Parker: New Trenton mayor needs more than just words

City workers constructed a platform outside city hall last week for Mayor-elect Reed Gusciora and city council winners ahead of their July 1 inauguration.

Gusciora, 58, a run-off winner against Paul Perez who finished first in the initial May 11 election when neither of seven mayoral candidates garnered more than 50-plus one percent of the vote, steps forward as the city’s first openly gay mayor.

Gusciora like many mayoral predecessors, faces difficultcircumstances, especially among many African American residents who have distanced themselves from government despite the fact they have most to lose by not voting.

Gusciora must make inroads with the city’s Latino population which remains disenfranchised, although the mayor-elect made inroads Sunday with an appearance at the city’s Pura Vida Restaurant for a Guatemala volcano relief effort.

Trenton remains one of the nation’s poorest state capitals, lashed by perennial poverty and overridden by crime.

Still, first-time mayors generally produce optimism and energy as they take the oath of office.

Tony Mack referenced Sam Cooke saying “It’s been a long time coming but a change is gonna come,” after winning in 2010.

Mack, who would eventually land a federal corruption conviction and serve nearly five years in prison, garnered support from local and state Democratic political camps, including former Gov. James Florio, former Acting Gov. Dick Codey, Mayor Doug Palmer, state assembly members Bonnie Watson-Coleman and Reed Gusciora and state Sen. Shirley Turner.

Mack started the post-Palmer five-term era, with hope.

“Some people say that I and this City Council are cursed because we have such a large task ahead of us. I believe we are here at this time and this moment because we are ready,” Mack offered.

Mack, despite owning government experience as a freeholder, arrived overmatched for his new political position.

The neighborhood city champion fell into cronyism which included an publicly accepted political relationship with convicted sex offender, JoJo Giorgianni, before both were hoodwinked and trapped by a FBI sting.

South Ward Councilman George Muschal served out the final five months of Mack’s term, causing political havoc, especially with a maniacal effort to remove Fire Director Qareeb Bashir, a Muslim, from his position.

Enter Eric Jackson who fended off Paul Perez in a run off during the 2014 mayoral campaign.

Jackson had similar support from Mercer County democrats, plus, followed lackluster leadership attempts by Mack and Muschal.

Inauguration Day found Jackson delivering promises regarding transparency and good government.

“Today, I commit to you that the best days for our city are ahead of us,” Jackson said.

“With determination, perseverance and tenacity, I promise you that I will lead this city to a brighter future.”

“I ask all of you to join me as we take collective responsibility for our city’s future,” he said.

“Sometimes the road ahead will not be easy. Sometimes we may stumble and sometimes we may fall. But if we commit ourselves, as one city and one community, to engage in civic action, we will never fail.”

Jackson offered typical political speak for government newbies before delivering a narcoleptic term that included numerous Trenton Water Works miscues that threatened public safety to Trenton and suburban water recipients.

Gusciora, a state assemblyman for 22 years before his mayoral debut, received support from the Mercer County Democrat machine although Sen. Shirley Turner and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman offered no endorsement.

Gusciora will receive support from Gov. Phil Murphy, unlike Mack and Jackson who were maligned by Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Christie controlled most city hires as a condition for Trenton to receive about $22 million in transitional aid support, monies offered to cash-strapped municipalities to supplement budgets.

Gusciora will share the inauguration stage with incumbents Marge Caldwell-Wilson of the North Ward and South Ward representative, George Muschal, both dominant winners in runoff challenges.

Santiago Rodriguez, Kathy McBride and Jerell Blakeley arrive as at-large council members.

Joe Harrison claimed a razor-thin five-vote advantage over Taiwanda Terry-Wilson for a South Ward seat while Robin Vaughn ousted West Ward incumbent Zachary Chester.

All eight elected officials will make promises that point Trenton toward success.

Gusciora’s vision and words matter most as he establishes a new course for Trenton.