Dear Mayor Mack,
The problems facing the city of Trenton are numerous and the result of years of bad decisions, irresponsible spending and total mismanagement by the previous administration and city councils.
You inherited a mess, but you knew this going into the campaign and you knew it when you took the oath of office.
Certainly, we all have to re-think our personal financial situations and make adjustments in order to survive in these tough economic times.
Your finances have obviously been on shaky ground for awhile. You knew this while you were campaigning and it didn’t change when you were sworn in as Mayor.
Since you took office you have done nothing to help your situation or the city’s. What are you thinking?
When you are facing such difficult situations as the pending foreclosure on your personal residence, back rent and utilities owed on your now closed business, etc. how can you find $20,000 to lend to your campaign? Of course people are going to ask questions and make accusations.
You need to be open and up front about it with the public you have sworn to serve. You should not deny or deflect what is common public knowledge. It does nothing but harm your credibility and hamper your effectiveness as the city’s Chief Executive.
When you have inherited a fiscal sinkhole as large as the city’s deficit, you start cutting costs to the bone whenever and wherever you can. This means eliminating or reducing some services in order to preserve those that are essential to the well being of the residents.
You should not pad the city payroll with friends and supporters while faced with having to lay off almost 200 public safety employees and an equivalent amount of civil service employees.
The people you do hire need to be the best qualified for their positions. And if you must create new positions, such as “grant writers,” you should seek out individuals already employed by the city who would benefit by being moved over to the new position rather than being laid off from their old one.
The people you appoint to high ranking positions must also be of the highest caliber. Their backgrounds should be spotless, their qualifications impeccable. Trying to foist convicted felons onto the public and public payroll is simply not acceptable. Most of us believe in second chances and so forth, but repeat offenders as cabinet level appointees is not an example of good judgment.
Mayor Mack, you campaigned on the promise of providing an accountable and transparent government. The short time you have been in office has exemplified just the opposite.
When you, or your designated spokesperson, communicate with the press and the public, it should be done as accurately, and informatively as is humanly possible. We don’t want half-baked notions, over the top spin pieces, or dismissive “Next Question” comments. Your “30 days of Accomplishments” press release was void of any basis in reality or substance.
Your administration mishandled the dismissal of the acting deputy city clerk and inappropriately called in the police to have her removed from the premises. Then you have the audacity to lie to the city council and the public by suggesting the whole matter of the police presence was part of a set-up assisted by members of the local press.
Mayor Mack, you have failed to provide for your family and you are failing to provide for the residents and tax payers of the city of Trenton.
Many people want you to succeed, and everyone wants the city to succeed. As we close in on the first 60 days of your administration you have failed to operate fairly, openly and transparently.
There is still time to correct your mistakes, Mr. Mayor.
You can start by dismissing everyone one of your aides. You need to let go of the security detail (drivers) and return them to policing duty. Any other new hire of this administration must be evaluated against existing employees as to qualifications and experience for the job and the current employee should be given preference over any new hire when filling a position.
You need to forget about improving baseball fields in the west ward and stop giving lip service to keeping the library branches open. All non-essential Health and Human Services programs…especially those duplicated by other agencies…must be terminated.
There is still time, Mr. Mayor, for you to correct your path and the city’s. There are a lot of people standing by, waiting to provide good counsel and a helping hand. But you have to want it. Your recently announced schedule of Town Hall meetings can be the start of the reformation of your administration.
We urge you to let go of the hangers-on, the sycophants and the wannabes. Accept the fact that you need help, not friends and flunkies. Embrace those in the community with the experience, good sense and wisdom to lead Trenton to a shining tomorrow.
There is still time, but you must act now.
Showing posts with label heaven help Trenton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heaven help Trenton. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Council has a lobotomy
The thinking person's representative steps down Sept. 2
The announced resignation of South Ward Councilman Jim Coston has the city all abuzz this morning.
Jim, a Baptist Minister, has taken a position with a church in Waco, Texas and will be leaving Trenton at the end of the summer.
While we congratulate Reverend Coston on his new position, we can't help but feel sorry for not only the city's South Ward, but Trenton as a whole.
Even if you didn't always agree with Councilman Coston's position or action, you know he gave it thought and considered all the information he had at hand before making a decision. He certainly raised the level of discourse on council to something approaching what you would expect of the city's governing body.
His too brief tenure as an elected representative helped open the public's eyes as to what a councilperson could and should be.
We send our hearty thanks and best wishes to Councilman Reverend Coston and family. And we hope Trenton can survive his departure.
For the remaining members of council who must now choose someone to complete Jim's term, we advise you to choose someone who can continue the work begun by him. Do not make your choice based upon what is politically expedient, popular, or who is propped up by the administration.
Make a choice for someone who will continue to stand uphold the sworn duties and responsibilities of the position.
The announced resignation of South Ward Councilman Jim Coston has the city all abuzz this morning.
Jim, a Baptist Minister, has taken a position with a church in Waco, Texas and will be leaving Trenton at the end of the summer.
While we congratulate Reverend Coston on his new position, we can't help but feel sorry for not only the city's South Ward, but Trenton as a whole.
