City Living in the Summer TIme

It all began on June 25th, when the St. Marks Place Block Association hosted its annual block party. The day was filled with lots of sunshine and the street decorated with oversized balloons in bright colors. The distinct aroma of BBQ filled the air and neighbors shared a cuisine of various dishes with family and friends.

Kids and adults alike played games such as basketball, musical chairs, and karaoke, to name a few.  Some danced barefoot in the street to the soulful sounds performed by the DJ.  Of course, the dancing would not be complete without doing the electric slide and cupid shuffle.

Plainfield Firefighters were on the scene to give the kids an overview into the life of a firefighter.  Special thanks to Captain Cecil Allen, Frank Tidwell, Rudi Davis and all the firemen of Engine 2 for your support of this event.  Also thanks to the elected officials who came out and shared with the community.

As the excitement grew throughout the day and people were enjoying the festivities, an unexpected thing happened.  A young woman went into labor.  This is a first at a block party!  Weighing in at 6 pounds 15 ounces, baby boy, Keisan James Griffin was born to the proud parents of Keisha Williams and James Griffin.  What an awesome present to Aunt Jackie Coley who was celebrating her birthday with husband Tyrone, family, and friends.  Everyone is simply ecstatic!!!  Thanks to the Plainfield Rescue Squad for their timely response.

Another exciting event happened on June 30th.  My favorite little niece, Niajah, had her first dance recital.  She is eight years old and a cut above the rest.  She is a ray of sunshine and I am very proud to be Auntie.  Congratulations on your accomplishment and keep moving forward.

Summer would not be summer without fireworks and the Fourth of July Parade.  The fireworks display was an incredible experience for Plainfield residents, as well as the parade.  The Plainfield High School Marching Band was the highlight of the parade.  The young participants gave a show-stopping performance.  One of which we are very proud.  Keep up the good work.

Finally, summer also has its moments of sadness.  Condolences are sent to the Leaty family.  The loss of your loved one will never be forgotten.  Plainfield has lost a pillar in the community whose legacy will live on forever.  Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery of your family member go to the Benjamin family.

Stay strong, Plainfield, and keep the faith.  Have a fantastic and safe summer!!!

Best Regards,

Dee Dameron  

Negativity Divides...Positiveness Unites

Recently, CNN Correspondent Poppy Harlow did a feature story on foreclosures in Plainfield. She connected foreclosures with crime in the city. This is absolutely absurd!  The story was aired on national TV and made Plainfield appear to be a war zone that houses criminals. The negative publicity did more harm than good.  

I received several phone calls from individuals locally and across the country questioning what is going wrong with Plainfield. A short answer was given in one word … leadership. The irresponsibility of our leader to allow such a thing is incredible. I, like others, was appalled with the mayor labeling Plainfield as “the bank owns my town.” Where is the defense of the city you represent?

Due to the economic downturn, foreclosures are a given, but not because of crime. People are faced with foreclosure due to unfortunate circumstances that create a hardship; whether it is a loss of income, medical reasons, fraudulent loans or personal financial mismanagement. The country itself is plagued with foreclosures. But we must offer people HOPE…a sense of pride, a sense of belonging.

There are many questions about the story that remain unanswered. The residents have a right to know how it all came into play. First, what is the overall benefit to Plainfield for the CNN visit? Who invited Poppy Harlow to Plainfield? Where did she get her data from? Who chose the area to be videotaped? Were the residents she interviewed pre-selected or randomly selected? Is this part of our new economic development strategy? How do you justify the statement, “50% of the city’s workers have been cut since February.” Why was a restaurant located in Scotch Plains included in the story? Hopefully, we can get the answers to these pertinent questions. Only time will tell!

In the meantime, Plainfield residents, stay strong!  There are many positive aspects to this city that really need to be featured, unlike the debacle we just witnessed. Let’s unite, develop and implement creative ways of how to make a difference for the betterment of Plainfield.

Best Regards,

Dee Dameron

STILL SPEAKING MY MIND!

We Lost the Battle...But Not the War

Congratulations to my running mate Cory Storch and to Vera Greaves on your victories.

To my family, friends, supporters, and voters, mere words cannot express the sentiments of my heart for all of the support given to me during this political process. My mother and father taught me biblical principles at an early age of which to live by. I continue to practice these principles today. 

I am proud to have run an honest and ethical campaign. I could not have done this without your ongoing support. Heartfelt thanks to my dear mother for your love and words of encouragement. To my deceased father, I know you would be proud of my accomplishment.

To all of the volunteers for canvassing the neighborhoods and making phone calls on my behalf, I say thank you. To my Campaign Manager, Dr. Inez Durham, for keeping me on schedule during this time, a special thank you.

To Adrian Mapp, Annie McWilliams, Rebecca Williams and Cory Storch for your endorsement and belief in my ability to serve and make a difference, a bona-fide thank you.  

To all of the Democratic City Candidates, thank you for taking a chance and running for the betterment of  Plainfield.  Congratulations to all who were victorious, and my abiding respect and heartfelt thanks to those who came in a few votes short. A special thank you to Frank and Liz D'Aversa for the extra added push you made on my behalf.

This experience for me, a newcomer, was incredible and I am in it to win it next time. The battle for change is ongoing and I pledge to keep fighting all the way to victory because I have God and you, the people, on my side. 

Let's move ahead, troops.  Forward, march!  Love to you all!!!!

Yours truly,

Dee

June 7th--Decision Day--Let the People Speak!

Over the past few days we all have been inundated with despicable sleaze in a desperate attempt to distract us from the real issues which are PUBLIC SAFETY, TAXES, YOUTH,  SENIORS, JOBS, PMUA, and ROADS.

