A report in this morning's Trentonian outlines yet another incident involving Trenton Police Captain Paul "Captain Sleepy" Messina.
Messina reportedly "went off" on Sgt. Steve Wilson for arriving late to a training session. It didn't seem to matter to Capt. Messina that Wilson had worked until 3:30 in the morning and had notified his immediate supervisor of his expected tardiness.
And we're sure that this incident had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Sgt. Wilson earlier this week filed a complaint against another officer for failure to act during the chase and apprehension of suspect. That other officer, Sgt. Raul Virella, just happens to be part of former Police Director Santiago's "inner circle" along with Messina.
We can make all the wisecracks we want about this, but the fact is it has ceased to be funny.
The Police Department is charged with protecting and serving the public. While the majority of the men and women on the job are willing and able to do just that, the leadership of former Director Santiago has obviously made it extremely difficult for them.
Further, the mismanagement of the department under Santiago, Messina and their "circle of friends" has obviously placed the public as well as members of the department at risk. This has to stop now before someone, cop or civilian, gets seriously hurt.
We cannot tolerate the type of behaviors exhibited recently by the likes of Captain Messina and Sgt. Raul Virella.
In the case of the former, we have twice this month been treated to examples of his verbal abuse of other officers, his lack of professionalism and self-control (not good traits for someone authorized to carry a weapon). Captain Messina needs to be relieved of his weapon, his command of the academy, sent for a mental evaluation and given a substantial and meaningful suspension that includes the 30 days held in abeyance from a previous infraction.
As for Sgt. Virella, he obviously failed to uphold his sworn duties in refusing to assist in the apprehension of a fleeing suspect. A suspect, by the way, who had already assaulted and injured fellow officers!
Sgt. Virella should also be relieved of his position as the head of "professional standards" for the TPD and be suspended without pay (if you refuse to act as an officer, than you should not be paid as an officer).
The people of Trenton will not condone this kind of behavior from any police officer. Nor should the other members of the TPD have to worry about working with individuals who obviously are not suited for the job.
It's not a matter of politics or preference. It is a matter of public (and police) safety.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Who’s minding the store?
Mr. Palmer is in Denver shopping his resume to anyone who will give him the time of day.
The former Police Director, with only weeks left to complete the transition of leadership, is rarely seen in town these days.
Captain Paul “Sleepy” Messina is attending an out of town conference when he should be serving a suspension for his antics earlier this month.
Sgt. Virella, who heads up the office of professional standards for the police department, refused to assist a fellow officer in apprehending a suspect.
The local AFSCME president’s son apparently has what amounts to a no-show job with the sewer utility.
The administration may be giving themselves raises even though projections are for a sizeable deficit this year ($7+ million) and a promised budget has yet to be presented to council (gee, wonder why that is?)
Is there anybody in charge?
The former Police Director, with only weeks left to complete the transition of leadership, is rarely seen in town these days.
Captain Paul “Sleepy” Messina is attending an out of town conference when he should be serving a suspension for his antics earlier this month.
Sgt. Virella, who heads up the office of professional standards for the police department, refused to assist a fellow officer in apprehending a suspect.
The local AFSCME president’s son apparently has what amounts to a no-show job with the sewer utility.
The administration may be giving themselves raises even though projections are for a sizeable deficit this year ($7+ million) and a promised budget has yet to be presented to council (gee, wonder why that is?)
Is there anybody in charge?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Did Palmer administration officials promise a do nothing job
Letter alleges special treatment for son of labor leader
The Missing Mayor website (www.missingmayor.com) has posted a copy of a letter purportedly sent to city officials that details alleged preferential treatment of an employee.
The letter alleges that Dominick Talone, son of city union president Dave Talone, was given a job at the Trenton Sewer Utility in September of 2007.
Signed:
the letter was sent to city council and members of the Public Works Department senior staff.
The writers raise questions about the how and why the younger Talone is treated differently than the very rank and file workers represented by his father. There are allegations of "numerous absences, no calls, or no shows." Although he started just under a year ago, the letter charges that Dominick Talone was given a raise after only a month on the job instead of waiting to his anniversary date as is standard.
Interesting, that the union represented by the elder Talone is supposed to stand for fair and equitable employment practices; practices that offer protection from political favoritism for public employees. But here we have a claim that the son of a union official is the beneficiary of just such special treatment.
Interesting, too, that the union in question has recently concluded contract negotiations with the city while the Police and Fire Unions are still working under contracts that expired three years or more ago. (It needs to be noted that once a new contract is agreed to, whatever increases in pay result will be retroactive to the old contract date...meaning a large lump payment to the police and fire personnel; a large payment the city can ill afford!)
Now, if we're not mistaken, Mr. Palmer is currently off schmoozing at the Democratic National Convention trying to land his next gig.
And one of the aims of the convention is to build party solidarity behind their Presidential candidate; solidarity that brings the blue-collar workers and union members back to the Democratic fold.
All the while, one of the party's "brightest and best" has let his administration betray the very ideals of fair labor practices.
Something stinks and it isn't just the sewage plant.
Let's see how they handle this one from 319 East State Street; or Hunterdon County; or Denver.
The Missing Mayor website (www.missingmayor.com) has posted a copy of a letter purportedly sent to city officials that details alleged preferential treatment of an employee.
The letter alleges that Dominick Talone, son of city union president Dave Talone, was given a job at the Trenton Sewer Utility in September of 2007.
Signed:
Respectfully yours,
Concerned Employees of the Water and Sewer Utility
the letter was sent to city council and members of the Public Works Department senior staff.
The writers raise questions about the how and why the younger Talone is treated differently than the very rank and file workers represented by his father. There are allegations of "numerous absences, no calls, or no shows." Although he started just under a year ago, the letter charges that Dominick Talone was given a raise after only a month on the job instead of waiting to his anniversary date as is standard.
Interesting, that the union represented by the elder Talone is supposed to stand for fair and equitable employment practices; practices that offer protection from political favoritism for public employees. But here we have a claim that the son of a union official is the beneficiary of just such special treatment.
Interesting, too, that the union in question has recently concluded contract negotiations with the city while the Police and Fire Unions are still working under contracts that expired three years or more ago. (It needs to be noted that once a new contract is agreed to, whatever increases in pay result will be retroactive to the old contract date...meaning a large lump payment to the police and fire personnel; a large payment the city can ill afford!)
Now, if we're not mistaken, Mr. Palmer is currently off schmoozing at the Democratic National Convention trying to land his next gig.
And one of the aims of the convention is to build party solidarity behind their Presidential candidate; solidarity that brings the blue-collar workers and union members back to the Democratic fold.
All the while, one of the party's "brightest and best" has let his administration betray the very ideals of fair labor practices.
Something stinks and it isn't just the sewage plant.
Let's see how they handle this one from 319 East State Street; or Hunterdon County; or Denver.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Blather and confusion from another Palmer puppet
Doug Palmer’s favorite shill set a new record for sucking up to the master Thursday during his radio show.
L. A. Parker opened “Straight Talk” on WIMG with a discussion of the Santiago residency issue. For five minutes, Parker took the party line to new lows. (Download it here.)
After proclaiming that the Trentonian “broke the story” of Santiago moving into the city, Mr. Objectivity and his female on-air sidekick state that if the opportunity presents itself through the former police director should be allowed to stay on. They demonstrate a complete lack of understanding and/or acceptance of the fact that four New Jersey judges have declared the office of police director vacant due to Santiago’s lack of residency. The only reason he is still “on the job” is because he was granted a 75 day time period to effect an orderly transition to a successor.
He goes onto state the matter was handled incorrectly from the outset and that if the job meant that much to Santiago he should have moved into the city and avoided all the expense and hassle of the court case. We can’t argue that.
Parker criticizes Council, notably Councilman At-Large Segura and the so called “gang of four” (Segura, along with Bethea, Coston and Melone) about changing their tune from ‘it’s about residency’ to ‘he’s (Santiago) not the man from the job.’
“It’s not fair,” L.A. says.
Parker actually says that it appears there is a way for Santiago to stay.
L. A. also says Mr. Segura “should have kept his mouth shut” but has “had a problem doing that lately.” (About 2:55 in) Maybe Parker should heed his own advice.
This again shows a refusal to grasp the most basic concept of the case…the position is vacant. Santiago’s relocation to the city doesn’t guarantee his approval by Council or anyone else.
