For what it is worth, no I have not hired the IT director allegedly proposed by the city. The posting on Dornoch was suppose to be on line at about 6:30 this morning. To my surprise at 9:45 I found that it was missing.
As to the city's internal phone system, who installed the "voice over" system, and and when? Was this done several years ago by "QuadTech"? The details of the contract, whether it was awarded by bid or by "approved provider" I have no knowledge, nor what the scope was and if it was completed and accepted by the city. If and when I have time I should go back to I believe late 2006 or early 2007 in Dan's blog for information.
Friday, August 7, 2009
POTPOURRI DORNOCH
Some "potpourri" about one of the "developers" that our community leadership has selected to "redevelop Plainfield";
The developer of the Monarch project presently listed as P&F Management* was originally "Dornach Plainfield LLC" a shell corporation controlled by Glen Fishman who with Larry Fishman and Frank Macios among others are in various combinations partners in many enterprises including real estate development, tax lien acquisitions, real estate funds, and others. All are speculative,but because of the business structure used the financial risk is limited.
Among the many other "companies" listed on the Internet in which Fishman is mentioned as either a principle or in partnership with are:
Most speculative entrepreneurs will use separate shell company for each venture, so that any financial risk is limited to that particular project. Like wise retail chains of the separately incorporate a shell company for each store lease in order that if it is not profitable the retailer can walk away from the lease without any financial risk since it is held by a shell corporation. There is nothing wrong in protecting ones assets.
However, to have your cake and eat it too is pushing the limits of respectability. Since many of the projects need approval by a political body, in this State one would look for "pay to play". I could find in 2008 only a small contribution to Stender's campaign plus equal gifts to both the Republican and the Democratic parties. The biggest was to a Congressman. However in Asbury Park, Rahway. and Patterson as well as Plainfield this developer has been able to be approved for projects that have often been delayed or undergone substantial changes since originial approval.
One can read on the Internet postingscollectd from various sources such as newspapers, blogs, promotional magazines about various individuals and/or companies. As examples I have excerpted the following material material from three out of hundreds referring to Fishman;
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Dornoch: Savoy to begin in a month An nj.com report this week quotes Dornoch managing partner Glen Fishman claiming that work at The Savoy is expected to begin within 30 days. It’s been almost a year since steel went up at the site at the corner of Main and Monroe streets. (Rahway Rising 7/14/2009)
By Les Shaver Kara Homes founder and CEO Zuhdi Karagjozi has filed in bankruptcy court a strongly worded objection to a new reorganization plan that would oust him and place the company in the hands of Fishman Real Estate Holdings and Plainfield Specialty Holdings. BIG BUILDER News-7/20/07) Read it very interesting.
For interesting reading there is a letter in the AsburyPark regarding Dornoch's Paterson' Great Falls project warning of the developer's seeking of tax abatements Wed, 29 Mar 2006 (www.mail archive.com/asburypark@yahoogroups.../msg07419.html )
* Clarification has to be given as to what entity originally received approval for the "Monarch project" and if transfer to another entity needed Council approval. If so when and where there alterations made in the development contract? Again I do not have the time or ability to dig through Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Council minutes or the agreement to sell the property to find this information which must be there.
Does the completed building meet the specifications presented to and approved by. I the Planning Board, the Zoning Board and the Council. What modifications from the original have been approve by the Council?
What and paid by whom are the contracted coats for the Senior Citizen's C enter and the Veterans Center. Tax payers are entitled to be advised.
The developer of the Monarch project presently listed as P&F Management* was originally "Dornach Plainfield LLC" a shell corporation controlled by Glen Fishman who with Larry Fishman and Frank Macios among others are in various combinations partners in many enterprises including real estate development, tax lien acquisitions, real estate funds, and others. All are speculative,but because of the business structure used the financial risk is limited.
Among the many other "companies" listed on the Internet in which Fishman is mentioned as either a principle or in partnership with are:
- Maplewood Homes
- The Savoy at Rahway
- Asbury Partners LLC
- Dornoch Holdings LLC
- Dornoch Patterson
- First Jersey Real Properties (Lakewood)
- First New Jersey Real Property Management Co
- Fishman Real Estate Enterprises
- Fishman Real Estate Holdings
- Plainfield Specialty Holdings
- Plainfield Asset Management LLC, a hedge fund based in Greenwich, Conn
- Dornoch Opportunity Fund, L.P., (Morristown formed by Plainfield Holdings)
Most speculative entrepreneurs will use separate shell company for each venture, so that any financial risk is limited to that particular project. Like wise retail chains of the separately incorporate a shell company for each store lease in order that if it is not profitable the retailer can walk away from the lease without any financial risk since it is held by a shell corporation. There is nothing wrong in protecting ones assets.
