A New Day in the City of Trenton

TRENTON-- Ladies and gents the mayoral and city council races are now things of the past. Indeed, the ballots have been counted, the parties have been had, and lo and behold, Tony Mack's era has finally ended. Mayoral elect Eric Jackson takes the throne July 1. It's a new day in the city of Trenton, or at least, we would hope so.

To be sure, the last thing Trenton needs right now, is politics as usual. No more corruption. No more pay-to-play politics. We need elected officials that uphold the highest degree of ethical standards. Alas, the city cries out for a new brand of leadership. A brand of leadership that knows how to honestly acknowledge the peaks and valleys we face, but still has a bold and compelling vision to get us to the mountaintop. A brand of leadership with a practical step by step plan to make things better. A brand of leadership that knows how to enlist the help of others. A brand of leadership that solicits the thoughts and ideas of the people to make the overall community better.

I sincerely hope that Eric Jackson and the new council members will demonstrate some of these qualities of leadership. Lord knows we need them to. Yet at the same time, we as everyday citizens have a responsibility to play here. We bear the responsibility of holding our elected officials accountable for their action or inaction on issues that are matter to us. Indeed, we cannot sit idly by while our great yet beleaguered city crumbles. I know its hard to stay involved and engaged in the everyday politics of our city, please believe me, I know, I work two jobs, and go to school, so I hear you. But we as everyday citizens can be leaders in our own right as well. We can set a positive example by simply going to work everyday, taking care of ourselves and our families, voting, reading, staying active, etc. There's no reason we can't be a part of the solution.

I know what you may be thinking, I don't know where to start, but trust me, there is wisdom and truth in the saying that even a thousand mile journey always starts with the first step. My first step may be volunteering, your first step may be mentoring a child. Another's first step may be cleaning up their block once a week. The options are endless, but I hope you get my underlying point which is to say that the choice is yours and mine.

Catching Up On Things...

Hal Fleming

TRENTON-- Ladies and gents, I know its been a while since I last posted to this blog, but know this, I have not forgot about you guys, my readers. Indeed, a blogger that doesn't write is kind of like a bird that doesn't fly, its totally against its nature. But anyway, enough of my soapbox, I apologize for the delay in posting, but I wanted to fill everyone in on some things that have been going on in my life that have in a way prevented me from posting as much as I would like.

Indeed, so often, it seems that I only write about or reflect on the life around me, that is, the highs and lows of living in the City of Trenton and the larger Mercer County area. But I tell you there is a time and a place to reflect on one's own life and I'm taking license to do that on this occasion.

Ladies and gents, I don't know you if already know this or not, but I'm still in college, working on my last degree in hopes of becoming a teacher or professor. I have another year left of my program and I am literally counting the days. If you've ever been a student, you probably already know this, but going through school comes with its own unique trials and tribulations, but nonetheless it is a labor of love as I do love learning, writing, wordplay, and last but not least,  people's stories. Indeed, balancing school, work, and a personal life can be trying to say the least. This is a big reason you have not seen me posting as frequently as I used to.

But even as I go through my own challenges, I recognize that there is a whole world around me. A lot of moving and shaking has taken place. As a case in point, all one needs to do is take a look at recent news reports indicating things like Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was found guilty in a court of law or Councilwoman Kathy McBride throwing her hat in the mayoral race or even Trenton Mayoral candidate Walker Worthy talking of having a casino built in this grand ole city. Things are happening ladies and gents and I want to stay in the thick of things.

On a more somber note, I recently lost a friend, Hal Fleming, of Trenton, New Jersey. I went to a ceremony this past Sunday at the Quaker Meeting House where others honored him and his life. Hal was a good man, he took me under his wing and introduced me to so many people and organizations as a younger man. He really believed in people. Never one to gossip or backbite, Hal was committed to being a light in a sometimes dark world. He will be sorely missed.

This blog is dedicated to Hal. Your spirit is still with us brother.

Where Is Trenton Headed???

TRENTON-- The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. Indeed, the city of Trenton  at this time needs new vision, new direction, and better leadership.