Parker, ever the administration loyalists, defies anyone to tell him that Santiago has not done a good job in the five years he was Police Director. His blind allegiance to the Palmer throne prevents him from acknowledging the financial waste, blatant favoritism, the lack of public confidence in the level of overall public safety in the city that have marked the Santiago tenure.
Not a very good quality in one who purports to be a journalist.
Another indication of Parker’s lack of comprehension of the facts of the case comes at about 3:49 into the piece. Our intrepid reporter, so willing to offer his learned opinion on these weighty topics admits readily and clearly that he “doesn’t know how it was stated in the decision by Judge Feinberg.”
“If it says that he’s gone, than he’s gone,” explains our non-comprehending radio host. “But if there’s a way that he can stay, don’t change the debate now.”
Don’t know, L. A.? Then stop talking about it!
Perhaps the most telling and egregious statement in the piece comes near the end.
Mr. Parker brings up the fact that there are questions about Director of Communications Irving Bradley residency as well. Parker puts this on people who don’t like “Latinos” or “blacks.” As proof, he cites the fact that rumors have swirled for years about the true residency status of Business Administrator Jane Feigenbaum yet nobody has gone after her.
It is true that many have questioned just how much of a Trenton resident Jane is. It was pretty well known that she divided her time between Jersey City and her house in Mill Hill. Her frequent absences were marked by an increase in the amount of people hanging on her front steps; her often overgrown backyard. And it is right that her residency should be questioned.
But Mr. Parker, intrepid reporter that he is, again doesn’t know or doesn’t care that Ms. Feigenbaum owns her home in Trenton (something Mr. Santiago has yet to be able to say). Ms. Feigenbaum also is registered to vote in Trenton. Again, something Mr. Santiago never did.
Aren’t these two of the benchmarks used to establish “bona fide” residency? Since these two facts are public information that anyone can readily come by, why wouldn’t one assume that Ms. Feigenbaum has met a lot more of the legal standards used to determine residency than Mr. Santiago or Mr. Bradley, so maybe there is no point in pursuing any action against her.
But even that simple research is too much for Mr. Parker, an alleged reporter, to be able to carry out. It’s much easier and to his liking to call the motivations racist and leave it at that.
Prattle on Mr. Parker. You aren’t convincing anybody of anything other than your blind and loyal allegiance to Doug Palmer’s shrinking, sinking fiefdom.
*Edited to fix broken link to audio download. If it still doesn't work, try cutting and pasting this url into your browser: http://www.zshare.net/download/1742864254135b48/
L. A. Parker opened “Straight Talk” on WIMG with a discussion of the Santiago residency issue. For five minutes, Parker took the party line to new lows. (Download it here.)
After proclaiming that the Trentonian “broke the story” of Santiago moving into the city, Mr. Objectivity and his female on-air sidekick state that if the opportunity presents itself through the former police director should be allowed to stay on. They demonstrate a complete lack of understanding and/or acceptance of the fact that four New Jersey judges have declared the office of police director vacant due to Santiago’s lack of residency. The only reason he is still “on the job” is because he was granted a 75 day time period to effect an orderly transition to a successor.
He goes onto state the matter was handled incorrectly from the outset and that if the job meant that much to Santiago he should have moved into the city and avoided all the expense and hassle of the court case. We can’t argue that.
Parker criticizes Council, notably Councilman At-Large Segura and the so called “gang of four” (Segura, along with Bethea, Coston and Melone) about changing their tune from ‘it’s about residency’ to ‘he’s (Santiago) not the man from the job.’
“It’s not fair,” L.A. says.
Parker actually says that it appears there is a way for Santiago to stay.
L. A. also says Mr. Segura “should have kept his mouth shut” but has “had a problem doing that lately.” (About 2:55 in) Maybe Parker should heed his own advice.
This again shows a refusal to grasp the most basic concept of the case…the position is vacant. Santiago’s relocation to the city doesn’t guarantee his approval by Council or anyone else.
Parker, ever the administration loyalists, defies anyone to tell him that Santiago has not done a good job in the five years he was Police Director. His blind allegiance to the Palmer throne prevents him from acknowledging the financial waste, blatant favoritism, the lack of public confidence in the level of overall public safety in the city that have marked the Santiago tenure.
Not a very good quality in one who purports to be a journalist.
Another indication of Parker’s lack of comprehension of the facts of the case comes at about 3:49 into the piece. Our intrepid reporter, so willing to offer his learned opinion on these weighty topics admits readily and clearly that he “doesn’t know how it was stated in the decision by Judge Feinberg.”
“If it says that he’s gone, than he’s gone,” explains our non-comprehending radio host. “But if there’s a way that he can stay, don’t change the debate now.”
Don’t know, L. A.? Then stop talking about it!
Perhaps the most telling and egregious statement in the piece comes near the end.
Mr. Parker brings up the fact that there are questions about Director of Communications Irving Bradley residency as well. Parker puts this on people who don’t like “Latinos” or “blacks.” As proof, he cites the fact that rumors have swirled for years about the true residency status of Business Administrator Jane Feigenbaum yet nobody has gone after her.
It is true that many have questioned just how much of a Trenton resident Jane is. It was pretty well known that she divided her time between Jersey City and her house in Mill Hill. Her frequent absences were marked by an increase in the amount of people hanging on her front steps; her often overgrown backyard. And it is right that her residency should be questioned.
But Mr. Parker, intrepid reporter that he is, again doesn’t know or doesn’t care that Ms. Feigenbaum owns her home in Trenton (something Mr. Santiago has yet to be able to say). Ms. Feigenbaum also is registered to vote in Trenton. Again, something Mr. Santiago never did.
Aren’t these two of the benchmarks used to establish “bona fide” residency? Since these two facts are public information that anyone can readily come by, why wouldn’t one assume that Ms. Feigenbaum has met a lot more of the legal standards used to determine residency than Mr. Santiago or Mr. Bradley, so maybe there is no point in pursuing any action against her.
But even that simple research is too much for Mr. Parker, an alleged reporter, to be able to carry out. It’s much easier and to his liking to call the motivations racist and leave it at that.
Prattle on Mr. Parker. You aren’t convincing anybody of anything other than your blind and loyal allegiance to Doug Palmer’s shrinking, sinking fiefdom.
*Edited to fix broken link to audio download. If it still doesn't work, try cutting and pasting this url into your browser: http://www.zshare.net/download/1742864254135b48/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Psst! Do you want to know a secret?
Seems as though the Palmer machine, dysfunctional though it may be, set the grapevine humming via its unofficial mouthpiece, Mr. Larry "L.A." Parker.
In this morning's edition of the Trentonian, Mr. Parker "reports" that unidentified sources have stated that former Police Director Santiago will move into the city in an attempt to regain his appointment.
Word of the story began to circulate Tuesday evening raising eyebrows and tempers across town. And that was just what the scenario was intended to do.
Once again, the Trentonian's Mr. Parker showed that he is nothing more than a pawn of the Palmer administration by writing up and submitting a biased piece of public information flim-flam disguised (barely) as reporting.
Fellow blogger and co-plaintiff in the suit that upheld the City's residency ordinance, Greg Forester, exposes Parker's professional lapses in an entry today. We agree that Parker irresponsibly compromised his position as a supposedly unbiased and independent reporter by allowing himself to be used to "float" the notion that Santiago would take up residency and be reappointed to the Director position by Palmer.
Obviously, Palmer and Santiago hope to gauge public reaction to the "rumors" to design their next move in this game they are trying to run on City Council and the public.
Palmer and Santiago seem to hope the hardworking, taxpaying citizens of Trenton will overlook the hundreds and thousands of dollars spent defending the Mayor's illegally granted residency waiver. Money that the cash strapped city can ill afford at this time.
They are also overlooking and possibly condoning the continued illegal actions of errant police Captain Paul "Capt. Sleepy" Messina. Why isn't Mr. Parker reporting on that situation?
The truth is Palmer and Santiago are using their "inside" man, L.A. Parker, as their lead propagandist. By manipulating the "news" they hope to control public opinion of their failed leadership.
That is the real secret and they do not want you to realize it.
In this morning's edition of the Trentonian, Mr. Parker "reports" that unidentified sources have stated that former Police Director Santiago will move into the city in an attempt to regain his appointment.