However, to have your cake and eat it too is pushing the limits of respectability. Since many of the projects need approval by a political body, in this State one would look for "pay to play". I could find in 2008 only a small contribution to Stender's campaign plus equal gifts to both the Republican and the Democratic parties. The biggest was to a Congressman. However in Asbury Park, Rahway. and Patterson as well as Plainfield this developer has been able to be approved for projects that have often been delayed or undergone substantial changes since originial approval.
One can read on the Internet postingscollectd from various sources such as newspapers, blogs, promotional magazines about various individuals and/or companies. As examples I have excerpted the following material material from three out of hundreds referring to Fishman;
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Dornoch: Savoy to begin in a month An nj.com report this week quotes Dornoch managing partner Glen Fishman claiming that work at The Savoy is expected to begin within 30 days. It’s been almost a year since steel went up at the site at the corner of Main and Monroe streets. (Rahway Rising 7/14/2009)
By Les Shaver Kara Homes founder and CEO Zuhdi Karagjozi has filed in bankruptcy court a strongly worded objection to a new reorganization plan that would oust him and place the company in the hands of Fishman Real Estate Holdings and Plainfield Specialty Holdings. BIG BUILDER News-7/20/07) Read it very interesting.
For interesting reading there is a letter in the AsburyPark regarding Dornoch's Paterson' Great Falls project warning of the developer's seeking of tax abatements Wed, 29 Mar 2006 (www.mail archive.com/asburypark@yahoogroups.../msg07419.html )
On 6/21/2007 Plainfield Today published information regarding Doroch that should be reread and considered for its validity before any decision is made by the Council.
* Clarification has to be given as to what entity originally received approval for the "Monarch project" and if transfer to another entity needed Council approval. If so when and where there alterations made in the development contract? Again I do not have the time or ability to dig through Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Council minutes or the agreement to sell the property to find this information which must be there.
Does the completed building meet the specifications presented to and approved by. I the Planning Board, the Zoning Board and the Council. What modifications from the original have been approve by the Council?
What and paid by whom are the contracted coats for the Senior Citizen's C enter and the Veterans Center. Tax payers are entitled to be advised.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
reprint
I am reposting this part of Trivia Potpourri which appears truncated when first published
Please pardon my family pride:
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
I have printed the entire entry, but I am extremely proud of the
last paragraph which reflects the true meaning of the practice of
medicine, compassion and consideration of fellow man.
Please pardon my family pride:
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Faculty Profile: Andrew H. Yood, M.D.
| A graduate of Brandeis University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Andrew Hull Yood is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Before coming to Columbia, he was trained in the theory and techniques of psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he was Chief Resident in Psychiatry. He then worked as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Downstate Medical Center, SUNY, on the Medical Student Teaching Unit at King's County Hospital, first as an Attending Psychiatrist and then promoted to Unit Chief. When he first joined the Columbia faculty in 1990, Dr. Yood arrived at the recently completed Allen Pavilion to work with Dr. Jonathan Silver on the new Neuropsychiatry unit, where the emphasis was on treating patients whose psychiatric problems were complicated by brain injury. When that unit widened its focus to include more general psychiatric care, Dr. Yood became proficient in the administration of ECT on a routine basis. As the unit and its mission evolved further towards the predominantly Hispanic community MICA unit it is today, Dr. Yood became a specialist in the evaluation and treatment of patients hospitalized acutely for severe psychiatric and behavioral problems, often complicated by substance abuse, medical illness, legal problems, poverty, and/or homelessness. Currently, he has pioneered the unit's use of the internet to provide and verify ancillary medical history using publicly accessible databases. Throughout his career, and as a front line clinician at Columbia, he has been committed to education. In addition to his ongoing supervision of Psychiatry residents and fellows working on the inpatient and Consultation-Liaison services, he has taught and supervised medical students, psychology and social work interns, also residents in Family Practice. Dr. Yood was specifically commended as an exceptional teacher by the Director of Medical Student Education and the Acting Chairman. At the April 18, 2009, annual gala of The Dominican Medical Association, Dr. Yood was presented an award honoring him "In recognition of [his] commitment, support, and years of service in the Psychiatry field and the community we serve." Introducing Dr. Yood, the President of the DMA said, "He is not one of us; however, he has a Hispanic Heart." (boldface mine) As the only non-Dominican honored, Dr. Yood believes that this award is significant more for what it says about the ideals and generous character of the presenting organization than for what was said about himself. |
I have printed the entire entry, but I am extremely proud of the
last paragraph which reflects the true meaning of the practice of
medicine, compassion and consideration of fellow man.
