Funny Trenton

Having checked out Robert Chilison's blog, I had to wade in. There was much about the last council meeting that made one think of a new TV reality show - "Thursday Nite Live." At some later date, I will explain my feelings re power point presentations and anything that takes longer than ten minutes to explain. But the best part of the council meeting was the Trentonian who claims to be a separate nation within a nation and does not want his birth certificate available to anyone including him. This man has been before council in the past; each time he rambles on, I wonder if he truly appreciates what a birth certificate is. First, it is proof you were born; second, that you were born an American citizen; and third, it is proof positive who your parents (especially father) were. Then there was the lady who is a psychic - I lost the thread of her comments - but it put in mind of West State Street by the State House. Has anyone ever noticed that directly across the street is a Tarot card reader? Do you think our elected officials flit over there to ask Madam Zarkov for adivice? Just wondering.

Positive Trenton

For quite awhile we've been hearing about the change to Chambersburg; the Italians are gone along with most of the popular Italian restaurants. This is true, but I believe it is a positive thing. Why? Because the fact the Italian population is gone means that they no longer have to live in Chambersburg; they can afford houses in Hiltonia, Lawrence, Princeton, wherever. They've moved from immigrant to middle/upper middle class America. Hispanics have moved in - the new immigrants. I'm sure they will be also be gone in fifty years or so (maybe sooner). The super Italian restaurants are being replaced by super Hispanic restaurants. I've eaten in six so far and found the food to be great in all six. I did have a problem with one place; the wait staff did not speak English so I pointed to what I wanted. This is something else to like about Trenton - good Hispanic food.

Accenuate the Positive?

Sorry, I hit the wrong button a few seconds ago. For a long time, I heard what is wrong with Trenton (and God knows it is a long, long list), but I started to think about why I am still in Trenton. When my husband died, and I called my mother to tell her, she asked, "you'll be coming home, won't you?" I told her I would stay here in Trenton. At that moment, my main reason was that my mother, who was a wonderful, generous, thoughtful lady, was too concerned about the comings and goings of her daughters. Here in Trenton I was free of her questions. BUT, as time passed I realized why I liked, even loved, Trenton. First, the people. Trentonians are basically warm, friendly types. Then there was my neighborhood; I liked it, I still do. Trenton is full of great neighborhoods with great architecture. I still enjoy driving down different streets to admire the housing stock. Of course there is the history; Trenton crawls with history. Not that Long Island doesn't have history, it does but not as concentrated as here in Trenton. But my favorite thing about Trenton is that is so easy to become involved. It is easy to reach out to elected officials and speak with them. More Trentonians should take advantage of this ease. I've met such interesting people. The strength of Trenton is Trentonians!! More musings to follow. Happy New Year!

Accentuate the Positive?

Let It Snow

Good morning! It's been awhile, but this is a time for an update. First, the negative. Here in New Jersey, we recently decided to have a lt. governor so the senate president would not wear two hats should the governor be away. OK. Made sense. We have a lieutenant governor with a salary, staff, pension, etc. BUT both Kim and Chris are away so Steve Sweeney is acting governor! Why did we bother? Personally, I feel if the governor decides to leave the state, the lieutenant governor must stay in New Jersey. Is it fair? Who knows, but RHIP!! Now the positive. Neighbors. During the last 24 hours my neighbors have been a goodsend. The front of my house has been shoveled and salted, my car brought back, and a good portion of the street cleared for parking. Special thanks to Michael Ley, Jason Neill, and Brian Nugent. Yesterday afternoon, Michael Ley and his lovely wife asked all the residents if anything was needed - you know the drill, milk, bread, toilet paper. They then took the lists and went shopping. Ever since moving to Trenton 25 years ago, I noticed a true sense of being a neighbor; this is, I believe, a Trentonian strong point. We are a lucky to live in such a culture. Stay warm. Remember, "After winter follows green May." PHS

The Lt. Governor is WRONG to request that the dig at the Petty's Run site be filled in! I called Senator Turner's office yesterday to express my displeasure; I suggest everyone else do the same. The senator does listen. Take care.

For many years, I considered George Washington to be more lucky than intelligent, but he made a very intelligent decision that I admire. When it was time to build a capital city, he formed the District of Columbia. It stands alone. No state is responsible. Perhaps it is time to form the District of New Jersey (or whatever). Simply remove the area occupied by state government to a separate district. Since the government will no longer be in Trenton, Trenton need no longer worry about the amount of property tax money we do not receive. I've never held the state government responsible for Trenton's financial woes; every weekday I drive downtown and see the people walking around most of whom are state employees), I realize the city would be dead without them. If you don't agree, drive through downtown Trenton on a Saturday morning. Further, take a good look at West Street from Calhoun to Willow. It is a lovely section; lots of flowers in the spring, well kept buildings. And I am still trying to find out the percentage of property in Trenton owned by the city, i.e., Cadwaladar Park, the schools, city hall, the neighborhood parks, etc. Have a nice day.