Word of the story began to circulate Tuesday evening raising eyebrows and tempers across town. And that was just what the scenario was intended to do.
Once again, the Trentonian's Mr. Parker showed that he is nothing more than a pawn of the Palmer administration by writing up and submitting a biased piece of public information flim-flam disguised (barely) as reporting.
Fellow blogger and co-plaintiff in the suit that upheld the City's residency ordinance, Greg Forester, exposes Parker's professional lapses in an entry today. We agree that Parker irresponsibly compromised his position as a supposedly unbiased and independent reporter by allowing himself to be used to "float" the notion that Santiago would take up residency and be reappointed to the Director position by Palmer.
Obviously, Palmer and Santiago hope to gauge public reaction to the "rumors" to design their next move in this game they are trying to run on City Council and the public.
Palmer and Santiago seem to hope the hardworking, taxpaying citizens of Trenton will overlook the hundreds and thousands of dollars spent defending the Mayor's illegally granted residency waiver. Money that the cash strapped city can ill afford at this time.
They are also overlooking and possibly condoning the continued illegal actions of errant police Captain Paul "Capt. Sleepy" Messina. Why isn't Mr. Parker reporting on that situation?
The truth is Palmer and Santiago are using their "inside" man, L.A. Parker, as their lead propagandist. By manipulating the "news" they hope to control public opinion of their failed leadership.
That is the real secret and they do not want you to realize it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Qualified?
Trenton's administration took another hit from the state Merit System Board.
In April, a list of qualified candidates for the city's position of Economic Development Director did not include Anthony Carabelli, Jr. who had held the job provisionally since last fall. Carabelli has appealed the decision, but in the meantime has been reclassified as an "Economic Development Representative."
This comes on the heels of the state's declaration that City Communications Director Irving Bradley is not qualified for that position. Bradley, who was hired last year amidst controversy about his residency and criminal record, was brought in at near the top of the salary range for a position that is arguably not even needed.
Does anyone see a pattern here?
And what of Mr. Carabelli's boss, "Acting" Director of Housing and Economic Development, Sasa Olessi Montaño? We've previously stated our reservations about her suitability for the job.
Based upon these and many more choices, maybe the state should just do what we all know needs to be done.
Let's declare Doug Palmer not qualified to hold the position of Mayor.
In April, a list of qualified candidates for the city's position of Economic Development Director did not include Anthony Carabelli, Jr. who had held the job provisionally since last fall. Carabelli has appealed the decision, but in the meantime has been reclassified as an "Economic Development Representative."
This comes on the heels of the state's declaration that City Communications Director Irving Bradley is not qualified for that position. Bradley, who was hired last year amidst controversy about his residency and criminal record, was brought in at near the top of the salary range for a position that is arguably not even needed.
Does anyone see a pattern here?
And what of Mr. Carabelli's boss, "Acting" Director of Housing and Economic Development, Sasa Olessi Montaño? We've previously stated our reservations about her suitability for the job.
Based upon these and many more choices, maybe the state should just do what we all know needs to be done.
Let's declare Doug Palmer not qualified to hold the position of Mayor.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Come again?
Trenton’s own “Missing Mayor,” Doug Palmer must be trying to outdo “Travelwhore” over at The Bald, the Fat, and the Angry.
Palmer recently returned from a trip to Africa where he was obviously studying on how to make Trenton a better third-world city.
Then it was off to Philly to expound on the crime problem in urban America (not that he considers how he continually rapes and plunders the city of Trenton for his own personal gain a crime).
In today’s Trentonian, L.A. Parker reports that Palmer just returned from a weekend meeting in Pittsburgh, PA preparing the platform for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Denver. Palmer will be a delegate to the convention.
The big plum here is a position in the “White House Office on Urban Policy” that Senator Obama plans to create if he’s elected in November.
The purpose of the Urban Policy office would be “to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs." The director of urban policy will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.
According to Parker, Doug practically drools at the thought of being named director.
Funny stuff.
Doug Palmer wants to be the guy who ensures that “all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent.” Isn’t he the guy whose city has fallen deeper in the red while he deals out free cars and gas to cronies; hires consultants and aids without regard to budget restraints; and wastes hundreds of thousands of tax dollars fighting his own city council about upholding residency ordinances?
Parker writes, “The mayor said the city's infrastructure needs attention, adding that such development could boost employment and improve Trenton's economy.”
Uh, Doug, who let the infrastructure deteriorate to this point? And who is trying to sell off the one potential money making part of it (the water utility) for a one shot cash infusion?
Mr. Palmer is obviously suffering from road sickness and should stay home long enough to regain his senses.
Senator Obama, I hope you are grounded enough to not be dazzled and fooled by Doug Palmers big smile and expensive suits. The last thing you, or this country, needs is him as part of your "team."
Palmer recently returned from a trip to Africa where he was obviously studying on how to make Trenton a better third-world city.
Then it was off to Philly to expound on the crime problem in urban America (not that he considers how he continually rapes and plunders the city of Trenton for his own personal gain a crime).
In today’s Trentonian, L.A. Parker reports that Palmer just returned from a weekend meeting in Pittsburgh, PA preparing the platform for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Denver. Palmer will be a delegate to the convention.
The big plum here is a position in the “White House Office on Urban Policy” that Senator Obama plans to create if he’s elected in November.
The purpose of the Urban Policy office would be “to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs." The director of urban policy will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.
According to Parker, Doug practically drools at the thought of being named director.
Funny stuff.
Doug Palmer wants to be the guy who ensures that “all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent.” Isn’t he the guy whose city has fallen deeper in the red while he deals out free cars and gas to cronies; hires consultants and aids without regard to budget restraints; and wastes hundreds of thousands of tax dollars fighting his own city council about upholding residency ordinances?
Parker writes, “The mayor said the city's infrastructure needs attention, adding that such development could boost employment and improve Trenton's economy.”
Uh, Doug, who let the infrastructure deteriorate to this point? And who is trying to sell off the one potential money making part of it (the water utility) for a one shot cash infusion?
Mr. Palmer is obviously suffering from road sickness and should stay home long enough to regain his senses.
Senator Obama, I hope you are grounded enough to not be dazzled and fooled by Doug Palmers big smile and expensive suits. The last thing you, or this country, needs is him as part of your "team."
Friday, August 08, 2008
Out of the mouths of puppets
Council Prez urges residency amendment
Paul Pintella, Trenton City Council President and recognized puppet of the Palmer administration, last night asked his colleagues to adopt an ordinance that would allow the Mayor to grant residency waivers for city employees.
This is nothing more than an attempt to legitimize the long-time Palmer policy of looking the other way regarding the residency of favored sons and daughters while prosecuting those who have somehow fallen from grace with his majesty, the emperor and his consorts.
Hopefully this request to do the Mayor's bidding thinly veiled as a suggestion from the idiot prince Pintella will fall on the deaf ears of a council that has started to find its own voice in such matters.
Paul Pintella, Trenton City Council President and recognized puppet of the Palmer administration, last night asked his colleagues to adopt an ordinance that would allow the Mayor to grant residency waivers for city employees.
This is nothing more than an attempt to legitimize the long-time Palmer policy of looking the other way regarding the residency of favored sons and daughters while prosecuting those who have somehow fallen from grace with his majesty, the emperor and his consorts.
Hopefully this request to do the Mayor's bidding thinly veiled as a suggestion from the idiot prince Pintella will fall on the deaf ears of a council that has started to find its own voice in such matters.
Out of Africa
Palmer's vacation inspires hope
According to an article in this morning's Times (read it here), Doug Palmer was inspired by his trip to Africa with the Clintons.
The article's author, Andrew Kitchenman wrote, "While the trip was a vacation, Palmer plans to draw from it in his job."
Well isn't that special.
The man elected to run the City of Trenton vacationed with an ex-President of the United States, film and television actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen and a bunch of other Clinton hangers-on and he comes back invigorated to do more in the city. This almost makes sense.
Broken down to its most basic components:
I guess the experience validated Doug's total mis-management of the City's affairs.
Let's just hope he's not inspired to drag Trenton further down the socio-economic scale so that he can do even less and claim, with pride, there's been more progress.
According to an article in this morning's Times (read it here), Doug Palmer was inspired by his trip to Africa with the Clintons.