TRIVIA POTPOURRI
Is JG on vacation? He has not posted anything about anything for two weeks. I suppose that we will have to wait until Aug 10 to hear from the Mayor.
Subjects that we are interested in include the Monarch, Plainfield's share of Stimulus Funds, School funding, Roadway conditions. Any report from our political (civic) leadership is important.
On the subject of tax abatement, are we all getting one since I have not received the bill for taxes due Aug 1. I was on the impression that we had passed the 2009 budget and it is usually on the basis of the last FY budget that the preliminary 3rd and 4th quarter annual years estimate taxes are based. The Council did pass a resolution authorizing a temp. budget for July. Aug, and September but where is the money coming from?
County Watchers (Union County (http://www.countywatchers.com/) is a blog that merits every one's attention. The poster focuses on the Board of Freeholders as well as other political figures and communities in the county including the UCIA. After reading many postings one wonders how this county escaped the authors of "The Soprano State" scrutiny.
Unless something outstanding I will post a short posting related to the Monarch's developers. There is nothing that is not available via an Internet search engine, but perhaps there will be insight into why there is opposition to the proposed abatement. My commentary will be on Friday. I expect that this will be one of the major subjects for the agenda session.
Please pardon my family pride:
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
I have printed the entire entry, but I am extremely proud of the last paragraph which reflects the true meaning of the practice of medicine, compassion and human relationship.
Subjects that we are interested in include the Monarch, Plainfield's share of Stimulus Funds, School funding, Roadway conditions. Any report from our political (civic) leadership is important.
On the subject of tax abatement, are we all getting one since I have not received the bill for taxes due Aug 1. I was on the impression that we had passed the 2009 budget and it is usually on the basis of the last FY budget that the preliminary 3rd and 4th quarter annual years estimate taxes are based. The Council did pass a resolution authorizing a temp. budget for July. Aug, and September but where is the money coming from?
County Watchers (Union County (http://www.countywatchers.com/) is a blog that merits every one's attention. The poster focuses on the Board of Freeholders as well as other political figures and communities in the county including the UCIA. After reading many postings one wonders how this county escaped the authors of "The Soprano State" scrutiny.
Unless something outstanding I will post a short posting related to the Monarch's developers. There is nothing that is not available via an Internet search engine, but perhaps there will be insight into why there is opposition to the proposed abatement. My commentary will be on Friday. I expect that this will be one of the major subjects for the agenda session.
Please pardon my family pride:
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Faculty Profile: Andrew H. Yood, M.D.
| A graduate of Brandeis University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Andrew Hull Yood is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Before coming to Columbia, he was trained in the theory and techniques of psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he was Chief Resident in Psychiatry. He then worked as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Downstate Medical Center, SUNY, on the Medical Student Teaching Unit at King's County Hospital, first as an Attending Psychiatrist and then promoted to Unit Chief. When he first joined the Columbia faculty in 1990, Dr. Yood arrived at the recently completed Allen Pavilion to work with Dr. Jonathan Silver on the new Neuropsychiatry unit, where the emphasis was on treating patients whose psychiatric problems were complicated by brain injury. When that unit widened its focus to include more general psychiatric care, Dr. Yood became proficient in the administration of ECT on a routine basis. As the unit and its mission evolved further towards the predominantly Hispanic community MICA unit it is today, Dr. Yood became a specialist in the evaluation and treatment of patients hospitalized acutely for severe psychiatric and behavioral problems, often complicated by substance abuse, medical illness, legal problems, poverty, and/or homelessness. Currently, he has pioneered the unit's use of the internet to provide and verify ancillary medical history using publicly accessible databases. Throughout his career, and as a front line clinician at Columbia, he has been committed to education. In addition to his ongoing supervision of Psychiatry residents and fellows working on the inpatient and Consultation-Liaison services, he has taught and supervised medical students, psychology and social work interns, also residents in Family Practice. Dr. Yood was specifically commended as an exceptional teacher by the Director of Medical Student Education and the Acting Chairman. At the April 18, 2009, annual gala of The Dominican Medical Association, Dr. Yood was presented an award honoring him "In recognition of [his] commitment, support, and years of service in the Psychiatry field and the community we serve." Introducing Dr. Yood, the President of the DMA said, "He is not one of us; however, he has a Hispanic Heart." (boldface mine) As the only non-Dominican honored, Dr. Yood believes that this award is significant more for what it says about the ideals and generous character of the presenting organization than for what was said about himself. |
I have printed the entire entry, but I am extremely proud of the last paragraph which reflects the true meaning of the practice of medicine, compassion and human relationship.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
POTPOURRI RETURNS
Perhaps I should have all of my family here more frequently. I do wish they could come often since it has been at least 8 years since all where here at one time. But maybe more on this subject another time.