As the Trenton City Council and Mayoral races quickly approach, I am left wondering who are these candidates and what are they all about? What direction do they want to take the city in? What plans do they have to address issues of crime, education, and jobs?

After attending Trenton Elections meet the candidates forum last year at the Big Easy, I caught glimpse of what some of these candidates were all about.  However, there are new candidates in the race now.

So, I think now is the time to raise some more important questions to the candidates currently on the ticket so that voters can be armed with more information as they prepare to make a very important decision come Election Day.

Questions like:

• "Where are we headed as a city as the mayor has recently been found guilty on corruption charges in a court of law?" 
• "Who will take Tony Mack's place? 
• "What experience, if any, will the new mayor have?" 
• "How important will the next mayor's character and integrity be?" 
• "What about their leadership skills?" 
• "Indeed, how important will it be for the next mayor to be able to reach across the aisle and work with others from different parties?" 
• "How significant will their understanding of budget issues be in our voting decision?"
• "How important will their positions on the other key issues be?"
• "Is Trenton ready for its first Hispanic mayor (Paul Perez)?" 
• "Is the city prepared for its first female mayor (Kathy McBride)"?

Now, with these last two questions I recognize that they may seem irrelevant because as Trentonian columnist LA Parker said in a recent op-ed post, voters need to "disconnect from race and gender" and instead make an informed decision about who the best candidate is for the next mayor of this great yet beleaguered city.Alas, critical decisions do need to be made here. Without a shadow of a doubt, the stakes are high. The people need direction, jobs, opportunity, and an overall better Trenton if they are to flower and flourish.

Lastly, I end this blog where I began by asking "Where is Trenton headed???". Lord only knows. Only time will tell...Stay tuned for more to come.

Anwar's Reflections 2012 Year In Review

TRENTON-- As the year 2012 has become no more, it seems fitting to reflect on what happened during the last twelve months. Indeed, this last year saw a number of changes and developments locally.

For one thing, 2012 saw Trenton Mayor Tony Mack arrested by the federal bureau of investigation, otherwise known as the FBI for his alleged involvement in a extortion case.

On top of this, last year, four city public libraries were closed, then turned into mayoral learning centers run by part-time volunteers. And the drama doesn't stop there, this past year, we also witnessed a mass layoff of city police and what would seem to be a seeming uptick in violent crime (although we had the same number of homicides as we did in 2011).

With that violent crime came the untimely death of Tre Lane, a 19 year old aspiring social worker whose life was tragically cut short. Along with Lane's death came 23 other homicides for the state's capital.

On top of these developments, we also witnessed the state cut Trenton's funding to the point that there was a shortage of toilet paper of all things that affected both local senior centers and city police. These and other budget problems left residents all across the city wondering what's next.

On a lighter note, President Barack Obama was re-elected and was subsequently honored with a presidential bust at City Hall. However, that event was not without its own form of drama as well.
Indeed, residents and Council members voiced concerns over the financing of the bust in light of budget constraints. (Disclaimer: I know it goes without saying that I have neglected to include many other worthwhile stories that happened this year but for the sake of brevity I have to keep it short).

Alas, any time one reflects on the past,  it seems as though the next question inevitably becomes where do we go from here. What implications, if any, will the year 2012 have for this upcoming year? Will the mayor be convicted or cleared on all charges? Will the City get its financial house in order? Will the city's libraries be reopened? Will the cities violent  crime from go up or down? What will President Obama do this year after being re-elected?

Lo and behold, all of these questions run through my mind as I reflect on what's to come during 2013. Indeed, heaven only knows what lies ahead as things unfold in this human drama we call life.

But what I do know is that I thank each and every one of my followers and supporters over the last almost 2 years for reading my work and watching my video interviews, this blog is nothing without your ongoing support.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2013.
I'm looking forward to better serving you as readers and followers.

If you would like to hear an audio version of this blog recited by Anwar Salandy, click below:

Listen to internet radio with anwarsreflections on Blog Talk Radio

As Trenton Weathers Storm, Now Is The Time For Service

TRENTON-- With the mayor being indicted Thursday, three shootings just this past week, and a 48% graduation rate, is it any wonder that residents and onlookers alike are saying, "Mercy Mercy Me, Ohhh, Things Aint What They Used to be" as Marvin Gaye once said.