Today is our opportunity to send a clear message that we will not tolerate incompetence, cronyism, and the same old status quo.  Today is a day of renewal and freshness.  Today is the day we can begin to heal.  Today is your day, Plainfield.  Get out the vote for...

Honest, Ethical, Leadership for Plainfield (H.E.L.P)

VOTE

COLUMN C

Your vote will make the difference…make it count!!!!

And yes, its okay to vote for someone who lives with “mommy.”  Our seniors deserve to be treated with decency and respect. Let’s show them how much we care and vote to remove the behemoth political machine.  Let’s make it happen!!!!

Yours truly,

Dee

Mr. Green, Do Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures?

After prayerful consideration and the support of family and friends, I made a conscientious decision to run for Councilwoman-At-Large for the First and Fourth Wards.  At the Plainfield Democratic City Committee meeting this past April, I had the privilege of announcing my candidacy.  I did so with great honor and pride because I am willing to serve others.

In my comments, I stated “I am a bona-fide Democrat who served on President Obama, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Assemblyman Jerry Green, Councilor Rashid Burney and Congressman Frank Pallone campaigns by making phone calls, canvassing neighborhoods, passing out literature, picking up the final votes after polls closed, word of mouth, etc. to help get out the vote for Democrats.  Also to my credit, I worked untiringly with the seniors at Plainfield Senior Center to address their issues and concerns, attended 95% of the council meetings over the last two years, and served on the Citizens Advisory Budget Committee (CBAC) last year.

Amid a great crowd of witnesses, you agreed that I had supported you whenever the need arose…I was there.  I did so because I am a servant who believes in serving others.  You, Mr. Green, were taken aback by the announcement of my candidacy and said, “this is my love, this is my love, this is my love. Had I known, had I known…. She didn’t come to me.  All the other candidates came to me but she didn’t come to me.”

I didn’t realize that if an individual wanted to run for office in the City of Plainfield it would be necessary for the candidate to visit you.  Blame this on my lack of knowledge about the politics of Plainfield. 

At the meeting, you further stated that “I only have one enemy in Trenton and that is Governor Christie but let us love each other.” Upon receiving your literature today, I learned that you called me a “Christie Republican.”  I find this to be very offensive and deplorable from a man whom I had great respect and high regard for.  What happened to the love, Mr. Green?  Why all of sudden am I being labeled as a Republican who is aligned with your number one enemy? Will you stop at nothing to win an election?

I realize that politics can be dirty but to attack my person, my integrity, and my honor is reprehensible and shameful, even for someone like you.  Where is your fairness to me…a person who worked hard to help you achieve your goals?  If you are going to attack me, then do so on the issues at hand. You were given many opportunities over and over to run for election.  Are you better than me because you have money and power?

I am not the lion because I do have courage, I am not the scarecrow because I do have a brain, and I am not the tin man because I do have a heart. I am confident in who I am because the Spirit within me also guides me.  My goal is to H.E.L.P.  The New Democrats will provide Honest, Ethical, Leadership for Plainfield, HELP which my fellow Plainfielders deserve.

Many of our residents have asked me, "Dee, how do you remain so poised amid these personal attacks by this man?" My answer is always the same:

"I'm a lady."

Yours truly,

Dee

Right on Target for Change

Collaborating and connecting: the team for change!

As I walk through the streets of our city, meeting and greeting residents, the issues and concerns for many are the same.  Although the First and Fourth Wards are different in nature, the cry for Honest, Ethical, Leadership for Plainfield is echoed.  The residents speak of their displeasure with the current administration, of high taxes, public safety, education, PMUA, roads, the budget…you name it, there is a genuine concern.

Residents are excited to see a new face, to hear a new voice, and to welcome the change that is coming to Plainfield.  They are fatigued by the same old status quo.  They are disheartened to observe our elected officials wrangling with one another.  They would rather see the officials lay aside politics and meet their needs instead. They, like President Obama, embrace “change we all can believe in.”  They profoundly support grassroots efforts to get the job done, and that is what our campaign is about. You have seen us as we knock on doors in your neighborhood. We are all volunteers, community people who care about Plainfield, and who are devoted to doing what it takes to improve our city.

It is a sad commentary when the news media and others portray Plainfield as a city without a vision. Without a vision, the people will certainly perish.  The city of Plainfield has great potential and its residents deserve the best.  We are all aware of the economic constraints placed on us by the local, state, and federal government.  However, we can forge ahead and make this city a model city.  Progress comes when everyone has a mind to work.

I am proud to be that new face and voice that is right on target for change.  I am my own person who is not beholden to anyone other than the Spirit that lives within me.  I stand for truth and speak from my heart. 

JUNE 7^th is approaching fast and the train is already on the tracks for change.  Will you get on board or will you be left behind?  There is a simple formula that will effect change in Plainfield.  You will find it in COLUMN C in the voting booth.  The formula is:

  Connection + Collaboration = CHANGE.  

As we connect and collaborate with each other, change will be the result.

Yours truly,

Dee

Roads...Do You Mean Holes?

What more can I say?  Our roads are in terrible condition and in desperate need of repairs.  Sometimes you ride along the streets and feel like you are in a war zone. Swerving to avoid a pothole, nearly causing an accident and bouncing along to the rhythm of the beat.  Damaging tires, struts, shocks, axles and yourself.

Where is the City Administration in all of this?  When will funds be allocated to get the repairs done?  Who will be first in line to receive the repairs?  Inquiring minds want to know!    

Yours truly,

Dee