Trenton Elections an Editorial Commentary February 11, 2018
Recently in a conversation someone made this statement. “WOW what a time in which we live!” When I heard that I paused for a moment and thought, indeed I agree.
We are in unprecedented times on the national/global level when no one has any idea what each day will bring regarding President Trump and members of his administration. I believe most people are uncertain, confused, disappointed, upset, frustrated and or scared regarding the actions at the federal level and this includes all parties involved.
We have been trained to look at elected officials with a certain amount of respect with the President having the top position. I believe this training is now being challenged and all parties involved have no answers to the current state of affairs other than pointing to the “other people” as the problem. These counter efforts have resulted in creating a state of ignorance among the population leading people to move into the silo’s of their own lives. My faith as a Christian teaches that hell is separation from God. Therefore I consider this mentality and action as putting oneself into into a hellish place. Maybe that’s why I seek the company of other humans. More on that at another time.
When I consider the hellish place people are putting themselves into regarding the forthcoming 2018 Trenton Elections for Mayor and Council I want to scream the loudest for them to not retreat to the silo, to not think their opinions and concerns don’t matter. In fact they do and in the next few months the power of those opinions and concerns will be at the highest level.
I apologize if you have heard this in the past but it is so telling and revealing. In New Jersey’s Capital City, Trenton we have a population of ~80k with ~40k eligible to vote. In the 2014 Elections only ~10k exercised that privilege! When we consider the current state of life in Trenton I would think this is an area that needs to be addressed. Remember the efforts of the Civil Rights movement and what those men and women endured for the privileges we have today. Can you comfortably think being in a “silo” is what they would have wanted and or appreciate for what they sacrificed?
As of February 11th 2018 we have over 25 people who have picked up petitions from the Trenton Clerk’s Office and publically announced they are seeking an elected position either for Mayor or Council. I am fortunate that I know and have spent time with most of people on the list. To the ones I have not had the pleasure of meeting I look forward to our time together. The aforementioned people have been cordial and fair to me in person, quite helpful and informative when needed. I expect this is how they treat everyone.
Being a “good person” is not the only criteria one should expect of an Elected Official or a Candidate for office. I encourage you to consider the tasks at hand and consider what position the individuals are running on, their platform.
The Candidates platform should answer many of your personal concerns, if not ask them! Maybe they do not have an answer and if so you need to know this. Everyone will know the “buzz words” or talking points to appease the masses. Some of those “buzz words” or talking points will be;
Better schools, better safety, bringing in new business, quality of life issues, lowering taxes, abandoned buildings, gentrification etc. All of these are great and I think if you ask members of this and the previous administrations they would all agree of the importance of these subjects, if so what happened? Why are we in this current situation? That is a question you could ask of the incumbents.
I am conducting recorded 1 on 1 chats with all of the announced Candidates who accept my invitation. Through a partnership with Filmmaker Will Foskey these conversations will be distributed through the Bridge The Vote Facebook Page as well as Trenton 365 and other networks.
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