Crime has increased in Plainfield over the last year. Who is to blame? Blame it on the parents, blame it on the teachers, blame it on the police, blame it on the alcohol, blame it on the drugs, blame it on the economy. The list goes on and on where to place blame. However, we all must take responsibility for what is happening in our city and commit to making a difference.
Plainfield Senior Center hosted a Gang Violence Lecture on April 28th. Several youth were in attendance but mostly seniors were present. The presenter, Jack Farrell of UMDNJ, highlighted an in-depth overview of gangs, their activities and the end results. It was fashioned in such a way that made it easy to understand.
Our youth are dying at an alarming rate. Where do you stand? The presenter asked a very pertinent question. “What state does not have gang activity?” Someone named Alaska, another Hawaii, yet another Montana.
The answer to the question is, there is only one state that has no gang activity…that is the STATE of DENIAL. Are you in denial?
Yours truly,
Dee
Does this city every look beyond its boundaries for help? I know the BOE doesn't. Seems like people are afraid to let others know that Plainfield is so messed up.
ReplyDeleteSince I believe you are of a progressive mind, I would like to suggest that you look into other cities and what they are doing to curb gang violence (cities like Newark, Patterson, Elizabeth - and even cities outside of NJ).
We keep hearing the same old stuff from Hellwig. I think the 1 and 4 Ward people need to do their own research, and need to take their own action as to how to best curtail this violence. The administration cannot, and I believe, you can. Good luck in this endeavour into looking into gang violence, and early congratulations on being the next Councilperson for the 1/4.
Many of us have been working with the young men and women in our city but have not received much support from the city government. Last summer a group of concerned community members ran an open-gym on Friday's and sought collaboration from the city elected officials and received nothing but lip-service. If elected what/how will you help the young people in our city?
ReplyDeleteDee, I was at the forum last night and you did an incredible job, I was so proud of you and although I don't live in the wards you are running for I've told my friends that you are the person for the job. I certainly hope you do a write up concerning the incident that happened last night. As the mayor has no right to approach you nor does she have the right to say anything about what was said as I was not informed about the rally last week either. So for her to act like it was publicized that is completely false because it wasn't. I would like to know publicly what was said when she approached the table to talk with you, after the outburst that went on I can't imagine it to be very friendly. Please do a write up on the forum and let it be known what she said.
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