tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33451159.post4000155697385163417..comments2023-04-03T07:35:52.219-04:00Comments on ------ Lawn: Apparently, Crime* does payOld Mill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00325710488598264250noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33451159.post-91438649300684403042012-01-14T08:23:02.419-05:002012-01-14T08:23:02.419-05:00Greg, there are two forms of Council/Manager gover...Greg, there are two forms of Council/Manager government available to Trentonians if they want it. In one, the "Mayor" is chosen from amongst the elected councilpersons much as our current council chooses its presiding officer. And in fact, that is really all that the "Mayor" is under the council/manager form of government. The other option is to have the "Mayor" directly elected by the voters, but said person is still little more than a presiding officer and ceremonial figurehead.<br /><br />At the very least, in either of the above cases, we minimize if not eliminate all together the probablity of an elected mayor running and controlling a slate that is the majority on council.<br /><br />More important is your suggestion that the council go on staggered terms. We agree wholeheartedly. It not only allows for fresh blood and the elimination (or reduction) of political dynasties, it also is a guard against the situation we had in July 2010 with essentially an all new council of inexperienced neophytes (Councilman Muschal having only served a few months with the prior body).<br /><br />One of the big problems is that the elected positions have become more status symbols than change agents and the city suffers for it.Old Mill Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00325710488598264250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33451159.post-26574654994691834632012-01-13T23:21:50.084-05:002012-01-13T23:21:50.084-05:00What's really horrible is what the long line o...What's really horrible is what the long line of stories like this says about the broken nature of Trenton gov't. Too many elected officials accept the pillaging of the treasury by themselves, or others. I think this makes a powerful case for what many have been saying recently - maybe its time to change the city's form of government.<br /><br />In Trenton, there is a total lack of the checks and balances needed for a functioning strong-mayor system. Not sure what the answer is --- I don't really like Many of the alternatives offered in NJ law, such as electing council persons who select a chairman with mayoral powers.<br /><br />Generally, I believe the soluton lies in political insulation. Theft and incompetence could be negated in a system that tasks hired, resident professionals with day-to-day city operations who are directed by council persons elected to short, staggered terms and responsible for setting broad budgetary and policy priorities. <br /><br />Trenton needs jobs! Anything that doesn't create jobs and ratable - including wasteful, incompetent mayors who empower crooks - is a waste of time.Greg Foresterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11832948159087085111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33451159.post-41436266265199624642012-01-13T18:02:20.241-05:002012-01-13T18:02:20.241-05:00Wow. Thanks for keeping track of city hall antics ...Wow. Thanks for keeping track of city hall antics and holding several pairs of feet to the fire. This is appalling!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com