Your Charter Commission

Charter Study Commission Biographical Information:

Mary Burgwinkle
Mary Burgwinkle has lived in Plainfield for 30 years.  She is an attorney, licensed to practice law in New Jersey. She worked in the legal and banking industries for 25 years prior to her retirement in 2007. Mary received her undergraduate degree from University of Massachusetts/Amherst and her law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark. Mary has been an active volunteer for a number of community organizations, including  Plainfield Symphony-current board member and longtime volunteer, YWCA-past board member, vice president, Historical Society of Plainfield-past treasurer and board member, Democratic City Committee-Committee Member from Ward 2-District 9.

Rick Smiley
Rick Smiley has been a City of Plainfield resident for over 30 years. He is a graduate of the Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy with a Masters of Public Affairs and Politics. Rick has more than 25 years of work experience in municipal and county government.  In addition, he served 9 years as an elected member of the City of Plainfield Board of Education, and is former President of the City of Plainfield Municipal Employees Union and the Plainfield Municipal Managers Union.

John Stewart
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, John is a 7 year resident of Plainfield and is the proud son of a U.S. Army career soldier and Vietnam Veteran.      John understands the value of leadership, community and innovation.  John has led, volunteered and contributed to community organizations in Plainfield, including the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District - President (current).  In addition, he has produced positive PR for Plainfield on both a local and national scale.  John is a executive communications professional with experience in helping Fortune 500 companies, International Nonprofits and a Presidential Campaign exceed expectations in the digital marketing and communications sectors. And a large component of this success is defined by timely delivery of deliverables under budget.  John had studied in London, England and has a BA from Ravensbourne College of Communication and Design.

Jeanette Criscione
Jeanette is a 6 year resident of Plainfield.  During that time she has volunteered her time for several community ventures. She has been a Member of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Member of the Historic Preservations Commission, Member of the Hillside Area Neighborhood Watch (HANW) Association and a supporter of The Plainfield Symphony and YMCA of Greater Plainfield. Jeanette is a Business Management Consultant focusing on helping businesses with improving their processes and organization.  She takes an active interest in Plainfield's government, as you can see her at most City Council meetings, as well as special Ward meetings. Jeanette has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Caldwell College and a Master's in Business Administration from Colorado State University.

Marie Davis
Marie L. Davis is married to John R. Davis and is mother of four sons. She has lived in Plainfield for more than 40 years, and is a member of Rose of Sharon Community Church. Marie is employed by the City of Plainfield, Department of Public Works. She has a long history of community involvement including Planning Board, PTA/PTO Member/President, Plainfield Board of Education Member/President, East 2nd Street Revitalization Committee, Plainfield Democratic City Committee.