The Progressive Democrats of New Jersey have launched a legal defense fund to aid protestors who get caught up in the legal system, which often results in overwhelming expenses, especially for individuals with limited means. To donate, please click here. Following is the press release: Progressive Democrats of New Jersey is taking a stand with…

In response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police – and police violence in general – the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition will be leading a march and rally in Plainfield on Saturday June 6, as announced on Facebook by its founder, Norman Muhammad. You can visit the coalition’s Facebook page here. Attendees who wish…

On Monday evening, I again took part in the nearest demonstration against the murders of George Floyd and so many others – this time in Asbury Park. You can see my photos from Saturday’s Newark demonstration here. The Asbury Park were largely peaceful when I was there, but escalated after nightfall – link here. You…

On Saturday I joined several thousand others at the nearest demonstration of the callous murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, which took place in downtown Newark. Tonight, curfews have been put in place in nearly a dozen US cities, and it’s safe to say that this won’t be the last demonstration in our area.…

We all have our own unique perspective when it comes to issues – even people who agree on a local matter. While I expressed my opinion about Goode – once after we learned of the suit and again after he withdrew it – I want to share the point of view of Plainfield resident Azim…

Adrian Mapp runs the Plainfield City council. That’s to say he has five people on the council who will vote for anything he offers up. Their names are Steve Hockaday, Charles McRae, Joylette Mills-Ransome, Elton Armady, and the now infamous Barry Goode. Most members of the City Council don’t even understand what’s going on –…

On March 31, Mayor Adrian Mapp sounded alarms in Plainfield, warning that the city’s tax collection rate would plummet from 97.3% to 70% due to COVID-19. I’m not sure how he surmised that tax collection would tumble that far, and why he would spread such alarmist rhetoric just as the coronavirus was unfolding and most…

After the public outcry over his tort claim (see my Sunday night post here), I assumed that Councilman Barry Goode would either step down from the council or drop the suit. It was not only a clear conflict of interest, but a political nightmare for Goode, Mayor Mapp, and the local Democratic machine. Early Monday…

Over the past couple of years since the incident, I haven’t spoken publicly about Barry Goode’s driving under intoxication charge (link here). Not on social media, not on this blog, and not outside of conversations with a handful of people. I think I was embarrassed for him. It’s a mistake anyone can make, and I…

You are not supposed to make non-essential trips outside of your home due to COVID-19, which has infected over 100 people in Plainfield. But if you do have to get to the grocery store or the pharmacy – or to work if you are an essential employee – you can now use the Pemberton Avenue…