Coincidentally, during my hiatus the remaining two Councilor blogers posted multi page documents. All are appreciated, and I am taking this opportunity to comment on all except Counciman Mapp's. I intend to make further commentary on the developers who have projects, both active and projective, in Plainfield as well as not only my opinion but some from those who have commented on the various blogs.
To start with Council Chairman Burney's opening statement; "I will be honest. I was surprised at the strong sentiment against the abatement for the development project. A project I believe we all want to succeed." troubles me that he would seem to be so out of touch with the community to consider that only a few maverick blogers would oppose the wisdom of the City Fathers (and Mothers?).
I was also disturbed by an apparent attempt similar to JG's to place the blame on Plainfield's fiscal and economic problems upon George Bush. Possibly he should take heed of his own statement "The colossal failure of the Bush administration was how they willingly ignored (boldface mine) any information that contradicted their pre-set beliefs that Sadaam Hussain was responsible for 9-11 and that he harbored WMDs." and apply it to his own watch.
I do believe that Councilor Burney wants to do the best for our city. However, some one will have to prove to me whether bailing an entrepreneurial developer out of a bad risk benefits the people of Plainfield or the investor. "Failure is not an option" Buney quotes as a reason we must consider protecting the developer's investment. Every time we ourselves have made a business decision or an investment we have run the risk of failure and no one has even offered to bail us out. So that part of his brief is immaterial.
There is no guarantee that the investors will not turn unsold units into rentals. That is happening daily. The proposed ordinance, which may have certain legal problems, is written to an entity referred to as P & L Management LLC. Nowheres are individual condominiums specified. I would read this as written to apply to the whole building once the delayed Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Moreover until that date the Senior Center remains a figment of imagination despite the preprimary dedication ceremony.
At least Councilor's Burney's three postings generated multiple comments. For some reason Councilor Storch's seemed to have fallen upon blind eyes. His opening statement is clear and to the point: "Generally speaking Plainfield should not be categorically for or against tax abatements. Each situation should be carefully analyzed for benefits and disadvantages to Plainfield. The best tax abatement is a wise investment of taxpayer resources for current gain and increasing future benefits. The worst is an ill conceived special interest benefit that saps resources from our city. The two tax abatement proposals on the July City Council agenda are somewhere in the middle."
He is also talking about the PILOT grant to purchasers of the 33 year old Cedarbrook Senior Apartments. This is again an investor purchasing a profitable item and asking Plainfield tax payers to help him make a bigger profit. The alternative being an implied but not stated threat to not make necessary upgrades in the present units. "The tower in question is for senior citizens and with proper maintenance such an apartment building has good prospects for staying a good neighbor." (Councilor Storch's blog)
He does a very acceptable analysis of the Monarch request, and I hope that he will share what information he receives with us prior to his final action. I do appreciate his elicited thought processes.
Finally Councilwoman McWilliams, has written two interesting posts. She too seems to b e unable to come to any decision due to a lack of sufficient data. That is as it should be.
McWilliams wrote a most important line in the opening of her second post: "Plainfield’s leadership team needs to set a clear vision for economic development. We also must set policies surrounding the use of development incentives (such as tax abatements)." Until that is done there should be no abatements or commitments to any developer. We will get back to this in another posting.
McWilliams has also posted a series of items she needs information on, I hope she too will share her information with us.
I intend to;(a) present some public facts about the developer, (b) refer to previous blogs by others on this issue subsequently.
Coincidentally, during my hiatus the remaining two Councilor blogers posted multi page documents. All are appreciated, and I am taking this opportunity to comment on all except Counciman Mapp's. I intend to make further commentary on the developers who have projects, both active and projective, in Plainfield as well as not only my opinion but some from those who have commented on the various blogs.
