Great Scot: Caldwell-Wilson running unopposed
While a list of potential Trenton mayoral candidates crested to eight an interesting situation develops in the city’s North Ward.
Incumbent Marge Caldwell-Wilson currently runs unopposed for her third term with no challenger in sight.
“At least not yet,” Caldwell-Wilson offered. “Unopposed may sound nice but I wouldn’t mind having a challenger. Campaigning and debating keeps you on your toes, keeps you honest.”
Caldwell-Wilson, who represents a diverse ward which also includes the city’s most successful and severely economically challenged residents, highly educated and high school dropouts, has built a coalition.
From Mill Hill to North Clinton Ave., Caldwell-Wilson cultivated a mandate through hard work, dedication and being in attendance.
Caldwell-Wilson espoused a goal to support her constituents by being available, “24-7, because you never know when something may happen that impacts someone’s life. Serving on city council is a full-time job. I work out of house. I have an aide who receives a $2,000 stipend. It’s not much.”
“I represent a good group of people, a great ward that includes a Polish section near Mulberry St., parts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, the downtown area, Centre Street and a portion of North Clinton Ave. that many people think lies in the East Ward.”
Caldwell-Wilson, Scotland-born and infused to U.S. society as a 21-year-old, explained that quality of life issues register as ultimately important.
“Things like the infrastructure, sidewalks, streets and trees matter. And encouraging people to clean up their areas is a major issue,” Caldwell-Wilson explained.
“Sure, part of this job involves sitting in meetings, talking about budgets and other items but an important aspect of my service involves supporting people who are doing good things, people who are making an impact.”
Caldwell-Wilson said her mother, Margaret, who worked as a Scottish field hand, taught her self-confidence. “She always pushed me to study hard and to defend myself. My mother was very stern, ethical and an extremely hard working person who was always there for me.”
Caldwell-Wilson’s mother served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a woman’s group that supported Scotland’s efforts in World War II.
“My mom always had time for me,” Caldwell-Wilson praised. Apparently, the time offering has seeped into the councilwoman’s agenda as she serves on several boards and finds time to attend many city events.
“I enjoy the fact that people see me just as Marge, as a person who can help them. Unopposed? Hopefully that means that the people I serve trust me. My constituents should know that I’m here to help.”
Unopposed or challenged, Marge Caldwell-Wilson has cultivated a diverse base of support that makes her a tough oust in North Ward elections.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com.