Trenton Fog

That mist rolling in off the Delaware River has settled over Trenton's City Hall like that bluish black cloud that follows the actor in the ad. Instead of "feel-good" snake oil, Mayor Mack has got to take some hard medicine.

The latest police director is reported in the Trentonian to be considering a hike. Isn't there anyone in these four wards who is willing and qualified to take on the police department responsibilitiy?

The difference between a city Chief of Police and a Police Director is traditionally one of accountability. The Chief of Police is a rank of the Police Department. The Police Director is a civilian, who may be a former career police officer, but in a city with diversity issues is expected to interface between officers and civilians.

It seems to me that this city will not fill the shoes left by the dismissal of Irving Bradley, Jr. for a long, long, time. This is a position that requires brains and finess as well as a degree of integrity which should both reflect the mores of the administration and the pinnacle of police policy.

So how is it that Mayor Mack has such a hard time filling this job? He got more than he bargained for when Ernie Williams put his foot down. He has not been able to convince the DCA of the suitability of most of his potential hires. Why should we be surprised that this latest Police Director appointee is about to take a hike....

My sinking feelings are matched only by the hole in the boat that is Trenton.

I think that it is time to print more recall petitions. Getting signatures to recall this Mayor one of the last things we will be able to do without holding our noses.

Rock that boat!

Trenton rocks...