on the ballot in June.

At least one candidate is gathering signatures online. Robert Graham, the PDCC's First Ward leader, has announced his run for the citywide at-large seat. He is gathering signatures via online service DocuSign -- a first as far as I know.

Graham will be running against Steve Hockaday, currently Ward 4 councilor, who has the party line for citywide at-large. Hockaday is running with Ward 3 incumbent Charles McRae, who seeks reelection.

In addition, the Plainfield Progressive Democratic candidates are holding a virtual Town Hall on March 31, at 7:00 PM.

The Plainfield Progressive Democratic candidates are David Rutherford for citywide at-large and Emily Morgan for Ward 3.

The Town Hall is being held on the Zoom platform, and will have a 100-person limit.

Interested parties may register here --

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y4buPwGPQfm6oap2hzY6yw

Those who register will receive a confirmation email with login information for the event.

Gov. Murphy is considering whether to make the June Primary a vote-by-mail only election. More on that later.

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Plainfield Business Administrator Wayne Clarke is gone

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp congratulates Wayne Clarke on his
appointment as Business Administrator, August 2019.

For the third time in three years, Plainfield is without a Business Administrator.

BA Wayne Clarke is no longer with the City as of Monday morning (March 23). There are conflicting stories over whether Clarke was fired outright or offered a chance to resign.

The move comes as Plainfield and the nation face an unprecedented public health crisis with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Mapp announced on Monday that Plainfield now has ten people diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus. That number is expected to rise dramatically as New Jersey heads into the surge phase of the pandemic.

Recruited by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp after the sudden departure of City Administrator Carlos Sanchez in July 2019, Clarke was appointed at the City Council meeting of the following month.

A Certified Public Accountant who had a career with Prudential, some eyebrows were raised at his appointment as Clarke had never worked in government before.

After a bumpy start where Clarke is said to have remarked at a staff meeting, by way of introducing himself, "I'm here to straighten things out," he seemed to have settled in to the job and the endless meetings it entailed.

With a tenure of just over eight months, Clarke was Mapp's shortest-serving administrator. (The Business Administrator position was created with the charter revision and replaces the former City Administrator.)

I am told that Clarke was on vacation at the time he was let go -- unusual for an employee in their first year, and an almost unthinkable circumstance given the dire crisis the City and the nation are facing.

Municipal Clerk "AJay" Jalloh is serving as the Acting Business Administrator.

Mayor Mapp's mettle is going to be sorely tested trying to find a qualified replacement in times like these.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Muhlenberg may be reopened to accommodate Coronavirus patients

Demolition at the former Muhlenberg Hospital in
preparation for conversion to apartments
began in December 2018.

Projected number of daily cases under
current Social Distance conditions.
Chart appeared in nj.com.

Twelve years after closing it down, the State of New Jersey is looking at the possibility of reopening Muhlenberg Hospital to accommodate Coronavirus patients.

Judith Persichilli, the NJ Commissioner of Health, said on Friday that an unnamed hospital in Plainfield was being considered for reopening to meet an expected crisis in hospital facilities as the Coronavirus pandemic crests in New Jersey.

As long and hard as residents of Plainfield struggled against the closure, the irony of the current situation is not lost on anyone. It's a shame that Dottie Gutenkauf did not live to see this day.

Persichili and a delegation from the Army Corps of Engineers were supposed to tour the facility on Saturday.

The former Muhlenberg Hospital site has been under development for more than a year now as part of a deal to bring 120 apartments to the former hospital buildings and a medical arts center to the Park Avenue side of the campus.

According to Persichilli's statement, the building has been gutted in preparation for conversion to apartments. She estimated it could be converted to a 200-bed hospital in 4-6 weeks (this sounds optimistic to me).

Under the current level of social distance in effect, the projection of active daily cases would be expected to peak at over 150,000 about the beginning of June. This would far outstrip the ability of hospitals to accommodate these patients.

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp has videotaped comments on the possibility of Muhlenberg reopening -- view his video here.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Joe goes!

Joe Biden, whose campaign was moribund
three weeks ago, now leads in delegate counts.

