Council Candidates Weigh In

Election Day, May 11, is going to be challenging for Trenton voters. With over thirty candidates running for office, voters must be informed so they can sort out the best qualified. We hosted several At Large and North Ward Council hopefuls Wednesday evening but it was a long night for our seniors and we may have to reschedule Al Ward and Juan Martinez for a later date.

Roland Laird, North Ward Council candidate, started off our evening with his views of improving Trenton. He would like restore "neighborliness" to the city. He referred to his business experience and would like to encourage micro financing for small business startups. The state of our schools concerns him and he would like to see Health and Human Services be more involved in screening students in jeopardy before home circumstances result in truancy and lack of success. He thinks that high expectations can produce results and vocational schools might work against that.

Our second North Ward Council candidate, Divine Allah, is a 37 year old activist who thinks reaching young people is an answer to Trenton's current problems. He will work to "reconnect" the young to elders. He pointed out that our capital city has no entertainment or things to do. He suggests that the young are "supposed to think of culture and learn" and he considers himself, "I'm like a glass to be filled with wisom." When asked about his Black Panther views, he asserted that the Black Panther Party is no longer isolated in the community but "actions speak louder than words" and he uses the panther as an "icon" to motivate.

Tywannette "Missy" Balmir is candidate for one of the At Large Council seats. Her presentation was direct and emphasized the school dilemma. She referred to her experience working for Congressman Rush Holt and Mayor Palmer. She thinks that "elected leadership has the responsiblity to take care of our most vulnerable as we close the budget gap." Present challenges are "systemic" and the "success of the city impacts the success of its schools". She has an "out of the box" suggestion for the Board of Education. She proposes to set it up like the city of Camden with three Board Members elected in general election, three Board Members appointed by the Mayor, and three Board Members elected by Council.

Darren Green is also running for one of the At Large Council seats. He has considerable experience with young people and "disorderly behavior". He is presently wearing two hats as Shift Commander for the Corrections Department and Administrator of the Emily Fisher Charter School. He pointed out that many of today's trouble youth are the product of parents who themselves have never had the chance to grow up. They are very young and lack the mature skills to raise children so there is no positive role model. These youth need to be taught civility, positive values, how to be productive and here must be more parental involvement. Seniors could help by mentoring. "The old should not live in fear of the young." He thinks the city has been run into the ground and if elected, "Hold us accountable."

Our next Meet and Greet is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, April 28, at 3 pm. Pellettieri Homes is located in the Roebling Mall at 615 S. Clinton Avenue, and everyone is welcome. The lineup for Wednesday includes: Mayoral Candidates Eric Jackson, Keith Hamilton, Paul Pintella, John Harmon and Mr. Shahid Watson. We also are expecting At Large Candidates Ernest Perez Jr., Donelle M. Presha and Phyllis Holly-Ward.

Come and meet your candidates. Trenton needs your support.