Even if you didn't always agree with Councilman Coston's position or action, you know he gave it thought and considered all the information he had at hand before making a decision. He certainly raised the level of discourse on council to something approaching what you would expect of the city's governing body.
His too brief tenure as an elected representative helped open the public's eyes as to what a councilperson could and should be.
We send our hearty thanks and best wishes to Councilman Reverend Coston and family. And we hope Trenton can survive his departure.
For the remaining members of council who must now choose someone to complete Jim's term, we advise you to choose someone who can continue the work begun by him. Do not make your choice based upon what is politically expedient, popular, or who is propped up by the administration.
Make a choice for someone who will continue to stand uphold the sworn duties and responsibilities of the position.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Have some pride, Trenton!
A few weeks ago, fellow blogger DTV Deputy Clean wrote about the worsening conditions he’s witnessed in and around his neighborhood since moving to Trenton. In his post, he talks about the criminal element, the trash factor, and the overall lack of common consideration and civil behavior practiced by a growing number of Trenton residents.
Not too long after that, another web colleague a series of similar observations from her corner of town. TrentonKat also commented on the generally lack of civility and respect that many people show for the neighbors and other Trenton residents. She then contrasted Trenton with a Canadian town of similar size and economic woes.
As is often the case, the thoughts of these individuals resonated with me and echoed similar observations I have made.
Many of us have been quick to point out the foibles and farces of our elected officials as the cause of Trenton’s woes and left the citizenry out of the picture. Now, this is not to say we have been wrong about our public officials and we’re now letting them off the hook for the condition of the city. This is to say there is certainly an equal amount of blame to be placed on the citizenry who just doesn’t seem to care about anybody or anything that isn’t instantly gratifying to his or her own immediate, selfish needs.
This self-centeredness is evident everywhere you look in town. From the trash strewn streets and poorly maintained rental properties to the slovenly dress and rude behavior of our fellow citizens.
Walking through downtown one day, I was struck with the contrasts of Trenton today and the Trenton of yesterday. Where there used to be throngs of people in appropriate attire for their business day activities there are now people looking as if they just got out of bed or had just finished changing the oil in their car.
If you go to any thriving downtown at midday during the workweek, you will see well-groomed people in clean, properly fitting clothes taking care of business. In Trenton, you are treated to women in revealing clothes that are at least two sizes too small while the men are usually struggling to keep their oversized jeans up.
Don’t tell me that it is “fashion” or that it is the only clothing the under-employed, under-educated, underclass can muster. It is laziness and a lack of respect for themselves and for others. These circus-clown garbed individuals are not wearing hand-me-downs and cast-offs, they have chosen to spend their money on these costumes.
Is it any surprise why we can’t get businesses offering good jobs to locate in town!
Moreover, if people don’t know how to dress properly and still be comfortable, they also don’t know how to behave in public.
Just this week while tending to business at a downtown bank branch, I was privileged to watch as another customer calmly consumed his lunch of fried chicken and potato salad from a paper plate…while transacting business at the teller’s window. This repast was most assuredly “finger lickin’ good” as our gourmand smacked his lips and asked the teller, loudly, if she had any hand sanitizer to share with him after he had finished eating.
You’ve read here before about the high number of public urination and defecation incidents we encounter on a regular basis. This goes hand-in-hand with the frequent episodes of people leaving their trash in the street after cleaning out their vehicles or in the parks after having lunch or a snack. And we’ve all seen the person finish with whatever fast-food, take out delicacy and drop the cup/plate/wrapper to the ground rather than hold onto it for a few more steps until they reach one of the many curbside trash cans.
Pet owners constantly flaunt the laws regarding cleaning up animal waste, let alone registering their cats and dogs as required.
Noise issues stemming from too loud music in houses and vehicles of all description are numerous (and not just a Trenton problem). While everybody may feel the need to “rock out” once in awhile, most choose an appropriate time and place so as to minimize the potential for disturbing others.
Do I need to go on?
Trenton has become a very uncivil, rude place to be. It is, contrary to some, not all that great a place to “live, work, play.”
Our “leaders” have failed to do anything about the markedly downward slide the city has taken. Perhaps it is because the same ill-behaved, poorly dressed people are the very same constituent base that continually elects and re-elects the carnival act known as “Trenton city government.”
Therefore, as the city readies to celebrate Heritage Day tomorrow we urge everyone to stop acting as if this is his or her last moment on earth. Start thinking about how everything you do…from the way you dress, the way you talk, how you eat, who you vote for…effects everyone around you.
Show some pride in yourself and your city.
Not too long after that, another web colleague a series of similar observations from her corner of town. TrentonKat also commented on the generally lack of civility and respect that many people show for the neighbors and other Trenton residents. She then contrasted Trenton with a Canadian town of similar size and economic woes.
As is often the case, the thoughts of these individuals resonated with me and echoed similar observations I have made.
Many of us have been quick to point out the foibles and farces of our elected officials as the cause of Trenton’s woes and left the citizenry out of the picture. Now, this is not to say we have been wrong about our public officials and we’re now letting them off the hook for the condition of the city. This is to say there is certainly an equal amount of blame to be placed on the citizenry who just doesn’t seem to care about anybody or anything that isn’t instantly gratifying to his or her own immediate, selfish needs.
