Legislative Accomplishments

One of the most important aspects of work on the city council is the ability to be part of legislative change. The ability to mold our city for the better in the present and future is truly something powerful and rewarding.
I wanted to tell you about some of the legislative accomplishments made during my time on the council that I am most proud of. These are the kinds of contributions that I hope have the immediate effect of making life better for our residents now, and the long-term effects of improving life in Plainfield for years to come.

Domestic Partnership Legislation

Because of Plainfield’s Domestic Partnership Legislation, a city ordinance that I helped to advance through our city council which was signed by Mayor Robinson-Briggs in 2006, partners of Plainfield City employees in domestic partnerships receive the same benefits as married couples. This kind of legislated equal rights protection speaks volumes about the value that our city places on equality for all residents and is something we should be very proud of.
Shade Tree Commission

Another thing I am proud of is the legislation which established the Shade Tree Commission. The Shade Tree Commission plans planting, maintenance and investment in our Shade Trees. Our trees, like all other city assets, must be managed, maintained and then replenished. For the past fifty years, our shade tree inventory has been depleted due to insufficient care and frankly, neglect. With the Shade Tree Commission Ordinance which I wrote and sponsored, we now have a group of citizens dedicated to the welfare of these vital assets. Since its formation in 2006, we have received over 100 trees for planting in Plainfield.

Sex-Offender-Free Zones

In 2006, we took the bold step of establishing through city ordinance “Sex-Offender-Free Zones,” in any area within 300 feet of a school, playground or bus stop where children may congregate. The hope is to make Plainfield a safer city where families can feel more at ease while their children play.

These legislative accomplishments are the kind of proven record that I want to keep building on in the years ahead.

Many thanks, once again, for reading!