Election Day was on November 8, 2022 and although Mayor Reed Gusciora won a second term in a landslide, garnering 70.63% mayoral votes, questions are still abound when it comes to Trenton’s At-Large, South Ward and North Ward elected candidates. The Trenton Journal just received word that three At-Large city council candidates have filed a petition “seeking temporary declaratory, injunctive, and other relief regarding the November 2022 general election.” The petition declares, “Given the exigencies of the election calendar, Petitioner respectfully request that the case be addressed at the Court’s earliest convenience.” To make it simple, there will be a lot of money and time at stake if there is an At-Large runoff. Critics have cited a lack of transparency from election officials, technical issues with the voting machines, and missing ballots as root cause for distrust in the election process. The runoff for the North Ward and South Ward candidates will be held on December 13, 2022. Click this link to read the full court petition. Stay tuned as this story unfolds…
It takes a village
I recently received a text message wishing me a happy holiday from a Trenton Journal reader who has become a friend and a staunch supporter. “I thought you should know that we lost George on the 22nd,” she wrote in the message. “Please keep us in your prayers as well as the Martinez family.” I was saddened to hear about Mr. Martinez’s passing. I met Mr. Martinez when I was asked to do a story about the poor maintenance and structural conditions of an apartment complex in Ewing, New Jersey designated for low and moderate income seniors and adults with disabilities.
The tenants complained about the substandard housing that included soiled carpets in the common areas, a broken air conditioning system in the sweltering summer, non-working intercom system, and bats in the hallways! I couldn’t believe it so I made my way to the complex to investigate the tenants complaints and bore witness to some of the horrible conditions.
George Martinez was one of the tenants who formed a group to take action against the building’s management to fight for “dignity and respect.” He was the sole male in the group. He also looked out for tenants in the building who needed repairs and documented their complaints. I spent several weeks filing OPRA requests with the city and investigating previous complaints against the building’s management company. After corresponding with management and outlining the tenant’s issues, I’m proud to say we got the major issues addressed, which was more important for me than writing the story. It’s ironic that one of the most important stories that I ever worked not got written, but the reward for me was in the work. Mr. Martinez, thank you for being a part of the solution. It was a pleasure to have met you. My condolences to your family. Rest easy!
Christmas Cheer
The Trinity International Christian Church is holding their Christmas Festival of the Light to ring in the holiday season on Dec. 3. The festival will include various programs for the whole family to enjoy such as live music, face painting, a Christmas play, various vendors, food, chai tea, and coffee. All of the festivities will begin promptly at 12 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 215-917-2795.
Youth winter showcase
Saturday Morning Arts is bringing together the Trenton and Princeton University young artists at their free Winter Showcase on Dec. 3 at the Lewis Arts Complex Forum. Princeton and Trenton youth are bringing their talents together in various performances through dance, orchestra, theater, and song. The showcase will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Come out for a great time and support the creative youth in our community. For information, please visit https://trentonarts.princeton.edu/events/saturday-morning-arts-winter-showcase or scan the QR code above in the photo.
This Week’s Weather
This week will have partly cloudy conditions with a high of 57° and a low of 31°. It won’t be too chilly this week but make sure to take a jacket with you. This week we’re having mostly partly cloudy conditions with scattered showers on the weekend. Make sure you bring an umbrella! If you’re looking to do something towards the end of the week outdoors, it will be a perfect time for that as it will be mostly sunny. For this week’s complete weather forecast, click here.
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