Petty infighting places personalities before city
A capital city in need of champs showcases chumps as political infighting continued among city council members.
North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson hired a law firm to fend off allegations made by West Ward Councilwoman Robin Vaughn.
“You are hereby on notice to immediately retract all statements and postings, and you must publicly apologize to Counsel [sic] Woman Margaret Caldwell-Wilson, both verbally and in writing,” wrote Edward Bertucio, an attorney at the Hamilton firm Kalavruzos, Mumola, Hartman & Lento.
The Trentonian reported ‘the letter came in response to comments Vaughn made on social media months back alleging North Ward councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson was being investigated by the authorities after one of her campaign workers was criminally charged.’
Caldwell-Wilson said prosecutors from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office considered her a “victim” in the case against her ex-campaign treasurer Yolanda Torres. The former Caldwell-Wilson associate stands accused of absconding with funds from the councilwoman’s re-election campaign coffers and the animal advocacy nonprofit she founded, the Lady Margaret Animal Foundation.
First, let’s be honest about this alleged Torres mess. Councilwoman Caldwell-Wilson selected Torres as her treasurer which makes the North Ward representative guilty of a poor decision. Torres had previous felony theft convictions prior to joining the Caldwell-Wilson team. More recent alleged infractions included charges of forgery and tampering with public resources.
Regarding Caldwell-Wilson’s allegations that Vaughn made defamatory remarks, the West Ward councilwoman responded, “It is what it is. None of it’s true. The fact of the matter is (Caldwell-Wilson) was under investigation. She said she was cooperating with prosecutors. I never said anything derogatory about Marge. She said something derogatory about me. I just want to see what she is talking about. Let her produce it. I can’t speak on that. I’ll get my attorney, and they’ll battle it out. Let her take me to court. I’ll show up.”
The Caldwell-Wilson litigious effort follows a sad city council chapter that included a threat by Council President Kathy McBride to censure Vaughn while other council members resorted to childish name calling.
Meanwhile, Councilman at large Jerell Blakeley continued his fight with Vaughn as he planned to host a West Ward community forum. Blakeley opted for accusations and alleged insinuations.
“This was not done to slight anyone. I had to speak directly to my constituents. Surprised that my desire to be present with my colleagues is being spun in this manner. As an at-large representative I have a specific mandate to represent all residents. This was not something done to get back at Robin,” Blakeley said.
If Blakeley ever retires as an educator and politician, his future seems bright as a manure salesman. The cow pies were in flight Monday morning but thank goodness all fans were turned off. Of course, the freshman representative planned this forum as a shadow fight against Vaughn.
Any polygraph test would confirm this petty move although Blakeley said he’s fulfilling his role as an atlarge candidate, developing his role as a man of the people, e pluribus unum and all that juvenile jive.
Inclement weather canceled Blakeley’s forum. “I’m going to reschedule and I plan to have these forums in all parts of the city,” Blakeley noted.
Finally, an attempt by McBride to offer a commendation to Dr. ShingFu Hsueh for his role in improving Trenton Water Works operations drew fire from South Ward Councilman George Muschal.
“I do stuff every day. I don’t get commendations,” South Ward Councilman George Muschal said. “It’s my job to do this. I don’t need a pat on the back.”
Well, here’s an atta-boy, a pat on the back and butt anyway, Mr. Muschal. And here’s one for Blakeley, Caldwell-Wilson, East Ward Councilman Joseph Harrison, etc.
Blakeley said city council members experience “growing pains” and predicted the infighting would end.
“People seem more interested in drama,” Blakeley noted.
Actually, Trenton residents want leadership and someone to fix the potholes, fight unscrupulous landlords, fight crime, improve education, and to engage a litany of other issues that need attention.