To start with Council Chairman Burney's opening statement; "I will be honest. I was surprised at the strong sentiment against the abatement for the development project. A project I believe we all want to succeed." troubles me that he would seem to be so out of touch with the community to consider that only a few maverick blogers would oppose the wisdom of the City Fathers (and Mothers?).
I was also disturbed by an apparent attempt similar to JG's to place the blame on Plainfield's fiscal and economic problems upon George Bush. Possibly he should take heed of his own statement "The colossal failure of the Bush administration was how they willingly ignored (boldface mine) any information that contradicted their pre-set beliefs that Sadaam Hussain was responsible for 9-11 and that he harbored WMDs." and apply it to his own watch.
I do believe that Councilor Burney wants to do the best for our city. However, some one will have to prove to me whether bailing an entrepreneurial developer out of a bad risk benefits the people of Plainfield or the investor. "Failure is not an option" Buney quotes as a reason we must consider protecting the developer's investment. Every time we ourselves have made a business decision or an investment we have run the risk of failure and no one has even offered to bail us out. So that part of his brief is immaterial.
There is no guarantee that the investors will not turn unsold units into rentals. That is happening daily. The proposed ordinance, which may have certain legal problems, is written to an entity referred to as P & L Management LLC. Nowheres are individual condominiums specified. I would read this as written to apply to the whole building once the delayed Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Moreover until that date the Senior Center remains a figment of imagination despite the preprimary dedication ceremony.
At least Councilor's Burney's three postings generated multiple comments. For some reason Councilor Storch's seemed to have fallen upon blind eyes. His opening statement is clear and to the point: "Generally speaking Plainfield should not be categorically for or against tax abatements. Each situation should be carefully analyzed for benefits and disadvantages to Plainfield. The best tax abatement is a wise investment of taxpayer resources for current gain and increasing future benefits. The worst is an ill conceived special interest benefit that saps resources from our city. The two tax abatement proposals on the July City Council agenda are somewhere in the middle."
He is also talking about the PILOT grant to purchasers of the 33 year old Cedarbrook Senior Apartments. This is again an investor purchasing a profitable item and asking Plainfield tax payers to help him make a bigger profit. The alternative being an implied but not stated threat to not make necessary upgrades in the present units. "The tower in question is for senior citizens and with proper maintenance such an apartment building has good prospects for staying a good neighbor." (Councilor Storch's blog)
He does a very acceptable analysis of the Monarch request, and I hope that he will share what information he receives with us prior to his final action. I do appreciate his elicited thought processes.
Finally Councilwoman McWilliams, has written two interesting posts. She too seems to b e unable to come to any decision due to a lack of sufficient data. That is as it should be.
McWilliams wrote a most important line in the opening of her second post: "Plainfield’s leadership team needs to set a clear vision for economic development. We also must set policies surrounding the use of development incentives (such as tax abatements)." Until that is done there should be no abatements or commitments to any developer. We will get back to this in another posting.
McWilliams has also posted a series of items she needs information on, I hope she too will share her information with us.
I intend to;(a) present some public facts about the developer, (b) refer to previous blogs by others on this issue subsequently.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
SCHOOL'S NOSTALGIA
Because someone today was looking over my old posts and commented on this one from 6/1/09, and because I like my little naive boy look in 7th grade, I am re posting it for old times sak
Hubbard School; Mrs LePoidevan's 6-8 class --1931-32
The present rumors that Plainfield's School System is going to be change to a K-8, 9-12 format reminds me of a truism; "the more things change the more they remain the same". Or better said "Change goes in circles" and "History repeats".
When I was a schoolboy, Plainfield used the K-8, 9-12 format. The "Junior High" was unknown. This system remained in effect until the mid 50s when my older girls were attending school. That was the time when Hubbard and Maxon Schools were designated as Junior High Schools.
High School was now a 10-12 grades school. with Hubbard and Maxon becoming the 7-9 intermediate grade schools. The rest of the system was K-6. There was a period when 9th grade was held in the 'old-new" High School building extension. The original Building facing 9th street and the park has been replaced by a parking lot.
About the picture! This was "special accelerated class" to cover the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in two years. I don't know if it was ever repeated but it must have been a success. This is why many of us were only 16 when we graduated and went off to college.