The article's author, Andrew Kitchenman wrote, "While the trip was a vacation, Palmer plans to draw from it in his job."
Well isn't that special.
The man elected to run the City of Trenton vacationed with an ex-President of the United States, film and television actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen and a bunch of other Clinton hangers-on and he comes back invigorated to do more in the city. This almost makes sense.
Broken down to its most basic components:
1. Palmer traveled to some of the most poverty-stricken, under-developed, HIV ravaged areas of the world.
2. The host/guide (Bill Clinton) spoke with great pride of the tiny increments of progress over the past five years
I guess the experience validated Doug's total mis-management of the City's affairs.
Let's just hope he's not inspired to drag Trenton further down the socio-economic scale so that he can do even less and claim, with pride, there's been more progress.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Read all about it
TPL Board Should Be Tossed
The Times ran a story this morning about the need for Trenton Library Director Kimberly Bray to take a civil service exam and score in the top three in order to keep her provisional appointment.
Bray's tenuous status was revealed in the wake of stories regarding her potential legal problems back in Utah.
This is just the latest tempest to swirl around the hallowed doors of the Trenton Public Library.
Ms. Bray recently presented various scenarios for dealing with severe budget cuts in this fiscal year that included closing or severely curtailing hours at branches throughout the city.
The provisional director is the latest of six appointees to hold the post over the last eight years.
Hiring practices at the Library were called into question last year with the discovery of an convicted felon who worked in the children's section while wearing an electronic monitoring device. This issue came up again with the revelations of the pending civil suit against Ms. Bray and questions about why it wasn't uncovered in during the background check.
The management and oversight of Library operations have been questioned since Scott Hughes left after less than a year in the director's chair. At the time of his departure, Mr. Hughes communicated his concerns and suggestions to Trenton City Council in a letter.
Questions abound about the dwindling down of a multi-million dollar endowment to approximately $300,000 in less than a decade. Proper Library board meetings and minutes seem to be unheard of.
Much of this can be laid at the feet of Board President, Adrienne Hayling. Ms Hayling has been at the helm of the Trenton Free Public Library Board while it has run aground. (It must be noted for the record that Ms. Hayling is a close and longtime family friend of Doug Palmer. Some have described Ms. Hayling as his "second mother.")
In a blog entry last month, South Ward Councilman straight out says it is time for Ms. Hayling to go. We couldn't agree more.
In fact, it is our considered opinion that the entire current board needs to be scrapped if for no other reason than the six other members have let themselves be bullied by the Board President into doing things her way.
On a similar tack, Dan Dodson has offered up a thought provoking essay on what to do with the Trenton Library System on his blog, Re-inventing Trenton. Mr. Dodson suggest a complete and dramatic change to a different model of what a public library could be.
Old model or new, Trenton needs and deserves a functioning library system.
The current Board is incapable of managing and must be dissolved immediately. A new board should be appointed and a forensic audit undertaken to determine just where the monies have evaporated to.
The Times ran a story this morning about the need for Trenton Library Director Kimberly Bray to take a civil service exam and score in the top three in order to keep her provisional appointment.
Bray's tenuous status was revealed in the wake of stories regarding her potential legal problems back in Utah.
This is just the latest tempest to swirl around the hallowed doors of the Trenton Public Library.
Ms. Bray recently presented various scenarios for dealing with severe budget cuts in this fiscal year that included closing or severely curtailing hours at branches throughout the city.
The provisional director is the latest of six appointees to hold the post over the last eight years.
Hiring practices at the Library were called into question last year with the discovery of an convicted felon who worked in the children's section while wearing an electronic monitoring device. This issue came up again with the revelations of the pending civil suit against Ms. Bray and questions about why it wasn't uncovered in during the background check.
The management and oversight of Library operations have been questioned since Scott Hughes left after less than a year in the director's chair. At the time of his departure, Mr. Hughes communicated his concerns and suggestions to Trenton City Council in a letter.
Questions abound about the dwindling down of a multi-million dollar endowment to approximately $300,000 in less than a decade. Proper Library board meetings and minutes seem to be unheard of.
Much of this can be laid at the feet of Board President, Adrienne Hayling. Ms Hayling has been at the helm of the Trenton Free Public Library Board while it has run aground. (It must be noted for the record that Ms. Hayling is a close and longtime family friend of Doug Palmer. Some have described Ms. Hayling as his "second mother.")
In a blog entry last month, South Ward Councilman straight out says it is time for Ms. Hayling to go. We couldn't agree more.
In fact, it is our considered opinion that the entire current board needs to be scrapped if for no other reason than the six other members have let themselves be bullied by the Board President into doing things her way.
On a similar tack, Dan Dodson has offered up a thought provoking essay on what to do with the Trenton Library System on his blog, Re-inventing Trenton. Mr. Dodson suggest a complete and dramatic change to a different model of what a public library could be.
Old model or new, Trenton needs and deserves a functioning library system.
The current Board is incapable of managing and must be dissolved immediately. A new board should be appointed and a forensic audit undertaken to determine just where the monies have evaporated to.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Foundry Floundering
This one is not Doug's Fault
In an article in Sunday's Times, Meir Rinde reports that the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has given Performa Entertainment Real Estate Group until late September to complete the financing of the estimated $40 million dollar mixed use project. Should Performa fail, the MCIA may remove the developer from the project.
It's about time!
As noted here and here, Performa is having troubles that go beyond the acknowledged tightening credit picture.
Contrary to the image it tries to project, Performa is not the ultra-successful developer of Beale Street in Memphis or entertainment districts elsewhere.
Fact is, Performa was retained by the non-profit Beale Street Development Corporation (BSDC) to manage the Beale Street entertainment district in 1982. The BSDC and Performa are now involved in litigation regarding some $10 million in proceeds that Performa allegedly owes to the BSDC.
And beyond Memphis, Performa's track record is less than stellar.
City authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana booted Peforma for failing to successfully lease out and manage the Red River Entertainment District.
Jackson, Mississippi's Mayor is frustrated with the ongoing delays in Performa's Farish Street project there.
And now Performa's shaky financial picture may cut them out of Trenton's Foundry project.
while we've seen this coming for some time, and it is another "failed" marquee project for Trenton, this one doesn't rest on the shoulders of Doug Palmer or his henchman, Dennis Gonzalez.
Performa was brought into town by Bob Prunetti's administration when he was County Executive. The current county administration maintained the relationship. And public funding was obtained from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Authority.
It's about time that our government officials realize this project and Performa are a no go. Cut them loose and move on.
In an article in Sunday's Times, Meir Rinde reports that the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has given Performa Entertainment Real Estate Group until late September to complete the financing of the estimated $40 million dollar mixed use project. Should Performa fail, the MCIA may remove the developer from the project.
It's about time!
As noted here and here, Performa is having troubles that go beyond the acknowledged tightening credit picture.
Contrary to the image it tries to project, Performa is not the ultra-successful developer of Beale Street in Memphis or entertainment districts elsewhere.
Fact is, Performa was retained by the non-profit Beale Street Development Corporation (BSDC) to manage the Beale Street entertainment district in 1982. The BSDC and Performa are now involved in litigation regarding some $10 million in proceeds that Performa allegedly owes to the BSDC.
And beyond Memphis, Performa's track record is less than stellar.
City authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana booted Peforma for failing to successfully lease out and manage the Red River Entertainment District.
Jackson, Mississippi's Mayor is frustrated with the ongoing delays in Performa's Farish Street project there.
And now Performa's shaky financial picture may cut them out of Trenton's Foundry project.
while we've seen this coming for some time, and it is another "failed" marquee project for Trenton, this one doesn't rest on the shoulders of Doug Palmer or his henchman, Dennis Gonzalez.
Performa was brought into town by Bob Prunetti's administration when he was County Executive. The current county administration maintained the relationship. And public funding was obtained from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Authority.
It's about time that our government officials realize this project and Performa are a no go. Cut them loose and move on.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Circular Logic, Part two
A couple of weeks back we posted a report from a member of the Save Trenton High Coalition regarding the outcome of the Facilities Advisory Board (FAB) meeting.
In essence, those gathered were told that in order to get the School Development Authority to provide cost estimates for preserving at least part of the existing Trenton Central High School, the school board would have to vote to build a new building.
If it seemed rather bizarre and counter-intuitive to you at the time, you weren't alone. The whole event had a kind of surreal quality that only seems to occur in Trenton at public meetings.
Someone has managed to post a video of the proceedings of that FAB meeting on You Tube. Here, for you viewing displeasure and intellectual discomfort are the links to the meeting:
The videos were apparently posted by "Son of a Trenton Man."
Just more evidence of the poor leadership qualities of individuals "selected" by the Palmer administration to serve on public bodies.
In essence, those gathered were told that in order to get the School Development Authority to provide cost estimates for preserving at least part of the existing Trenton Central High School, the school board would have to vote to build a new building.
If it seemed rather bizarre and counter-intuitive to you at the time, you weren't alone. The whole event had a kind of surreal quality that only seems to occur in Trenton at public meetings.
Someone has managed to post a video of the proceedings of that FAB meeting on You Tube. Here, for you viewing displeasure and intellectual discomfort are the links to the meeting:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAOk6WJNDD4
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1hIt0xDUS8
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmO3G_l-vw
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A54ZuE3HVm0
The videos were apparently posted by "Son of a Trenton Man."
Just more evidence of the poor leadership qualities of individuals "selected" by the Palmer administration to serve on public bodies.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Circular Logic
The Facility Advisory Board (FAB) of the Trenton Board of Education (BOE) met Wednesday night to discuss and clarify the recent round of funding promised from the School Development Authority (SDA).
The Save Trenton High Coalition posted an update on the meeting that addressed the status of the Early Childhood Center, MLK/Jefferson, Roebling and Trenton Central High School:
The meeting reportedly concluded when Mr. Brown abruptly adjourned it while one member of the public tried to ask a question.
So, if we understand this as presented, only if the Trenton Board of Education votes to abandon the idea of renovating the existing Trenton High School and build a new facility that serves fewer students will the School Development Authority provide cost estimates for new construction versus renovation.
One could conclude that the SDA would take their cue and make the financial case for not renovating the existing Trenton Central High School because the Board has to vote that way in order to get a cost estimate.
This is not just wrong, it is absurd.
If the money is designated for the city of Trenton, shouldn’t the responsible body be able to determine how it is to be spent? And shouldn’t the funding agency be mandated to provide the information needed to determine how it should be spent…
Not one to give our BOE a pass, but should the state really hold us hostage because it failed to rein in the waste and corruption of the SDA’s predecessor, the School Construction Corporation?
The BOE will vote on this new resolution on Monday, July 28.
Let’s hope the powers that be shake some sense into the SDA before then. Let’s get realistic and comprehensive cost comparisons for renovation vs. new construction and give the Trenton BOE the opportunity to make an informed decision.
It’s the very least that should be done for the citizens of New Jersey who are footing the bill for whatever is done here.
The Save Trenton High Coalition posted an update on the meeting that addressed the status of the Early Childhood Center, MLK/Jefferson, Roebling and Trenton Central High School:
Mr. Dwayne Mosley of the FAB gave the presentation and Mr. Alexander Brown of the Board of Education (BOE) facilitated the meeting. Representatives from the School Development Authority’s (SDA) and the State Department of Education (DOE) were not present. Approximately 15 members of the public and two BOE members were in attendance.
A significant amount of time was devoted to discussing and deciphering the SDA’s decision-making “process” as presented by the FAB and BOE, specifically as it relates to Trenton High and Roebling. Apparently, it borrows heavily from the chicken and the egg theory. It goes something like this:1. The SDA has told the BOE they must make a decision soon on either renovating or replacing Trenton High and Roebling.
2. The SDA has refused to provide the BOE with a cost analysis or feasibility study on renovation and replacement in order to make an informed decision.
3. The only way to get the SDA to provide any information to the BOE in order to determine the best alternative for the students (and this is where we were told to suspend our disbelief) is for the BOE to vote on a resolution to “abandon” Trenton High and Roebling and build brand new schools.
That is precisely what the BOE is going to do. On Monday, July 28 the BOE is going to vote on a yet to be written resolution to “abandon” the landmark Trenton High and build a new school that serves only 1300-1500 students, all in the name of studying its renovation.
The FAB and the BOE attempted to pacify the public by explaining that this is how the SDA’s “process” works. Possibly by September the SDA will complete its analysis, and another FAB meeting will presumably be held to the present to the public the results of renovation versus new construction.
Extremely confusing, yes. But if this is truly the “process,” it is apparent that the SDA is still incapable of managing school construction projects. By forcing the BOE to scrap the existing renovation plans and start from scratch there is a very real risk that the limited amount of funding will disappear.
The meeting reportedly concluded when Mr. Brown abruptly adjourned it while one member of the public tried to ask a question.
So, if we understand this as presented, only if the Trenton Board of Education votes to abandon the idea of renovating the existing Trenton High School and build a new facility that serves fewer students will the School Development Authority provide cost estimates for new construction versus renovation.
One could conclude that the SDA would take their cue and make the financial case for not renovating the existing Trenton Central High School because the Board has to vote that way in order to get a cost estimate.
This is not just wrong, it is absurd.
If the money is designated for the city of Trenton, shouldn’t the responsible body be able to determine how it is to be spent? And shouldn’t the funding agency be mandated to provide the information needed to determine how it should be spent…
…prior to the Board of Ed making that determination?!?!?!
Not one to give our BOE a pass, but should the state really hold us hostage because it failed to rein in the waste and corruption of the SDA’s predecessor, the School Construction Corporation?
The BOE will vote on this new resolution on Monday, July 28.
Let’s hope the powers that be shake some sense into the SDA before then. Let’s get realistic and comprehensive cost comparisons for renovation vs. new construction and give the Trenton BOE the opportunity to make an informed decision.
It’s the very least that should be done for the citizens of New Jersey who are footing the bill for whatever is done here.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Orderly transition
By now, the news has flashed around town.
The Court has determined that former Police Director Joseph Santiago has 75 days to exit the city. The time frame was given to "facilitate and 'orderly transition' to his successor."
The think tank gathered here on the Front Stoop has the following to offer as this matter winds to a close:
This situation has not been good for Trenton and those who live and work here. It is time to close the door on this chapter and move ahead into a new era. Mr. Palmer could go a long way towards redeeming himself by seeing that the transition is not only orderly, but swift and complete.
The Court has determined that former Police Director Joseph Santiago has 75 days to exit the city. The time frame was given to "facilitate and 'orderly transition' to his successor."
The think tank gathered here on the Front Stoop has the following to offer as this matter winds to a close:
1) Just because the Court allowed 75 days for a transition doesn't mean the former Director has to take all of that time before leaving. A professional, forward thinking manager would have been thinking about and planning for an orderly succession regardless of the circumstances. Especially considering the possibility of a court ordered vacation of the office, Mr. Santiago should have been working on plans to do this all along. The fact that he apparently didn't, and that the Palmer administration did not consider this possibility is but pure negligence. They need to step up and transition Mr. Santiago out of here as soon as possible for the sake of the city.
2) There should be some immediate oversight given to the operation decisions made by the former Director from here until he officially leaves the position. His pettiness and vindictiveness are well documented and his command abilities questionable at best. To let him have his way now, in the waning days of his regime could do more harm to an already depleted and demoralized department.
3) Any candidates for a new Police Director should not be reviewed solely by the Mayor, but should be vetted by a special selection committee comprised of two City Council members and three citizens. No more "surprise" appointments. The search should commence immediately.
3) There should be absolutely no city funded appeal of the court's decision. Four judges at two levels of the judiciary have come to the same opinion. Any appeal, request for a stay, etc. cannot continue to be funded by the financially strapped City of Trenton. For his part, Mr. Palmer should accept the defeat and focus on getting Trenton back on its feet; Mr. Santiago must accept the defeat and just move on.
4) The City needs to immediately and definitively address any and all employees currently not meeting the residency requirement of their position. The legal process has struck down the once existing waiver clause in the city's residency ordinance. There are no exceptions. There shall be no exceptions. This means that Mr. Bradley should be immediately dismissed as Director of the Communications Division. If not, Council should act swiftly on this matter. And Ms. Feigenbaum, if she does not meet the full requirement of bona fide residency, must go as well. Same with Mr. Gonzalez or anyone else.
