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.
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