Fractured vote for Trenton council prez job continues dysfunction
The Trentonian published this report about a recent meeting of Trenton City Council. After a brief public comment, each council member thanked everyone in attendance, spoke about their excitement for the future of Trenton, and the importance of teamwork to propel the city to greater heights. Teamwork? West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby became president of City Council with a 4-3 decision and the three council members who voted for East Ward Councilman Joe Harrison (himself, North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams and South Ward Jenna Figueroa Kettenberg), self-identified as champions of collaboration, instead opted for collusion.
Of course, Harrison had earned quid pro quo by supporting the campaigns of Figueroa Kettenberg and Williams. That Election Night photo of the aforementioned three city council members with Trenton
Mayor Reed Gusciora and former North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell in the full throes of political canoodling speaks volumes when juxtaposed with the presidency vote.
Harrison, who temporarily held the position as Trenton needed a second vote to select three at-large positions after a miscalculation of voting results, apparently made persistent calls around the city to find a fourth vote for his candidacy. In the end, despite knowing that the East Ward representative did not have the political influence to secure the coveted position, Williams, Figueroa Kettenberg and Harrison refused to get behind Frisby.
Harrison, the final foot soldier remaining from the last troubled city council, championed as the man of experience, delivered the same dysfunctional behavior. Williams, Figueroa Kettenberg and Harrison could have put to rest that photo and eradicated accusations of racial politics by voting for Frisby. A unanimous decision would have sent a positive message that this new legion of leaders showed promise and political prowess, had a sophistication that allowed them to go along to get along.
Instead, they continued this pitiful portrayal of Trenton politics being in the same realm of Survivor, a construct of alliances that exiles political rivals. That 4-3 vote symbolizes a potential for another round of stagnancy and bad blood.
Clouds showed in Wednesday morning coffees throughout Trenton as the approximate 2-out-of-10 people who actually care about city government realized the potential for another disastrous four years of political pandering and city leaders engaged in peeing contests about power.
On the flip side, at-large candidates Jasi Edwards, Crystal Feliciano and Yazminelly Gonzalez received financial support from Mayor Gusciora. Their campaigns lodged in Gusciora’s Perry St. headquarters where he extended his rental for a property that previously housed a small business that went belly up.
Gusciora’s paying of the rent should not mean allegiance of any sort although many understand the muddying of political waters here. This deal should not allow Gusciora governance without oversight.
Case in point, Gusciora named Recreation Director Maria Richardson as acting director for the city’s Health & Human Services Department. The early January appointment included no announcement as Richardson currently holds both posts. City Council members have a responsibility to protect the interests of residents, especially
regarding our health concerns.
One might expect that City Council members would ask Mayor Gusciora his timeline on filling vacancies in his administration. Or, a question about salary seems warranted. Does the mayor employ a chief of staff?
For years, residents blamed most Trenton problems on City Council members Kathy McBride and Robin Vaughn. With the alleged femme fatales dismissed, many expected cohesion. That 4-3 vote should be seen exactly for what is — trouble.