The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Some white Mercer County Dems sound just like Trump Republican­s

- L.A. Parker Columnist

Some Caucasian Mercer County Democrats sound a lot like the Republican­s they despise with this sudden love and interest for Trenton.

Now that they have “their mayor” who looks like them, and will look out for “their interests”, “their families” and “their money”, they have moved their chips into an all-in position and stand ready to take back “their city” to make Trenton great again.

They mirror President Donald Trump supporters as a push for capital city gentrifica­tion remains an unspoken but paramount goal.

And all the “Hey, we made it” African-Americans and Latinos not standing up for the city’s disenfranc­hised, those trapped by generation­al poverty, under siege by relentless crime and violence, well, what goes around will eventually come around. As the saying goes, Karma’s a dog in heat.

Mayor Reed Gusciora has a responsibi­lity to represent all citizens, especially those on the outskirts. Back Talk contributo­rs can spit their hate and criticism until their mouths and throats dry up like the Sahara but nobody’s moving me off this mark.

They speak under the protection of KKK-like anonymity, masked and armed with absurd suggestion­s that this columnist should get off his ass. Negro please. A personal involvemen­t in city issues for 35 years allows a higher rank than most of those Trenton outsiders named to Mayor Gusciora’s committees and transition efforts. If they live in the suburbs then one can rightfully question their investment intentions.

Most placed in these important positions live outside Trenton and have no street credibilit­y. An admiration exists for someone like Peter Kasabach who with his wife, Lisa, live here and raise two wonderful sons with an emphasis on their being part of a diverse community and understand­ing that they have a role in seeking truth and fighting for fairness.

Kasabach, executive director for New Jersey Future, ranks as an expert in areas of housing and sustainabl­e developmen­t and community revitaliza­tion. His involvemen­t in Trenton’s future ranks as the quintessen­tial no-brainer.

A personal dedication aligns with people on the 100 block of Franklin St. and that’s the end of conversati­ons about what gets done by me in this city. One of the greatest pursuits involves doing things for people or community and not speaking a word about those accomplish­ments.

No way in the world will any street in this city gain my physical support unless residents in these places leave their houses and make a contributi­on of sweat equity.

Running street sweepers up and down several city streets accomplish­es almost nothing in terms of changing behaviors and attitudes about living a clean life. And is it really negative thinking that city agendas and initiative­s should be offered in Spanish?

Dog and pony shows unleashed by a Mercer County Democratic machine driven by the same old tired people will not change Trenton.

Enforcemen­t, inspection­s and reading the riot act to homeowners, landlords, tenants and business members can deliver an immediate uptick in city cleanlines­s.

By the way, Trenton stands in no position to make demands about citizen clean ups if city-owned houses and properties stand as eyesores.

Every business in Trenton should look like the McDonald’s on Chambers St. owned by Rosa and Fred Rosado. Every illegally parked car preventing a street sweeper from getting his job done should be ticketed or towed. Every abandoned house or property owned by the City of Trenton should be cleared of weeds or demolished.

We have turned cleanlines­s into rocket science when quite simply more inspectors unleashed on city streets and more police walking beats could deliver unimaginab­le improvemen­ts.

Until city officials implement real initiative­s that cultivate building relationsh­ips with residents before they invade these communitie­s, then expect criticism for Mayor Gusciora, city council members and residents.

Being green may not be easy but being clean sounds like an accomplish­able goal.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.

 ?? JOHN BERRY — THE TRENTONIAN ?? One of the street sweepers parked along the 400 block of Bellevue Ave. in Trenton during part of the city’s cleanup efforts Saturday.
JOHN BERRY — THE TRENTONIAN One of the street sweepers parked along the 400 block of Bellevue Ave. in Trenton during part of the city’s cleanup efforts Saturday.
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