This situation has not been good for Trenton and those who live and work here. It is time to close the door on this chapter and move ahead into a new era. Mr. Palmer could go a long way towards redeeming himself by seeing that the transition is not only orderly, but swift and complete.
A perfect example
City must cut budget, but don’t touch the administration
Trenton is flat broke. The city is looking at a significant budget deficit and the administration has asked all departments to cut their budgets by 10%.
But when is the administration going to tighten its fiscal belt?
We talk about maybe having to charge to use city pools next summer; furloughing police dogs; and possibly closing libraries. But there is never a mention of the administration cutting back on its expenditures.
For instance, this item from Thursday’s council docket:
Resolution
For those who haven’t been following this, Mr. Alacqua serves as “special counsel” to the city, providing legal advice and guidance. Mr. Alacqua is in attendance at most City Council meetings as is the City Attorney, Ms. Denise Lyles.
Why, you might reasonably ask, do we need a “special counsel” at $95,000 per year when we have a City Attorney and legal staff who is already on the city payroll and who are city residents?
Blogger Greg Forester has addressed this several times, most recently here. As he points out, Mr. Alacqua is not the only attorney handling legal work for the city via special services contract. Just look at the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent with outside law firms to fight the Santiago residency case…tax dollars spent to argue both sides of the case!!!!
(Note: as this is written, word is coming in that the judges ruled 3-0 against the former police director).
Now what if we took some of that money going outside the city for special services contracts and put it into keeping our library’s open (read the Times article on this).
Or what if we applied that money to the recreation department budget so the parks can be better maintained?
You get the point. How far could we go cutting the administration’s expenditures before we need to reduce city services in order to balance the budget? Shouldn’t we be looking there first?
We at the stoop join in Chrissie’s call for city council to vote “no” for this expenditure. Let’s hope the thinking members of city council choose to vote against resolution 5 lr and start us on the road to real fiscal responsibility.
As a bonus…let’s stop hitting up corporations for sponsorships of the failing Heritage Days and the alleged Trenton “Jazz Festival” and instead put that money to work keeping our libraries open. At least until we get a new, higher functioning library board that finds ways to augment the city’s contribution to it’s operating expenses.
Trenton is flat broke. The city is looking at a significant budget deficit and the administration has asked all departments to cut their budgets by 10%.
But when is the administration going to tighten its fiscal belt?
We talk about maybe having to charge to use city pools next summer; furloughing police dogs; and possibly closing libraries. But there is never a mention of the administration cutting back on its expenditures.
For instance, this item from Thursday’s council docket:
Resolution
5lr - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 ET. SEQ. TO JOSEPH A. ALACQUA, ESQUIRE, 112 JOHNSON ROAD, TURNERSVILLE, NEW JERSEY 08012 TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES REGARDING MUNICIPAL LAW. (In an amount not to exceed $95,000)
For those who haven’t been following this, Mr. Alacqua serves as “special counsel” to the city, providing legal advice and guidance. Mr. Alacqua is in attendance at most City Council meetings as is the City Attorney, Ms. Denise Lyles.
Why, you might reasonably ask, do we need a “special counsel” at $95,000 per year when we have a City Attorney and legal staff who is already on the city payroll and who are city residents?
Blogger Greg Forester has addressed this several times, most recently here. As he points out, Mr. Alacqua is not the only attorney handling legal work for the city via special services contract. Just look at the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent with outside law firms to fight the Santiago residency case…tax dollars spent to argue both sides of the case!!!!
(Note: as this is written, word is coming in that the judges ruled 3-0 against the former police director).
Now what if we took some of that money going outside the city for special services contracts and put it into keeping our library’s open (read the Times article on this).
Or what if we applied that money to the recreation department budget so the parks can be better maintained?
You get the point. How far could we go cutting the administration’s expenditures before we need to reduce city services in order to balance the budget? Shouldn’t we be looking there first?
We at the stoop join in Chrissie’s call for city council to vote “no” for this expenditure. Let’s hope the thinking members of city council choose to vote against resolution 5 lr and start us on the road to real fiscal responsibility.
As a bonus…let’s stop hitting up corporations for sponsorships of the failing Heritage Days and the alleged Trenton “Jazz Festival” and instead put that money to work keeping our libraries open. At least until we get a new, higher functioning library board that finds ways to augment the city’s contribution to it’s operating expenses.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Oh please!
Cash strapped police department wastes resources on show and tell for media.
[Former] Police Director Joe Santiago called a press conference Monday afternoon to trot out his latest initiative for improving public safety in Trenton.
Word around town was that members of the TAC unit were detailed to ferry patrol cars back and forth from a Hamilton Township carwash (what was the matter with the one here in Trenton?) so they would look spiffy for the dog and pony show.
Apparently, the program for the media circus was to announce the deployment of the newest officers to assignments in various hotspots around town. For the benefit of the assembled media, the rookies were all called in early, along with their sergeants and lieutenants and paid four hours overtime each, so they could make a show of leaping into their cars and rushing off to their assignments.
What happened to our fiscal responsibility and having to cut expenses by 10%? What about the fact that we are so short of labor we have had to disband the Narcotics Enforcement Team?
As if that was not bad enough, the concept of the initiative being touted involves teaming up the newest officers fresh from the academy and putting them on the streets to patrol without the benefit of seasoned officers at their side to guide them.
As we understand it, while there will be Sergeants and Lieutenants supervising these teams, the rookies will be paired with each other and put on the street to sink or swim.
This whole episode was just a waste of our scant resources and the new initiative puts the newest, most vulnerable members of the department at increased risk for harm.
Way to go, Joe!
[Former] Police Director Joe Santiago called a press conference Monday afternoon to trot out his latest initiative for improving public safety in Trenton.
Word around town was that members of the TAC unit were detailed to ferry patrol cars back and forth from a Hamilton Township carwash (what was the matter with the one here in Trenton?) so they would look spiffy for the dog and pony show.
Apparently, the program for the media circus was to announce the deployment of the newest officers to assignments in various hotspots around town. For the benefit of the assembled media, the rookies were all called in early, along with their sergeants and lieutenants and paid four hours overtime each, so they could make a show of leaping into their cars and rushing off to their assignments.
What happened to our fiscal responsibility and having to cut expenses by 10%? What about the fact that we are so short of labor we have had to disband the Narcotics Enforcement Team?
As if that was not bad enough, the concept of the initiative being touted involves teaming up the newest officers fresh from the academy and putting them on the streets to patrol without the benefit of seasoned officers at their side to guide them.
As we understand it, while there will be Sergeants and Lieutenants supervising these teams, the rookies will be paired with each other and put on the street to sink or swim.
This whole episode was just a waste of our scant resources and the new initiative puts the newest, most vulnerable members of the department at increased risk for harm.
Way to go, Joe!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Crime Time Shoot Out
What they hell are they thinking at 225 N. Clinton Avenue and 319 E. State Street?
Sunday, June 29, 2008 marks the end of the Narcotics Enforcement Team (commonly referred to as Vice Squad). In a move allegedly aimed at maximizing manpower and reducing costs (those pesky budgetary concerns, don’t you know), the members of this unit are being reassigned to the TAC (Tactical Anti-Crime) squads.
This just doesn’t make sense in any way, shape, or form.
South Ward Councilman Jim Coston addressed some of this in today’s blog. The Councilman makes a very simple and clear argument that the phasing out of vice as well as canine units for their alleged cost savings is just so much (and he’s way too polite and polished to say it this way) “B.S.!”
Coston, along with Councilmen Bethea, Melone and Segura, are also leading the charge in requesting that the NJ State Police be asked to come in and supplement the understaffed and overwhelmed Trenton Police Department.
Councilpersons Lartigue, Pintella and Staton don’t appear to be as ready to challenge either the decision to eliminate vice and reduce the canine unit to nothing or the refusal of the police and city administrations to ask for help from the State Police. To be fair, this stance is not all that surprising since none of the three are known for their willingness to go against the whims and will of City Hall.
The big question is:
We hear all the time that “crime is down” yet even Councilman Pintella has questioned why he still witnesses open air drug dealing as he makes his way about town. Most of us have been the victim of a crime, know a victim of a crime or are but a few degrees of separation from the victim of a crime in Trenton in the last five years.
Most of us, as Councilman Melone has pointed out repeatedly, do not feel safer now than we did five years ago.
