Plainfield School Board Member Richard Wyatt wants to be the mayor of his hometown and is running in the June 8th Democratic Primary against incumbent Mayor Adrian Mapp. Wyatt says he’s uniquely in touch with the community and objects mostly to the administration’s use of tax inducements for developers, who have not adequately contributed to the city.

Prior to hitting the campaign trail this evening, the candidate – a married father of three young children – spent time on a Zoom interview with InsiderNJ to talk about his campaign platform and his vision for New Jersey’s Queen City.

By way of background, Wyatt became a fourth generation Plainfield High School graduate in 2004. After graduation, he attended Morgan State University before graduating from Delaware State University with a degree in Business Administration and Management. He graduated with honors and was inducted into the National Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Wyatt co-founded Gentlemen Making Changes (GMC), a charitable, non-profit organization that serves the youth and the community. According to the candidate’s website, GMC has successfully carried out programs and events like Calling 100 Men, Return of the Gentlemen, Youth Octoberfest, and partnerships with community organizations who aid those in need. Since 2016, GMC has hosted an annual Diabetes Awareness Fundraising event each November. Wyatt also launched Scholars with a Goal (S.W.A.G.) Academy, a rapidly-growing mentorship group that meets bi-weekly and exposes young scholars to a host of life skills and practical exposures that encourage a broader view of career opportunities.

He has served as the Social Action Chairman of the Omicron Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, of which he is an active member. Wyatt noted that under his leadership, the chapter developed new programs and elevated existing ones. Due to these efforts, they were awarded the 2015 President Barack Obama Service Award.

The (FULL!) Interview can be viewed below: