Gang Violence…Who is to Blame?

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

Neighborhood Health Services Open House

This past Wednesday, April 27th, I had the distinct honor of attending the Neighborhood Health Services Corporations’s Annual Board of Directors Open House at the Myrtle Avenue facility, located in Plainfield's 4th Ward. Board Chairperson Siddeeq El-Amin, along with the other board members and the staff, hosted a wonderful event that really made our city shine.

The open house showed that Plainfield is on the move with state-of-the-art medical services provided to its residents and the surrounding areas. A tour of the facility, catered delicacies, the raising of a new flag, and information-sharing were all a part of the well-planned event and set the tone for the evening. The facility is very well-maintained, and a welcoming environment awaits each visitor. The reception was warm, inviting, and well-attended by state and local elected officials, including  my running mate, Councilman Cory Storch, our Congressman Frank Pallone, and Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.

  

Plainfield, like other municipalities, deserves the best and should be proud of its accomplishments. Again, a very special "thank you" to Siddeeq, the board, and the staff for putting the "neighborhood health" of Plainfield first!

Yours truly,

Dee

 

Welcome to "Speaking My Mind...With an Open MInd!"

My name is DeLois "Dee" Dameron, and I want to serve you as your Democratic Candidate for 1st and 4th Ward representative on the Plainfield City Council. I am running for the at-large seat with the New Democrats for Plainfield, and my running mate, Democrat Cory Storch, is up for re-election in the 2nd Ward. Cory and I are dedicated to honest, ethical leadership for Plainfield. Welcome to my campaign blog, "Speaking My Mind...with an Open Mind!"

Those of you who know me know that that is just what I will do. I moved back to Plainfield several years ago, and my family has lived here for decades. I have been involved as a grassroots community activist for a while now, worked hard on the Obama campaign, and became deeply involved in city government as a member of Plainfield's Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). My expertise on Plainfield's budget will be necessary as we work toward streamlining municipal expenses and easing the tax burden on our residents.

I decided to run for office because I felt that we needed strong grassroots involvement to help our city become the "Queen City" once again. I am running with the New Democrats for Plainfield because I am deeply committed to honest, ethical, and responsible leadership. There are many issues plaguing our city, from crime, jobs, gangs, high taxes, housing, the budget dollar, affordability, PMUA costs, and concern for our quality of life.

Those of you who know me know that I have a deep concern for the seniors as well as for our children. From now until primary election day, Tuesday, June 7, I will be discussing my platform and speaking out on why I should be elected to represent your interests in Plainfield. I pledge to run a clean campaign, one that is focused on the issues, and I am committed to doing just that. With your help, I can be your next Democratic councilwoman!

As always, I will be independent, honest, and responsible, and I will most definitely continue to "speak my mind...but with an open mind!"

Yours truly,

Dee