In the face of all this it is absurd that the Mayor has allowed Mr. Santiago to whittle away at the ability of the police to protect and serve the public by a series of poor management decisions.
If, as we are told constantly, drug sales are what drive crime in the city, why have we dismantled the very team that was responsible for responding to reports of drug activity through investigation, observation, and subsequent action?
If, as we are told, manpower is short (and on this point we all agree), why are we wasting resources having officers stand on downtown corners three times each week day, leaving patrols short handed?
We always felt the horse patrols were an unwise move that the city could ill-afford. Now they have been discontinued due to “budgetary” considerations…but we are still paying for the upkeep of the unused horses? Why?!?!
And we’re cutting out the canine units because of their cost?
If Mr. Santiago can’t or won’t see the flaws in his thinking, than it is up to the Mayor to point them out and have them corrected.
The fact that Mr. Palmer doesn’t see these flaws is but another indication of how detached and unfocused he is on Trenton.
And if all of the above isn’t bad enough, Palmer and Santiago steadfastly deny that Trenton needs or would benefit from the presence of the State Police in Trenton.
State Senator Shirley Turner has called for the State Police to come in and help out.
Councilmen Bethea, Coston, Melone and Segura continue to call for the same.
And now the public seems to be raising its collective voice with a similar opinion.
Through it all, the Mayor and his [former] Police Director maintain that we are wrong.
The State Police are not trained in “urban policing” we’re told.
The cost would be prohibitive.
Crime is down, we don’t need their help.
It’s painfully obvious that if Palmer and Santiago accept help from the State Police it would be an admission that they have failed to provide the most basic level of public safety to the citizens of Trenton.
Well, these two suit-clad egos should sit up and take notice. They have failed.
It is time to get serious about dealing with the realities and perception of crime in Trenton. Let’s bring in the State Police, reconstitute the vice squad and retain and rebuild the canine unit. Let’s sell off the cute horses and all their tack, and let’s focus our resources on bringing law and order back to Trenton.
And that includes removing the criminally negligent from City Hall and Police Headquarters.
Sunday, June 29, 2008 marks the end of the Narcotics Enforcement Team (commonly referred to as Vice Squad). In a move allegedly aimed at maximizing manpower and reducing costs (those pesky budgetary concerns, don’t you know), the members of this unit are being reassigned to the TAC (Tactical Anti-Crime) squads.
This just doesn’t make sense in any way, shape, or form.
South Ward Councilman Jim Coston addressed some of this in today’s blog. The Councilman makes a very simple and clear argument that the phasing out of vice as well as canine units for their alleged cost savings is just so much (and he’s way too polite and polished to say it this way) “B.S.!”
Coston, along with Councilmen Bethea, Melone and Segura, are also leading the charge in requesting that the NJ State Police be asked to come in and supplement the understaffed and overwhelmed Trenton Police Department.
Councilpersons Lartigue, Pintella and Staton don’t appear to be as ready to challenge either the decision to eliminate vice and reduce the canine unit to nothing or the refusal of the police and city administrations to ask for help from the State Police. To be fair, this stance is not all that surprising since none of the three are known for their willingness to go against the whims and will of City Hall.
The big question is:
“Why are the Mayor and [former] Police Director Santiago so adamantly working to stifle true progress in making Trenton safer for those of us already here and those they swear will come to the many (as yet to be realized) high profile development projects?”
We hear all the time that “crime is down” yet even Councilman Pintella has questioned why he still witnesses open air drug dealing as he makes his way about town. Most of us have been the victim of a crime, know a victim of a crime or are but a few degrees of separation from the victim of a crime in Trenton in the last five years.
Most of us, as Councilman Melone has pointed out repeatedly, do not feel safer now than we did five years ago.
In the face of all this it is absurd that the Mayor has allowed Mr. Santiago to whittle away at the ability of the police to protect and serve the public by a series of poor management decisions.
If, as we are told constantly, drug sales are what drive crime in the city, why have we dismantled the very team that was responsible for responding to reports of drug activity through investigation, observation, and subsequent action?
If, as we are told, manpower is short (and on this point we all agree), why are we wasting resources having officers stand on downtown corners three times each week day, leaving patrols short handed?
We always felt the horse patrols were an unwise move that the city could ill-afford. Now they have been discontinued due to “budgetary” considerations…but we are still paying for the upkeep of the unused horses? Why?!?!
And we’re cutting out the canine units because of their cost?
If Mr. Santiago can’t or won’t see the flaws in his thinking, than it is up to the Mayor to point them out and have them corrected.
The fact that Mr. Palmer doesn’t see these flaws is but another indication of how detached and unfocused he is on Trenton.
And if all of the above isn’t bad enough, Palmer and Santiago steadfastly deny that Trenton needs or would benefit from the presence of the State Police in Trenton.
State Senator Shirley Turner has called for the State Police to come in and help out.
Councilmen Bethea, Coston, Melone and Segura continue to call for the same.
And now the public seems to be raising its collective voice with a similar opinion.
Through it all, the Mayor and his [former] Police Director maintain that we are wrong.
The State Police are not trained in “urban policing” we’re told.
The cost would be prohibitive.
Crime is down, we don’t need their help.
It’s painfully obvious that if Palmer and Santiago accept help from the State Police it would be an admission that they have failed to provide the most basic level of public safety to the citizens of Trenton.
Well, these two suit-clad egos should sit up and take notice. They have failed.
It is time to get serious about dealing with the realities and perception of crime in Trenton. Let’s bring in the State Police, reconstitute the vice squad and retain and rebuild the canine unit. Let’s sell off the cute horses and all their tack, and let’s focus our resources on bringing law and order back to Trenton.
And that includes removing the criminally negligent from City Hall and Police Headquarters.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Greenhouse gas
Palmer spews toxic vapors
It was tempting to author and publish a lengthy screed about Doug Palmer's continuing efforts to develop the image and success of Doug Palmer. Instead, here are some published comments issued by the man himself.
You decide if there is substance here or just a contribution to global warming:
See Greg Forester's blog for commentary and context.
Now that Palmer has thrown his lot in with Senator Obama’s presidential campaign, he’s accepting suggestions that he has this to say about the Senator’s proposed Federal Urban Policy Director.
Check out TrentonKat's blog for Palmer's latest public appearance on behalf of environmental efficiency.
More inane remarks are credited to Palmer in an article about the train wreck of a public meeting held at city hall on Wednesday night. The topic was the development plan for the area around the transit station and the meeting was heavily promoted to the community with remarks by the Mayor on the printed agenda. After first being told Palmer wouldn't be there, he slipped in and addressed the crowd gathered in the atrium.
Guess he forgot about the K. Hovnanian land grab around the ill-fated Champale site development in South Trenton.
In an effort to allay fears that plans will proceed without public input, Palmer suggests that a committee will be formed with members from the community.
We've got a suggestion on how Mr. Palmer can enhance his reputation as a Green-thinking Mayor.
He should keep his mouth shut.
It was tempting to author and publish a lengthy screed about Doug Palmer's continuing efforts to develop the image and success of Doug Palmer. Instead, here are some published comments issued by the man himself.
You decide if there is substance here or just a contribution to global warming:
"My focus entirely is always Trenton," Palmer said. (Times of Trenton, Friday, 6/27/08)
See Greg Forester's blog for commentary and context.
Now that Palmer has thrown his lot in with Senator Obama’s presidential campaign, he’s accepting suggestions that he has this to say about the Senator’s proposed Federal Urban Policy Director.
"That should certainly be an individual who's right in tune with the mayors," Palmer said.
"If there's any way that I can help my city and certainly the country, I wouldn't rule it out."
Check out TrentonKat's blog for Palmer's latest public appearance on behalf of environmental efficiency.
More inane remarks are credited to Palmer in an article about the train wreck of a public meeting held at city hall on Wednesday night. The topic was the development plan for the area around the transit station and the meeting was heavily promoted to the community with remarks by the Mayor on the printed agenda. After first being told Palmer wouldn't be there, he slipped in and addressed the crowd gathered in the atrium.
Palmer said the city hasn't condemned many houses since he became mayor, pointing to new houses around the Battle Monument as an example of the city working with neighbors. "We're going to make sure you're not kicked out of here," he said to a concerned resident.
Guess he forgot about the K. Hovnanian land grab around the ill-fated Champale site development in South Trenton.