Indeed, Trenton was once a booming town. According to Trenton Mill Hill, this city thrived in the early 20th century due to its manufacturing economy. However, the state's capital now finds itself in quite a quagmire.

News reports from The Trentonian indicate that the city now has 23 homicides on record. And to add insult to injury, the city's only downtown hotel, the Marriott, is talking seriously about having its name changed because it has been struggling to post a profit since opening 10 years ago.

Along with these developments, Trenton small businesses like Cafe International and Can Do Errands have both decided to close their doors, while the owner of another small business, the Baldassari nightclub, has not decided to close his establishment, but has voiced serious concern over the city's violent crime.

Indeed, blind eyes can see that there's something rotten in the city of Trenton. But what's more important to know now is: where do we go from here? City council members and concerned residents alike are speaking out. On the one hand, we have Councilwoman Phyllis Holly Ward saying that "Silence and inaction is no longer an option". She went on to admonish members of the community by saying that we need to "clean up, stand up, and speak up".

Then we have South Ward Councilman George Muschal saying that he was in support of creating a curfew that would require teenagers to be inside by 10 pm. However, Trenton Police Director, Ralph Rivera, said that he would not go along with such a curfew. Rather, he plans to saturate "those areas where violence has been occurring to decrease the level of violence we've been experiencing".

Lastly, we have community activist Duncan Harrison recommending that we hire part-time police officers as a way to help a police force that was reduced by a third due to recent budget cuts. The mayor has even appealed to the Governor's office through a formal letter requesting more funding to address the crime issue, but there has been no response as of yet.

I personally think a curfew is going overboard and will not actually solve the problem, it unfairly punishes everyone when the problem wasn't caused by everyone. I think 'fair is only fair'. As far as saturating high crime areas is concerned, this idea has promise, but at the same time, it may just influence the city's criminals to migrate to those other areas of the city, still leaving us with a problem. At the end of the day, I think the best thing we can do is what Mayor Mack spoke about earlier this week, he said, "The Trenton Police Department can no longer be expected to carry the burden of crime reduction on its own. Parents and guardians need to step up and take control of their homes and children. For those that need help, speak up and speak out. Our administration will continue to do its part by reaching out to state officials to secure additional public safety dollars".

Indeed, I think we (myself included) need to stop complaining and start helping out and be of service to our community. I don't know about you, but it hurts to see my community crumbling before my eyes. It hurts so much that I have decided to volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club. Basically, I read to children once a week for two hours. And from speaking to the program's director, it sounds as though they need all the help they can get. And I'm pretty sure that other groups and organizations are in need of volunteer help as well.

Why not reach out to them and offer your services? If you just so happen to have a gift for mentoring, then why not be a mentor? If you have a knack for working with the youth or the elderly, then what's holding you back? Or maybe just maybe, you have about a hour a week, where you can start a neighborhood clean up on your block. Indeed, we can all be of service in our own way, we don't have to wait on public safety dollars from the State to get things done in our community. Sure, the funds can help and I do believe the government has a role to play in this, but at the same time, I say let's take the initiative as everyday people and start changing within for the better. What do you say?

For those interested in hearing an audio version of this blog recited by Anwar Salandy, click below:

Listen to internet radio with anwarsreflections on Blog Talk Radio

Youth Are In Search For Solutions

TRENTON-- With recent news reports indicating that Mayor Mack is still under investigation by the FBI and with violent crime still plaguing our streets, the city finds itself in quite a quagmire. Marches, rallies, vigils, and summits have all been tried, but issues remain. The State Police has even stepped in to work with the City Police Department to help patrol the streets since a third of the city's police force was laid off last year due to budget constraints according to the Trentonian.

At a recent City Council meeting, community activist Duncan Harrison has called for hiring part-time police officers to address the city's violent crime. While others have advocated for a reduction in the mayor's pay since things have not turned around for the better since Mack was inaugurated in 2010. At that same City Council meeting, an impassioned city women and concerned mother said that she and others were more than willing to be of service when it comes to volunteering with the children in the community.