Joe Biden had an outstanding night in the Super Tuesday II Democratic primaries.

Minutes after the Missouri and Mississippi polls closed, the contests were called by AP for Biden.

This was followed not long after by Michigan. Idaho came in much later -- for Biden.

North Dakota and Washington State will not be called tonight. North Dakota has mixed caucus and primary voting. Washington State is all mail-in ballots. These are the only two that may break for Sanders.

The delegate counts won't be known until the polls are 100% reported, but Biden has taken on a lead that may be impossible for Sanders to catch up to.

Reporters covering the exit polls were finding that Sanders' youth base failed to materialize in large numbers for him and that he had failed to grow his coalition -- both keys to a path forward for him.

I can understand if Bernie wants to hang on through the next debate and the next couple of primaries, but if they don't go his way, he needs to consider bowing out graciously.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield schools prepare for Coronavirus -- and possible shutdown

The CDC test kits are in short supply as the Trump
administration tries to get its act together.

While in the chair at the barber's on Saturday afternoon, a Latino man and his two young sons took seats and waited for me to be finished.

The man and my barber, Oscar, chatted in Spanish while the boys were squirmy. But soon I heard the older boy -- he looked to be maybe 5th grade, 6th at most -- telling his father about the coronavirus and that the schools were getting prepared for its arrival.

He recited in detail all the cleanliness tips that are becoming ubiquitous -- don't touch your face, wash hands for 20 seconds, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and use hand sanitizer. Pretty amazing, I thought. Clearly he had been paying close attention. His delivery was matter-of-fact and he did not seem to be upset, just reciting a new regimen that we all must follow.

Then he told of the school's preparation for lessons to be continued at home, so that no days will be lost. He knew that the state required 180 days of instruction for the school year.

His little talk paralleled closely the letter released by Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Mitchell this past Tuesday (March 3) and posted on the District's website here.

I thought this all remarkable and if his fellow classmates are taking the crisis as seriously as this young man, we will be in good shape when the time comes.

The media were full over the weekend with updates on the (growing) numbers of cases in New Jersey, plus efforts by the State Education and Health Departments to mobilize schools statewide for possibly having to shut down if things get critical (see more here).

The call lies with the local Health Officer, Dr. Atif Nazir, and/or the state agencies.

Presumably, if we reach the point where the schools are closed, there will be other constraints on Plainfield residents --

• canceling of sporting events and other large public gatherings;
  
  
• voluntary quarantining of those who have been exposed to the virus, and
  
  
• possible restrictions on the mobility of residents.

Then there is the matter of disruption to workplaces by the kids being home and someone having to care for them.

This all could have a serious impact on economies from local to national.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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PILOTs, people power plentiful Plainfield Council agenda meeting Monday

Gateway project at Park Avenue and Randolph Road
calls for a standalone drug store with drive-thru window.

Plainfield City Council has an extraordinarily full docket for its agenda setting session Monday (March 2).

PILOTs

Ordinance MC 2020-06 enshrines a PILOT for the residential project at 926-1019 North Avenue, immediately next to the Netherwood Station.

The Gateway project in the 1200-block of Park Avenue is up for a redevelopment agreement with 1204 Park Avenue Associates, LLC. The proposal is to subdivide the block -- currently a genormous parking lot -- into two lots, with a standalone drugstore with drive-thru lanes on one parcel and continue parking on the other (the lost serves for parking for at least a hundred students of JFK's Snyder School of Nursing. Though no PILOT is mentioned, expect one to be sought when the time comes.

Netherwood Village (825-855 East Front Street) is up for a PILOT. The owners plan to remodel the baths and kitchens and do exterior work to refresh the 75-year-old apartment complex. This project reminds us that once a PILOT is granted, it is likely to be in existence many years beyond the initial 30 granted as new owners take over, with new mortgages and plans to renovate. In fact, the city keeps a list of PILOTs, there are so many.

Lastly, a PILOT is being granted with Ordinance MC 2020-11 to Todd West Urban Renewal, LLC, for projects on the block bounded by Central Avenue/West Front/Madison Avenue/West 2nd Street. Plans include an 11-story building with a rooftop restaurant, a catering hall and retail space.

