Seven Democrats Hope To Be Plainfield Mayor

 UNION COUNTY – Six Democrats are challenging incumbent Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs in the June primary as she pursues a second term. She became the first woman to serve as Plainfield’s chief executive after defeating Robert Ferraro in 2005.

Two-term Democratic City Councilman and former Freeholder Adrian Mapp is the best-known challenger, but the crowded field also includes five other candidates. Ferraro, Carol Ann Browkaw Boles, an attorney; Thomas Turner, an IT consultant; Martin Cox, a Board of Education member and recently retired city employee; and Rebecca Kelley, a political newcomer, are also seeking the Democratic nomination. James Pivnichny will run unopposed on the Republican slate.

The other race of note is the Republican primary for the 21st Assembly District, which includes Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Garwood, Mountainside, New Providence, Roselle Park, Summit City, Watchung, Westfield and parts of Somerset, Morris and Essex counties.

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Free Job Training Course

CRANFORD – During the month of April, Union County College offer a free job training course to all Union County residents. All residents over the age of 18 are eligible to participate in this program. The career training course will be available to those who need to support a family, are a recent high school graduate looking for work, or a retiree who wants to earn a small income.

The course “Customer Service and Sales” will be offered from April 6 to May 4 at the Plainfield Family Success Center at Plainfield High School. The course will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This course will prepare attendees for jobs in sales and customer service related positions. As well, the course will help attendees identify their personal skills, improve their resume, and set career goals. Union County College certificates will be distributed at the completion of the course.

To learn more about these free courses or to register, contact Vanessa Torres-Holmes or Joe Oliver at (908) 355-4444. The Plainfield Family Success Center at Plainfield High School is located at 925 Arlington Avenue.

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Union County College To Host Job Fairs

CRANFORD – On Thursday, April 2, Union County College’s Division of Counseling Services will be hosting a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its Plainfield Campus in the cafeteria at 232 East Second Street. As well, there will be a transfer fair, where current students can learn about transferring from UCC to four-year colleges and universities.

On Wednesday, April 8, the college will be hosting a job fair at its Cranford campus located at 1033 Springfield Avenue. The event will be held in the Victor M. Richel Student Commons from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This fair is open to all those currently seeking employment, including students and members of the public. Anyone planning on attending should come dressed in the proper business attire and have a resume available that is complete and ready to hand out.

In addition, tables are still available to area business owners who may be interested in attending the job fair to recruit new employees. The table fee is $50. For more information, contact May Kortbaoui at (908) 709-9495 or email kortbaoui@ucc.edu.

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County Residents Can Get Prescription Drug Help

PLAINFIELD – For uninsured Union County residents who are having trouble getting prescriptions filled, help will be available at the Union County One-Stop Career Center at 200 West 2nd Street in Plainfield on Feb. 13, from 8 to 11 a.m. The event is hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“If you have questions about getting financial assistance for the medications you need, come here for the answers,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

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NJ Schools Violate Laws

STATE—The American Civil Liberties Union found that 196 New Jersey jurisdictions acted in violation of federal, state and constitutional laws forbidding schools from asking for immigration status or Social Security numbers to register.

The organization identified six Union County school districts and one charter school that acted in violation of the law.

Garwood, Mountainside, the Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park, Springfield, and Summit requested information that would reveal the immigration status of children seeking to enroll or their parents.

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