"Labor Day is Still Relevant"

Dear Community Member,

With Labor Day approaching, I want to take a moment to reflect on its significance. For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial transition into the fall months, the start of a new school year, or simply a day off from work. But at its core, Labor Day celebrates the countless individuals across the nation who keep our country running. It is a tribute to the efforts and achievements of the American worker, whose dedication and steadfastness have shaped the very fabric of our nation.

From the earliest days of industrialization, workers have fought for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions. Labor Day was originally a labor union celebration until 1887 when states began to formally recognize it as a holiday. New Jersey was one of the first five states to do so. Still, it took seven more years for labor activists to elevate it to national recognition and cement it as a tribute to collective action and the voices of workers everywhere.

Here in Plainfield, our workforce is diverse, resilient, and essential to our community's success. From educators who shape the minds of our future leaders to the first responders who save lives and protect our residents and the small business owners who drive our local economy, every role matters. Our public servants, in particular, do a lot to keep our city running smoothly, and their dedication is a testament to the spirit of service that underpins our community.

On this Labor Day, I extend my deepest gratitude to all the workers of Plainfield. Your strength, unwavering dedication, and perseverance are the reasons our city is moving forward. As our city enters a new era of prosperity, know that your labor is the fire that lights the path. It is because of you that we continue to grow, adapt, and succeed. The challenges you face, the hours you put in, and the wisdom you employ do not go unnoticed, and I will always create space to honor your contributions.

As we celebrate, let’s not forget the history that brought us here. Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and our shared commitment to a better future for all. To every laborer in every city across the nation —your efforts are seen, your struggles are acknowledged, and your contributions are deeply valued. Thank you for all that you do.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"El Día del Trabajo sigue siendo relevante"

Querido(a) Community Member,

Con la llegada del Día del Trabajo, quiero tomarme un momento para reflexionar sobre su importancia. Para muchos, el Día del Trabajo marca la transición no oficial hacia los meses de otoño, el inicio de un nuevo año escolar o simplemente un día libre del trabajo. Pero, en esencia, el Día del Trabajo celebra a las innumerables personas de todo el país que hacen que nuestro país siga funcionando. Es un homenaje a los esfuerzos y logros del trabajador estadounidense, cuya dedicación y firmeza han dado forma a la esencia misma de nuestra nación.

Desde los primeros días de la industrialización, los trabajadores han luchado por salarios justos, horarios razonables y condiciones de trabajo seguras. El Día del Trabajo fue originalmente una celebración sindical hasta 1887, cuando los estados comenzaron a reconocerlo formalmente como feriado. Nueva Jersey fue uno de los primeros cinco estados en hacerlo. Aun así, los activistas laborales tardaron siete años más en elevarlo al reconocimiento nacional y consolidarlo como un homenaje a la acción colectiva y a las voces de los trabajadores de todo el mundo.

Aquí en Plainfield, nuestra fuerza laboral es diversa, resiliente y esencial para el éxito de nuestra comunidad. Desde los educadores que moldean las mentes de nuestros futuros líderes hasta los socorristas que salvan vidas y protegen a nuestros residentes y los propietarios de pequeñas empresas que impulsan nuestra economía local, cada rol importa. Nuestros servidores públicos, en particular, hacen mucho para mantener nuestra ciudad funcionando sin problemas, y su dedicación es un testimonio del espíritu de servicio que sustenta a nuestra comunidad.

En este Día del Trabajo, extiendo mi más profundo agradecimiento a todos los trabajadores de Plainfield. Su fuerza, dedicación inquebrantable y perseverancia son las razones por las que nuestra ciudad avanza. A medida que nuestra ciudad ingresa en una nueva era de prosperidad, sepan que su trabajo es el fuego que ilumina el camino. Es gracias a ustedes que continuamos creciendo, adaptándonos y teniendo éxito. Los desafíos que enfrentan, las horas que dedican y la sabiduría que emplean no pasan desapercibidos, y siempre crearé un espacio para honrar sus contribuciones.

Mientras celebramos, no olvidemos la historia que nos trajo hasta aquí. Recordemos que nuestra fuerza radica en nuestra unidad y nuestro compromiso compartido con un futuro mejor para todos. A todos los trabajadores de todas las ciudades del país: sus esfuerzos son visibles, sus luchas son reconocidas y sus contribuciones son profundamente valoradas. Gracias por todo lo que hacen.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

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County Clerk to Host Notary Public Training Seminar in September

August 26, 2024

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration.

Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”

Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk.

For additional information, contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Acting Governor Scutari Signs Legislation Expanding PFRS Purchase Credit to Include Class Two Special Law Enforcement Service

August 22, 2024

TRENTON – Acting Governor Nick Scutari today signed legislation, A2884/S2070, enabling members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to purchase credit for service as a class two special law enforcement officer in New Jersey.

Currently, PFRS members can purchase up to 10 years of credit for out-of-state public employment, employment with the U.S. Government, or military service, with an additional five years of credit for military service permitted for qualifying members with veteran status. This legislation expands PFRS credit purchase options to also include service as a class two special law enforcement officer with a public employer in New Jersey, prior to becoming a PFRS member.

Existing PFRS members will have one year from the effective date of the bill to apply for a purchase of credit for prior service as a class two special law enforcement officer.

“Every day, New Jersey’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Acting Governor Nick Scutari. “With this legislation, we are ensuring years of service as a class two special law enforcement officer can be counted toward a PFRS member’s pension, enabling members of our state’s law enforcement community to retire with greater financial stability after a career spent protecting New Jersey residents.”

Class two special law enforcement officers are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer. They are required to complete a course approved by the Police Training Commission and are fully trained in physical fitness, criminal law, patrol concepts, firearms, vehicle operation, defensive tactics, handcuffing, and arrest, search, and seizure.

Sponsors of A2884/S2070 include Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly.

“Class 2 Police Officers perform invaluable service and support municipalities around the state and are often called upon to complement full-line officers to afford departments a greater flexibility during peak demand,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “It is only fair that these officers, who are duly qualified and fully-trained, be allowed to purchase credit for their time spent in the Class 2 officer ranks.”

"I'm pleased this bill has been signed into law," said Senator Vince Polistina. "Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers play an essential role in maintaining the safety of our communities. Providing them with access to PFRS credits is not just the right thing to do, it's our obligation to honor their service and commitment to our State. This is a small but important way to recognize the brave men and women in blue."

"With the signing of this legislation, we ensure that the brave men and women who serve as class two special law enforcement officers receive the recognition and retirement benefits they deserve," said Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli. "By allowing them to purchase credit in the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, we are honoring their service and securing their future."

"Class two special law enforcement officers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this bill provides that their service is acknowledged and valued," said Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak. "They deserve the same opportunity to retire as full-time officers through the PFRS."

"These officers often put their lives on the line without the promise of long-term benefits," said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly. "By giving these officers the ability to purchase credit in PFRS, we recognize their dedication and the sacrifices they make to protect our communities."

“The bill resolves a long existing inequity to ensure all Class 2 special police officers, past, present and future, can apply their service towards their retirement as full time officers,” said New Jersey State PBA President Pete Andreyev. “We are grateful to our sponsors, the Senate President, Speaker and Governor for agreeing with us to make this simple yet very meaningful change.”

Statement from President Joe Biden on the District Court's Order on the Biden-Harris Administration's Action to Keep Families Together

August 27, 2024

America is not a country that tears families apart.

That is why, in June, my Administration announced new action to keep American families together. These married couples—in which one spouse is a United States citizen and the other has been living in America for 10 years or more—include our neighbors who have been working, raising their families, paying taxes, worshipping with us, and sending their kids to school. They have become our friends, our neighbors, and our co-workers. They’re the parents to our kid’s best friends. They have become invaluable contributors to our communities. They make us a better country. Nothing I did changed the requirements people have to meet to adjust their status under immigration law. All I did was make it possible for these long-time residents to file the paperwork here – together with their families. But without the Keeping Families Together process, spouses of U.S. citizens won’t be able to stay in the U.S. while they obtain the long-term legal status for which they’re already eligible. They’ll be forced to either leave their families in America, or live in the shadows in constant fear of deportation.

Last night, a single district court in Texas ruled that our work to keep families together has to stop. That ruling is wrong. These families should not be needlessly separated. They should be able to stay together, and my Administration will not stop fighting for them.

I am not interested in playing politics with the border or immigration; I am interested in solving problems. Nor am I interested in tearing families apart. That is not who we are as Americans. I will continue to fight to secure our border and fix our broken immigration system.

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