Impressions From First Meet and Greet

We had such a terrific response to the Meet and Greet project here at Pellettieri Homes that we had to schedule over three different days. Wednesday's first session highlighted Mayoral candidates Frank Weeden, Manny Segura, Annette Lartigue, Tony Mack and North Ward Council candidate Marge Caldwell-Wilson. We were surprised at the real differences in approaching issues.

Frank Weeden came with shirtsleeves rolled up and his trademark knapsack, for all the world, like Trenton's Johnny Appleseed. He would like to plant new businesses in the city and develop abandoned real estate. He believes in the public school system and supports the election of school board members. Frank also believes in supporting the hiring of former prisoners. The process of returning to society after serving time is a challenge that employers can make easier by showing enough confidence in an individual to hire him.

Manny Segura is presently a Councilman at Large. His vision for Trenton includes a vocational school in order to have an alternative to the present college oriented public school system. Manny believes the most important element is "Safety, safety, safety!" He believes that investors will come into the city if they feel safe, teachers in the schools will teach more thoroughly, parents will move their families here if they feel safe. When asked about the Capital Aid question, he responded, "Governor, you come here to work every day. You come to my house every day. Together, you and I will fix this."

Annette Lartigue is West Ward Councilwoman. With two decades in Social Work, she has a unique perspective on this city. She thinks the present public school system is not preparing youngsters for their future. She favors a mentoring program that targets vulnerable 8th and 9th grades students. As to rehabilitating prisoners, "We have to create a re-entry program to let them back into the public community to be productive."

Tony Mack acknowleged our senior audience by promising that the several closed senior centers will be reopened. He also would like to implement school recreation programs. TV and the internet have made negative options available to a whole generation of youth, things that otherwise never would have occurred to them. He thinks that "beat cops", foot patrolmen, should be brought back to make the streets safer. He referred to Colin Powell's drop out prevention program and plans to model one for Trenton.

Marge Caldwell-Wilson is hoping to represent the North Ward as Councilwoman. Her ideas include a more open form of government. She is concerned about the rotting houses, broken streets, the proposed busing for public schools and proposes a buddy system for seniors. She wants to inspire volunteer efforts because they do not cost taxpayers money. This also involves the community because as she says, "You are only as strong as the community behind you."

Whew! We are looking forward to next Wednesday's Meet and Greet which is set for 7 pm. All are welcome.

Trenton rocks.