Think, Tony, Think

Well the mayor of Hamilton has been convicted (and rather quickly, too) and has resigned.  If I were the Honorable Mayor, I'd been scared out my wits.  John Bencivengo was found guilty of taking some $12,500.  Our Honorable Mayor is suspected of taking over $100,000.  If I were the Honorable Mayor, I'd be sitting down with my lawyer; I'd tell him to get me the best deal possible.  Of course the Honorable Mayor will most likely not do that. 

Blogolanders, in about year, people will be popping up to announce they are running for mayor (and for council).  A few have already expressed interest.  When they hold their debates/meet & greets, forget where they were born and raised or went to high school.  Ask them what plans they have for city and how they mean to accomplish these plans.  Demand specific answers.  Then vote for the ones who can answer.  Then we might just have a city government that functions and moves us forward.  But all of that is up to you.

Time to Take a Bite Out of Crime

Hello, Blogolanders.  I was not at Tuesday Live because of car issues; The Kid suggested I have the spark plugs checked, and he was right.  This morning, my faithful mechanic, Paul Eaton, replaced the plugs and the wires so all is now well.  I did watch Rob Chilson's video so I realize one after another citizen spoke about the crime in the city of Trenton.  Yes, there is a lot of crime in Trenton.  And sadly, whenever large groups of people live together, there is crime.  I'm not sure the answer is more police.  Blogolanders, we could have a police force of 5,000 men and women, and we would still have crime.  Why?  Because far too many Trentonians engage in what can only be called anti-social behavior.  Here's what I'm talking about.  Take Glen Afton - one of Trenton's finer neighborhoods.  How many drive by shootings take place?  How many, "quality of life issues," take place such as open air drug dealing?  Floating dice games?  Gang members hanging on corners?  Damn few.  Because the residents do not engage in anti-social behavior.  No one gets hysterical because someone,
"disrespected," them.  In fact, few even care  You have a beef with a neighbor, you stop talking to them; you cross their name off the Christmas card list; you don't invite them to your parties.  That's it. 

It can be done.  Several years ago, just after a blizzard, two of my neighbors got into a verbal snipping match about shoveling snow.  Neither pulled a gun to shoot the other; they just ignored each other.  And we need more of that in Trenton.  Get the word out there are socially acceptable ways of expressing anger without killing. 

I would suggest that Councilman Bethea worry less about McDonald's and more about the kids who leave Trenton Central High and beat some kid up on the way home just for laughs.  Get the word out that this is unacceptable behavior.  I would also look to the parents and ask what values are they using to raise their kids.  Another example from South Trenton.  One of my neighbors had a Mercedes; my next door neighbor's kid was bounching his basketball off her car one afternoon.  She came outside and asked him to stop.  His answer, "Mind you own business, f###k face."  So my neighbor crossed the street and knocked on the door and explained to the kid's mother what happened.  The mother's reaction, "He's a boy.  They talk that way when they get annoyed."  Far too many kids in Trenton are raised with that attitude. 

Until most Trentonians adjust their behavior or insist that their kids adjust their behavior, crime will conintue no matter how police officers we have.  Don't believe me?  Just check out places like Lawrenceville or Princeton where anti-social behavior is kept to a minimum.  Thank about it.

The Honorable Mayor Speaks

Yesterday's open meeting with our Honorable Mayor actually began on time!  The Honorable Mayor began by stating this was not to be a monologue but a dialogue.  Twenty minutes later, a member of the public had to remind him.  Blogolanders, I am not a fan of the Honorable Mayor; he has proved a huge disappointment, and yesterday he proved to be unbelievably stupid.  A few people tossed questions at him about his current legal problems.  And the Honorable Mayor seemed ready to answer - oh, sure, with the usual, "I'm innocent until proven guilty...."  The Honorable Mayor has yet to learn that unless his attorney is with him - do not discuss your legal issues. 

And Blogolanders - there is a big difference between an indictment and conviction.  The Honorable Mayor may well be indicted, but unless he's convicted, we're stuck with him.  And he doesn't have to have, "plans," because the Faulkner Act explains what happens when the mayor resigns, dies, disappears, etc. 

This is not my best posting. 

Thank You!

Hello, Blogolanders.  This is just an intro.  The City of Trenton owes that irresponsible blogger, Jim Carlucci a large vote of thanks.  During the last several days, it was he who kept us in the loop.  And his posted info was accurate!  Jim serves his community, that's you and me, without hope of reward or even acknowledgement.  If you see Jim, please add your thanks to mine.  Later.

Available Freebie

Blogolanders, I have two tickets to the US Marine Band concert at the War Memorial on Saturday, October 27.  I can't use them.  Seating starts at 6:30; the concert itself at 7:30.  These concerts are very enjoyable AND free.  If anyone wants the tickets, please let me know via the blog site, and I will get them to you.  Thanks so much. 

Think of His Family

While I tend to support the idea of cutting the Honorable Mayor's salary, I realize there are some strong arguments against such a move.  Some are valid.  One such is that future councils may decide to cut the salary as a way of controlling the mayor.  Another that such a move would cost the city more in legal fees because the Honorable Mayor would sue.  Maybe.  But the city council has the legal right to set the mayor's salary AND the Honorable Mayor did state publically that he loved his position so much that he would hold it for free.  I say take him at his word - maybe for once he is telling the truth.  One argument that holds no water is that the Honorable Mayor has a wife and four children to support.  Who cares?  Blogolanders, do you really believe that the FBI discussed the fact that arresting the Honorable Mayor would embarrass his wife and children?  Nah....   Maybe a cut in salary will demonstrate to the Mack family that when you play in poop, you pay.  If his salary is cut, perhaps it will get Tony Mack's attention.  Maybe he will realize he screwed up.  I doubt it, but it is worth a try. 

It's About Time

Bear with me, Blogolanders, I'm on a roll.  Last evening and Tuesday evening, the council chamber was very nearly packed with Trentonians.  While I did not agree with much that was said, I was truly happy to see so many people there.  May it continue.  By the way, From the Front Stoop published a valuable piece on conduct when addressing council.  The secret is courtesy and consideration for others.  Council would be well advised to make the three minute limit official. 

And, while I did not agree with much that was said (of course many did not agree with what I said), it was good to know that we could say it without fear of a knock on the door at two in the morning.