Needless to say, there is a lot of talk circulating, but what about solutions. As the city grapples with its reported 22 homicides, concerned residents like Jasi Edwards have put together a Youth Pep Rally that promises to be different than previous rallies. Edwards says that "this time our elders will not speak, the youth will speak so everyone has a sense of what's on our minds being that it's not our elders that are doing the crimes, it is our peers; people in our age group".

The event is scheduled to be held Sunday, December 2nd from 3 to 6 pm at the CYO East State Street Center, located at 794 East State Street.

According to a press release, Edwards and other young folks in the community seek "to help decrease the gun violence and crimes in our historic city by committing ourselves to getting programs back into our schools and community centers; also, opening businesses in Trenton to create more employment for our city’s residents".

During the event, there will be guest speakers and live performances by the community's youth. General admission is $5. Children 3 and under can attend for free.

For more information on the event or how to get involved, contact Jasi Edwards at 609.356.2337 or by email jasimikaee@ymail.com.

Local Firebrand Takes Another Shot At Public Office

TRENTON-- Local activist makes yet another bid for U.S. Senate this November. Longtime Trenton resident and political firebrand Daryl Brooks sat down with Anwar's Reflections--  a Trentonian affiliate-- to discuss his candidacy Tuesday afternoon.

During the nearly one hour interview, Brooks spoke about issues like education, jobs, and immigration.

The political malcontent took no time in calling out a number of community leaders and activists for what he deemed to be their failure in addressing issues like crime, education, jobs, and prisons.

From West Ward Councilman Zachary Chester to Trentonian talk show host Darren Freedom Green, Brooks took no prisoners as he spoke about the city's crisis of leadership. Brooks went on to say that these leaders are too busy singing, dancing, and having 'cookouts' to tackle today's problems. He said today's leaders are weak and "have no ideas".

Aside from the community's woes, Brooks also spoke about two hallmarks of his political campaign, immigration and education.

The outspoken activist is no stranger to running for political office. In the past, he ran two senate campaigns that proved unsuccessful. Over the year's, the local activist's political career has been marred by a 1995 conviction for lewdness, endangerment of a child, and assault. At that time, Trenton, NJ police and prosecutors claimed that Brooks flashed two adolescent aged girls. Since day one, Brooks has maintained his innocence.

After being released from prison, Brooks published an audiobook chronicling his life. Over the years, the Trenton activist has made it a point to fight for issues affecting the prison industrial complex, violence, and other forms of injustice. He is currently a member of the Tea Party and has affiliations with Occupy the Hood NJ and Occupy Trenton.

For more information on Brooks or his campaign, visit his website by clicking here.

Please see the video below to see Brooks take to task community leaders: 

For access to the entire interview, click below:

Trentonians Chime In After Feds Raid City Hall

TRENTON-- In the wake of last week's FBI raids, the city of Trenton burst onto the national scene. News reports, tweets, and blogs galore, indeed Trenton was the talk of the town last week.

FBI agents descended onto New Jersey's state capitol in the middle of the night last Wednesday, they stopped off at the mayor's Berkely Square home in Trenton.

The city's mayor, Tony F. Mack, has been the subject of scandal and criticism since taking office just two years ago. Since being inaugurated, he and his administration have been slapped with accusations of cronyism and reckless spending. However, at this juncture, despite these accusations, the FBI has not charged the mayor with any crime or offense. Reports indicate that an investigation is ongoing.

After stopping off at the Mayor's humble abode, the FBI also searched the homes of Mack's brother Raphael Mack along with one of the mayor's campaign contributors JoJo Giorgianni, a convicted sex offender.

Over the last two years, the mayor was a target of a failed recall effort. The citizens group that led the recall effort was concerned about "unstable leadership and the laying off of 105 police officers "according to Trentonian columnist LA Parker. Along with the recall, a lawsuit was filed against the mayor by a former parks employee. The employee said that the mayor asked her to give his friends jobs and she refused.

It is unknown whether the FBI investigation has anything to do with these previous issues and if they are connected to the mayor and his administration.