The good looking kid on the extreme left is yours truly, the beautiful brunette to his left is Shirley Schwartz. I will not swear as to the rest because of picture quality. but I think the front row from left to right is;Art. Garlick, Harriet Kunzman, ? The blond boy in the sweater behind me is Donald (Boxcar) Smythe. If I find the time and the original I will try to identify the rest.
(8/4/09) To the right of Harriet is Earl Hinkel and behind his right shoulder , Milton Lang. Between Don Smythe and Shirley inthe row behind from left to right; Virginia Mechanik, Bill Dixon, Walter Glenny. Roberta Joseph is far right holding a doll.
Hubbard School; Mrs LePoidevan's 6-8 class --1931-32The present rumors that Plainfield's School System is going to be change to a K-8, 9-12 format reminds me of a truism; "the more things change the more they remain the same". Or better said "Change goes in circles" and "History repeats".
When I was a schoolboy, Plainfield used the K-8, 9-12 format. The "Junior High" was unknown. This system remained in effect until the mid 50s when my older girls were attending school. That was the time when Hubbard and Maxon Schools were designated as Junior High Schools.
High School was now a 10-12 grades school. with Hubbard and Maxon becoming the 7-9 intermediate grade schools. The rest of the system was K-6. There was a period when 9th grade was held in the 'old-new" High School building extension. The original Building facing 9th street and the park has been replaced by a parking lot.
About the picture! This was "special accelerated class" to cover the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in two years. I don't know if it was ever repeated but it must have been a success. This is why many of us were only 16 when we graduated and went off to college.
The good looking kid on the extreme left is yours truly, the beautiful brunette to his left is Shirley Schwartz. I will not swear as to the rest because of picture quality. but I think the front row from left to right is;Art. Garlick, Harriet Kunzman, ? The blond boy in the sweater behind me is Donald (Boxcar) Smythe. If I find the time and the original I will try to identify the rest.
(8/4/09) To the right of Harriet is Earl Hinkel and behind his right shoulder , Milton Lang. Between Don Smythe and Shirley inthe row behind from left to right; Virginia Mechanik, Bill Dixon, Walter Glenny. Roberta Joseph is far right holding a doll.
Rick Taylor
11:30 am, Aug 4/09: The last grandchild and family has just pulled out of the driveway and after 4 full days and nights our little house is ready to return to status quo. And, I can get back to the Computer ,and again start posting to my blog by tomorrow.
During this interval a dominating figure in Plainfield's history passed away after years of illness.
Rick Taylor was everything to Plainfield that Rev. Al Sharpton would like to be in New York. Although the city sizes are not comparable, and Rick was not as flamboyant of the two he was perhaps more successful in obtaining federal and state funds for his city. His national contacts and associations were not flaunted but were used to great advantage.
Rick was an outspoken vocal leader in the resolution of the city's civil rights problems in the post riot period, and had the greatest impact in forming the Plainfield of today of all the community's activists.
Besides his political career, he will be remember for his impact as director of the South Second Street Youth Center, and the Grant Ave Community Center especially in its conversion of the old JCC into a state of the art civic center.
Rick was a decorated combat veteran of the unpopular Vietnam war. Veterans of that war, unlike those of all other armed conflicts, were shunned by the population. T hat experience helped mold his character.
Sadly because his adopted town's Muhlenberg Regional Center demise he was forced to spend his final days away from friends. Fortunately, because of his military service it was not at JFK, but at the VA Hospital.
During this interval a dominating figure in Plainfield's history passed away after years of illness.
Rick Taylor was everything to Plainfield that Rev. Al Sharpton would like to be in New York. Although the city sizes are not comparable, and Rick was not as flamboyant of the two he was perhaps more successful in obtaining federal and state funds for his city. His national contacts and associations were not flaunted but were used to great advantage.
Rick was an outspoken vocal leader in the resolution of the city's civil rights problems in the post riot period, and had the greatest impact in forming the Plainfield of today of all the community's activists.
Besides his political career, he will be remember for his impact as director of the South Second Street Youth Center, and the Grant Ave Community Center especially in its conversion of the old JCC into a state of the art civic center.
Rick was a decorated combat veteran of the unpopular Vietnam war. Veterans of that war, unlike those of all other armed conflicts, were shunned by the population. T hat experience helped mold his character.
Sadly because his adopted town's Muhlenberg Regional Center demise he was forced to spend his final days away from friends. Fortunately, because of his military service it was not at JFK, but at the VA Hospital.
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