This self-centeredness is evident everywhere you look in town. From the trash strewn streets and poorly maintained rental properties to the slovenly dress and rude behavior of our fellow citizens.
Walking through downtown one day, I was struck with the contrasts of Trenton today and the Trenton of yesterday. Where there used to be throngs of people in appropriate attire for their business day activities there are now people looking as if they just got out of bed or had just finished changing the oil in their car.
If you go to any thriving downtown at midday during the workweek, you will see well-groomed people in clean, properly fitting clothes taking care of business. In Trenton, you are treated to women in revealing clothes that are at least two sizes too small while the men are usually struggling to keep their oversized jeans up.
Don’t tell me that it is “fashion” or that it is the only clothing the under-employed, under-educated, underclass can muster. It is laziness and a lack of respect for themselves and for others. These circus-clown garbed individuals are not wearing hand-me-downs and cast-offs, they have chosen to spend their money on these costumes.
Is it any surprise why we can’t get businesses offering good jobs to locate in town!
Moreover, if people don’t know how to dress properly and still be comfortable, they also don’t know how to behave in public.
Just this week while tending to business at a downtown bank branch, I was privileged to watch as another customer calmly consumed his lunch of fried chicken and potato salad from a paper plate…while transacting business at the teller’s window. This repast was most assuredly “finger lickin’ good” as our gourmand smacked his lips and asked the teller, loudly, if she had any hand sanitizer to share with him after he had finished eating.
You’ve read here before about the high number of public urination and defecation incidents we encounter on a regular basis. This goes hand-in-hand with the frequent episodes of people leaving their trash in the street after cleaning out their vehicles or in the parks after having lunch or a snack. And we’ve all seen the person finish with whatever fast-food, take out delicacy and drop the cup/plate/wrapper to the ground rather than hold onto it for a few more steps until they reach one of the many curbside trash cans.
Pet owners constantly flaunt the laws regarding cleaning up animal waste, let alone registering their cats and dogs as required.
Noise issues stemming from too loud music in houses and vehicles of all description are numerous (and not just a Trenton problem). While everybody may feel the need to “rock out” once in awhile, most choose an appropriate time and place so as to minimize the potential for disturbing others.
Do I need to go on?
Trenton has become a very uncivil, rude place to be. It is, contrary to some, not all that great a place to “live, work, play.”
Our “leaders” have failed to do anything about the markedly downward slide the city has taken. Perhaps it is because the same ill-behaved, poorly dressed people are the very same constituent base that continually elects and re-elects the carnival act known as “Trenton city government.”
Therefore, as the city readies to celebrate Heritage Day tomorrow we urge everyone to stop acting as if this is his or her last moment on earth. Start thinking about how everything you do…from the way you dress, the way you talk, how you eat, who you vote for…effects everyone around you.
Show some pride in yourself and your city.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Palmer: "I might run for mayor again"
"I don't know."
There it was in black and white on page two of the Trentonian.
Three quarters of the way through Jack Knarr's piece on Doug Palmer, Trenton's "Missing Mayor" admitted he didn't know what might be next and that a run for another term was possible.
Veteran city watchers have not ruled out this possibility, despite Palmer's previous proclamations to the contrary.
Where some saw Doug riding to Washington D.C. on the Clinton campaign train, that dream seems to have derailed. And even if the New York Senator's fortunes were to change, those in the know feel she is too smart to keep Mr. Palmer around.
Speaking about a potential run for Congress, Doug dismissed it as not being "enough hands-on." Interesting comment from a man who seems so detached and isolated from his duties as Mayor, not to mention the people he was elected to serve.
We also found it intriguing that there was no mention in Knarr's article about Palmer running as New Jersey's first Lt. Governor. Doug expressed interest in that post when it was created. Problem could be that he'd have to be picked by the gubernatorial candidate and Doug Palmer is just not solid enough in state Dem circles to get the nod.
So there you have it kids. The 2010 municipal elections in Trenton just got a little more interesting.
There it was in black and white on page two of the Trentonian.
Three quarters of the way through Jack Knarr's piece on Doug Palmer, Trenton's "Missing Mayor" admitted he didn't know what might be next and that a run for another term was possible.
Veteran city watchers have not ruled out this possibility, despite Palmer's previous proclamations to the contrary.
Where some saw Doug riding to Washington D.C. on the Clinton campaign train, that dream seems to have derailed. And even if the New York Senator's fortunes were to change, those in the know feel she is too smart to keep Mr. Palmer around.
Speaking about a potential run for Congress, Doug dismissed it as not being "enough hands-on." Interesting comment from a man who seems so detached and isolated from his duties as Mayor, not to mention the people he was elected to serve.
We also found it intriguing that there was no mention in Knarr's article about Palmer running as New Jersey's first Lt. Governor. Doug expressed interest in that post when it was created. Problem could be that he'd have to be picked by the gubernatorial candidate and Doug Palmer is just not solid enough in state Dem circles to get the nod.
So there you have it kids. The 2010 municipal elections in Trenton just got a little more interesting.
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