In an effort to allay fears that plans will proceed without public input, Palmer suggests that a committee will be formed with members from the community.
It will be modeled on a committee formed to provide advice on the Lamberton Street Redevelopment Area after residents objected to a plan for the South Trenton neighborhood, Palmer said.Seems to me that occurred only after some high profile protests against the plan.
We've got a suggestion on how Mr. Palmer can enhance his reputation as a Green-thinking Mayor.
He should keep his mouth shut.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The train of progress derailed
The city held a highly promoted, open invite session to discuss the development plan for the area around the train station.
In a flyer widely circulated to and through the city's various civic groups. The text of the flyer clearly stated that Trenton's Mayor would be present.
The crowd response was not, to be kind, understanding.
After all the recent fuss over the potential of losing two incredible Victorian mansions and a very busy and popular gas station for one of the proposed development schemes in the area, people had turned out to have their say about the hows and wherefores of any redevelopment in the train station area.
Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Mr. Palmer suddenly materialized while his Housing and Economic Development Director was foundering at the podium. Summoned, no doubt, by a text message or two from City Council President and Palmer protege, Paul "I never met a PowerPoint presentation I didn't like" Pintella, the Mayor made a very ill-prepared and feeble attempt to defuse some of the palpable tension in the room.
Too bad. Too late.
Mr.Palmer showed his true disinterest in true progress for the city he purports to lead. He alienated everyone from Walnut Avenue to Mill Hill and beyond with his callous and uninformed approach to this "key project" in Trenton's rebirth.
Do you need any more evidence of what is really important to Douglas H. Palmer?
It certainly isn't the well being of the citizens or a rationed approach to economic development.
Doug, your cover has been blown. Why not admit it, you no longer care about anything other than furthering your own career in the spotlight.
Looks like you missed the train on this one.
In a flyer widely circulated to and through the city's various civic groups. The text of the flyer clearly stated that Trenton's Mayor would be present.
Brief Remarks by: Mayor Palmer & the Department of Housing & Economic DevelopmentInteresting how, at the outset, Director of Housing and Economic Development, Sassa Montano announced to the gathering that Mr. Palmer would not be attending.
The crowd response was not, to be kind, understanding.
After all the recent fuss over the potential of losing two incredible Victorian mansions and a very busy and popular gas station for one of the proposed development schemes in the area, people had turned out to have their say about the hows and wherefores of any redevelopment in the train station area.
Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Mr. Palmer suddenly materialized while his Housing and Economic Development Director was foundering at the podium. Summoned, no doubt, by a text message or two from City Council President and Palmer protege, Paul "I never met a PowerPoint presentation I didn't like" Pintella, the Mayor made a very ill-prepared and feeble attempt to defuse some of the palpable tension in the room.
Too bad. Too late.
Mr.Palmer showed his true disinterest in true progress for the city he purports to lead. He alienated everyone from Walnut Avenue to Mill Hill and beyond with his callous and uninformed approach to this "key project" in Trenton's rebirth.
Do you need any more evidence of what is really important to Douglas H. Palmer?
It certainly isn't the well being of the citizens or a rationed approach to economic development.
Doug, your cover has been blown. Why not admit it, you no longer care about anything other than furthering your own career in the spotlight.
Looks like you missed the train on this one.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stuck at Broad and Hamilton with the Memphis blues again
Elkington/Performa sued over Beale Street money; two years behind in Jackson MS
Summer is here and things have been quiet over at the “Foundry” site opposite the Sovereign Bank Arena.
There is no residential/entertainment development to attract that hip, partying crowd of young folks with expendable incomes.
There is not even a construction trailer on the site. The old American Wire Rope plant Building 4 still sits alone, a brick island in a sea of asphalt.
Where is the highly anticipated Performa development that was going to turn that corner of Trenton into the region’s premier entertainment complex?
Nowhere.
And why is that?
Ask Mr. Elkington or one of his partners and they would undoubtedly tell us that it has to do with the economy and the mortgage crisis. And they are not unreasonable excuses.
The thinking here on the stoop is a little different. Based upon Mr. Elkington and Company’s track record in Jackson, Mississippi (read the Clarion Ledger’s article from last week), we think they are spread too thin and can’t get any financing to move any of their projects forward.
Of course, Mr. Elkington thinks it is the Mayor of Jackson's fault for all the negative comments that have been made about Performa's lack of performance!
Couple with that, the fact that the Beale Street Development Corporation went to court earlier this week to sue Elkington for $10,000,000 and you have the makings of the collapse of the Performa house of cards.
Performa has managed Memphis' Beale Street district since 1982, but somehow the Development Corporation and ultimately, the city of Memphis, have not seen one penny in revenues. Elkington has been trying to get copy-cat developments off the ground in cities like Jackson, Trenton and most recently Birmingham, Alabama. More and more questions about Elkington's ability to bring any of these projects to fruition are being asked.
It has been six years that the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA), with the approval of the City of Trenton, has been dancing with this project. It is time to put it to rest.
Some say it is the only thing out there; Elkington is the only one to come forward with a plan, so we must continue on. The location is too valuable to let sit fallow.
We say it was an ill-conceived, faulty plan from the start that has only gotten worse as time goes on. It is obvious that Mr. Elkington is in no position to proceed with this (and may not be for quite some time). He should be relieved of his claims on the property immediately so that, when the economy does turn, we can find a developer with a common sense, workable and self-funded plan for the parcel.
We have said it before and we will say it again, Trenton does not need and obviously cannot support this kind of concentration of chain and franchise bars, clubs and restaurants. Even if it was built and opened tomorrow, can you imagine trying to keep the patrons under control at peak times with the limited police resources the city currently has. This entertainment complex is doomed fail.
Let’s grow up and get over our frat boy dreams of living in New Orleans North and seek out more rationale and fitting developments for our capital city.
Let’s bid adieu to Mr. Elkington and company. Now.
Summer is here and things have been quiet over at the “Foundry” site opposite the Sovereign Bank Arena.
There is no residential/entertainment development to attract that hip, partying crowd of young folks with expendable incomes.
There is not even a construction trailer on the site. The old American Wire Rope plant Building 4 still sits alone, a brick island in a sea of asphalt.
Where is the highly anticipated Performa development that was going to turn that corner of Trenton into the region’s premier entertainment complex?
Nowhere.
And why is that?
Ask Mr. Elkington or one of his partners and they would undoubtedly tell us that it has to do with the economy and the mortgage crisis. And they are not unreasonable excuses.
The thinking here on the stoop is a little different. Based upon Mr. Elkington and Company’s track record in Jackson, Mississippi (read the Clarion Ledger’s article from last week), we think they are spread too thin and can’t get any financing to move any of their projects forward.
Of course, Mr. Elkington thinks it is the Mayor of Jackson's fault for all the negative comments that have been made about Performa's lack of performance!
Couple with that, the fact that the Beale Street Development Corporation went to court earlier this week to sue Elkington for $10,000,000 and you have the makings of the collapse of the Performa house of cards.
Performa has managed Memphis' Beale Street district since 1982, but somehow the Development Corporation and ultimately, the city of Memphis, have not seen one penny in revenues. Elkington has been trying to get copy-cat developments off the ground in cities like Jackson, Trenton and most recently Birmingham, Alabama. More and more questions about Elkington's ability to bring any of these projects to fruition are being asked.
It has been six years that the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA), with the approval of the City of Trenton, has been dancing with this project. It is time to put it to rest.
Some say it is the only thing out there; Elkington is the only one to come forward with a plan, so we must continue on. The location is too valuable to let sit fallow.
We say it was an ill-conceived, faulty plan from the start that has only gotten worse as time goes on. It is obvious that Mr. Elkington is in no position to proceed with this (and may not be for quite some time). He should be relieved of his claims on the property immediately so that, when the economy does turn, we can find a developer with a common sense, workable and self-funded plan for the parcel.
We have said it before and we will say it again, Trenton does not need and obviously cannot support this kind of concentration of chain and franchise bars, clubs and restaurants. Even if it was built and opened tomorrow, can you imagine trying to keep the patrons under control at peak times with the limited police resources the city currently has. This entertainment complex is doomed fail.
Let’s grow up and get over our frat boy dreams of living in New Orleans North and seek out more rationale and fitting developments for our capital city.
Let’s bid adieu to Mr. Elkington and company. Now.
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