To his credit, Mack has done some things to improve the city of Trenton since taking office. From renovating the Ike Williams Recreation Center to securing grant funds for public safety that is expected to help bring back 12 officers that were laid off due to budget constraints, the mayor has done things enhance the community. For more info, click here.

Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- wanted to get reaction from Trenton residents.

One resident said its tragic that we have a mayor that is being investigated by the FBI. He went on to say that despite being innocent until proven guilty, if the FBI is involved, they must have something on him.

Another resident, Ms. Tuthcil, said that she personally knows the mayor and that she doesn't know too much about what's going on, but that she supports the mayor and is praying for him.

Shawn, a city man, said that his initial reaction after hearing that the mayor's house was raided was that it was 'embarassing'.

Lastly, Richard Cook, a longtime Trenton resident and cousin of former Mayor Doug Palmer, said that he doesn't know what to think but that he never saw a mayor's house get raided by the FBI in his lifetime.

Please see video interviews below:

Outspoken Trenton Activist No Longer Supports The Mayor

TRENTON-- Local political activist says he no longer wants to be a part of the mayor's team.

Wednesday morning, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- sat down with Daryl Brooks, a former Tony Mack supporter and failed U.S Senate candidate, to discuss what he calls 'the inside truth' surrounding Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor Jojo Giorgianni.

In an exclusive interview, Brooks, a Trenton native, chimed in on a variety of topics. Despite being one of the chief spokespersons at a City Hall rally last June in support of the mayor, Brooks is now calling Mack an outright liar' saying that he had questioned Mack's loyalty even before he won a seat in the mayor's office in 2010.

During the course of the 50 minute discussion, the outspoken activist cited broken promises and misrepresentation on the part of Mack and his underlings. According to the hometown activist, during a phone conversation with the mayor, Brooks asked him about the recent layoff of one third of the city's police force, and the mayor said, 'f*** the police'.

Brooks went on to express frustration and disappointment with what he calls the mayor's arrogant management style. He believes the mayor has a 'napolean complex', where the motto is, 'its either my way or the highway'.

The Trenton activist left no stone unturned. He called out elected officials, religious leaders, and also what he calls 'Facebook activists' that talk a lot on the popular social media website, but ultimately do nothing outside submitting posts online.

Brooks issued a scathing critique of these leaders and said change is needed.

During the interview, the political firebrand did not hold back.

With regard to Jojo Giorgianni, he said that the owner of JoJo's Steakhouse, has on numerous occasions, openly called many African American city officials 'spooks' and other racial slurs. He went on to say that Giorgianni sells 'crack pipes' at his North Trenton store.

When asked why he has decided to come forward now after being a vocal supporter of the mayor, Brooks said that he had become so sick and tired of being lied to and that he wanted to 'wake people up'.

For more information on Brooks or his blog, Today's News NJ, click here.

Please see a video of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Daryl Brooks below:

Interview with Outspoken Political Activist Has Been Pushed Back

TRENTON-- In a post last week, it was reported that Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- was going to have a sit-down with outspoken politcal activist Daryl Brooks.

Brooks, a former supporter of the city's mayor, claims he has the inside truth about Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor Jojo Giorgianni.

To my readers, I apologize, this particular sit-down is still in the waits due to schedule conflicts. However, as things stand now, the interview is scheduled to be released Wednesday, stay tuned.

Former Mack Supporter Speaks Out

TRENTON-- Outspoken political activist Daryl Brooks says he has the inside truth about Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor JoJo Giorgianni.

In a recent phone conversation, Brooks, a former Mack supporter and staunch recall opponent, informed Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- that he has something  new to say about the Mack administration.

Anwar's Reflections is scheduled to interview Brooks Saturday.

Stay tuned for breaking news related to this story.

'TRENTON'S PASTOR' Street Renaming Celebration Videos

TRENTON-- Here are some videos (interviews) of Saturday mornings celebration of Rev. Dr. John & Dorothy Gaines street renaming on what was once known as Euclid Avenue but is now known as Rev. Dr. John & Dorothy Gaines Way in their honor.


Please see videos below: