Winning a political race would produce precarious position of compromise
With more than 30 years collected as a City of Trenton resident, government service seemed like a natural life progression.
This profession had allowed meeting of many players, offered roadmaps to where many bodies and secrets were buried and delivered knowledge about issues in all wards, especially in the East where a large segment of immigrants need information that will generate power.
Know most non-profit organization leaders, police officers, city council members, past and present, Mercer County officials and a litany of other people who could help in structuring a game plan for political victory. Just when this mind had all variables figured out, a prayer put my ego in check.
Asked my higher power about venturing into politics and received a powerful negative reaction. Not even the strong feeling that winning a city council seat seemed possible moved me toward the ultimate political competition.
As Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) notes in the film “Magnum Force), “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Me on city council? Chamber sessions would resemble that UFC match between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
Toe-to-toe with South Ward Councilman George “Ironman” Muschal could be interesting but smart money would fall toward the North Ward’s Marge “I’m gonna shut your mouth” Caldwell-Wilson and at-large champion Kathy “Killjoy” McBride.
No offense, the other four members rank as lightweight freshman representatives who don’t know the ropes.
Seriously, politicians make change a tedious process as simple projects require ad nauseam discussions and prompts. A past criticism of former city council members suggested they would struggle putting together a turkey sandwich.
The broadside got the backs up of council members Annette Lartigue and Cordelia Staton who delivered a turkey, lettuce, tomato and mayo sandwich shortly after reading my lighthearted attack.
Mind you, good government people have no connection to politicians. Trenton and Hamilton suffer from political players who play party politics as Democrats believe Democrats always are right mirrored by Republicans walking and talking lockstep with other Republicans.
Politics means compromise, quid pro quo behavior and toes pressed on party lines while good government means doing what’s right, regardless. Concerns about being reelected have diminished the potential of many political candidates.
Mind you, not swallowing your party’s crap hook line and sinker may mean no second term, although four years seems like enough time to cultivate some success, at least advancing the ball forward on numerous issues.
Education remains the only way to assure real revitalization but city leaders say almost nothing about the creation of a superlative school system.
Prison system? That’s a different matter. People love a good incarceration to riches story, proof positive that rehabilitation can turn angry African-American Malcolm X-men into distinguished brothers like Sidney Poitier, men who can maneuver their way around a table setting of silverware successfully.
When citizens comprehend their power in steering government then their agendas and concerns will control politicians.
Bottom line, a higher power assures that this position as columnist and community activist allows freedom to speak and act fairly.
And, to say some tough things without worrying about losing my job or self-respect.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.