PILOTs have long been considered an essential tool in the economic development toolkit, but it is worth noting that Jersey City has decided to stop granting PILOTs going forward.

PEOPLE

City Council will be busy with matters concerning the appointment of people.

The Citizens Budget Advisory Committee is on tap. Each Councilor selects one member. The group shadows the budget process, making recommendations to the Council on improvements to both the budget process and the budget itself. Some are actually adopted.

Maher Janajri, owner of Queen City Coffee Roasters is being appointed to the SID's District Management Corporation.

Leslie Uslan is up for the Shade Tree Commission and Vicky Brown is being reappointed to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.

Over at Municipal Court, Nidara Rourk is being appointed public defender. Ms. Rourk has an amazing resumé. She will certainly add to the city's legal staff.

A residency waiver is up for Brittany Claybrooks -- who also has an impressive resumé -- in the Economic Development Department, where she will be an Economic Development Representative.

ODDS AND ENDS

The Council will be considering two contracts for grant writing, totaling $100,000. The larger of the contracts comes with a professional, detailed account of the work done and grants booked. The other one not so much.

The Finance Department is stashing $200,00 away in an Accumulated Absences Trust. This will help guarantee the City has fewer rude surprises when employees retire with large payments due for unused sick and vacation time.

The City will be bonding $408,500 for the purchase of radios for the Fire Department.

And to top it all off, the Council has ten resolutions honoring various groups and individuals -- including one to Dr. Harold Yood, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

City Council meets in an agenda-setting session at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers / Courthouse at Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street. Parking available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield officials make InsiderNJ's African American Power List

Mural of Paul Robeson in the Robeson Room at
Raritan Valley Community College. (Image by Max Pizarro)

UPDATED. Congratulations to the Plainfield elected officials who were in included in InsiderNJ's 2020 African American Power List.

Assemblywoman Linda Carter (29), Mayor Adrian O. Mapp (#34) and Freeholder Rebecca Williams (#61) are in the main list, as well as North Plainfield council member Keiona Miller (98).

Included in the 'Honorable Mention' list are: Elton Armady, Steve Hockaday, Barry Goode, Ashley Davis, Charles McRae, Joylette Mills-Ransome, and former mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.

Want to see the full list? Check it out here.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Bernie wins big at Union Twp. Dems straw ballot

Candidate surrogates were (l. to r.): Sen. Dick Codey, Larry Hamm, Sue Altman,
Joe Signorello, Mike Muller, and Andrew Cohen. Moderator
Nadège Ricketts and host Sen. Joe Cryan are at far right.

Surrogate Joe Signorello makes his pitch to the crowd.

Nearly two hundred Union County Democrats crowded into the VFW hall in Union Monday evening as guests of the Union Township Democratic Club.

They were there as guests of the Union Democratic Club to conduct a mock presidential primary. After listening to surrogates for each of the candidates in the presidential race, attendees cast ballots for their choice.

The event was the brainchild of State Sen. Joe Cryan, whose home base is Union.

The event was moderated by Nadège Ricketts, president of the Union Democratic Club. After each of the surrogates made a pitch for his or her candidate, attendees balloted.

The surrogates were --

Candidate	Surrogate
[Biden]	Sen. Dick Codey
[Sanders]	Larry Hamm
[Warren]	Sue Altman
[Bloomberg]	Mike Muller
[Klobuchar]	Andrew Cohen
[Buttigieg]	Joe Signorello

Results of the straw ballot.

Bernie Sanders was the big winner of the evening, taking 60 votes or one third of those cast. Mike Bloomberg came in second with 33 votes (18.3%), and Joe Biden was third with 30 votes (16.7%).

Pete Buttigieg finished fourth with 27 votes (15%) and Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar trailed behind. Tom Steyer did not have a surrogate.

Though hardly scientific, the poll was still a valuable tool for Democratic party leadership to gauge the sentiment on the ground for various presidential candidates.

Next up is the South Carolina primary this Saturday (February 29). Tuesday March 3 is "Super Tuesday", when 13 states hold their primaries simultaneously, with one third of the total convention delegates at stake (1,344).

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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