Plainfield Council President Vows to Bring Back Virtual Public Comment

After Mayor Ends Remote Participation, Council Leader Promises to Reinstate It Within 30 Days

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:19pm

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In a Plainfield City Council meeting, Council President Julienne Cherry addressed the recent cancellation of virtual public comments, vowing to bring them back within the next 30 days. Cherry stated that the decision to end remote participation was made unilaterally by the mayor, but that as Council President, she has the authority to reinstate it. Several residents spoke in support of Cherry's plan, citing accessibility issues with the in-person requirement.

Why it matters

The ability for residents to participate remotely in local government meetings is an important issue of accessibility and civic engagement, especially for those with disabilities, childcare responsibilities, or transportation challenges. The Council President's pledge to reinstate virtual public comment signals a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring all community members can have their voices heard.

The details

At the start of Monday's Plainfield City Council meeting, Council President Julienne Cherry addressed a recent memo that ended virtual public comments, stating that the decision was made unilaterally by Mayor Adrian Mapp and not by the Council. Cherry said she would work to reinstate remote participation within the next 30 days, even if the city is unable to provide technical assistance. Several residents spoke in support of Cherry's plan, including a single parent who said the in-person requirement would force him to pay for childcare in order to participate.

  • On February 13, the city issued a memo announcing the end of virtual public comments, effective February 16.
  • At the March 13 City Council meeting, Council President Cherry vowed to reinstate remote public comment within the next 30 days.

The players

Julienne Cherry

The Plainfield City Council President who pledged to reinstate virtual public comment within 30 days, stating that she has the authority to make that decision as Council President.

Adrian Mapp

The Mayor of Plainfield who unilaterally ended the city's virtual public comment policy, citing the expiration of the state's COVID-19 emergency declaration.

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What they’re saying

“I think about the senior that's disabled at Richmond Towers or the resident that's at 1272 Park Avenue. I think about the mother that is currently feeding her child or doing homework that would like to call in.”

— Julienne Cherry, Plainfield City Council President

“In terms of virtual comment, I want to thank you, Council President Cherry, for addressing this earlier, and I appreciate your attention to this matter.”

— Meg, Plainfield Resident

“Thankfully, I have a support system. I'm a single parent, but my mom is watching my child. If not, I would have had to pay someone to watch my child, and we shouldn't have to pay to participate in civic life. That doesn't make sense.”

— Joel Mercado, Plainfield Resident

What’s next

Within the next 30 days, Council President Cherry plans to reinstate virtual public comment at Plainfield City Council meetings, even if the city is unable to provide technical assistance.

The takeaway

The Council President's pledge to bring back remote participation in local government meetings demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and civic engagement, ensuring all community members can have their voices heard regardless of personal circumstances or abilities.