Notes from the first gathering of Fans of Trenton’s Irresponsible Blogger

Members the “Fans of Trenton’s Irresponsible Blogger (FOTIB)” Facebook group met in person on November 8, 2017 at Trenton Social to the upcoming municipal election in May 2018.   We created a prioritized list of issues that our candidates should be prepared to have positions on and plans for.   Also, given that the position of city councilperson is so poorly understood, we created a list of virtues the candidates should have.

The group of over 20 activists gathered at Trenton Social included some of the city’s best thinkers and doers, including 3 bloggers.

FOTIB 2018 Election Issue List

Some issues are grouped for with similar or closely related items.  (n) indicates repeated issues, therefore high priority.

New blood/thinking in the governing process (6)

• Structure of the administration – departments (2)
• Setting measurable goals
• Budget before fiscal year starts

Cleanliness and Appearance of City (4)

• Presentation and upkeep of parks
• Litter / Dumping
• Road conditions / lights

Specific plans to attract commercial ratables (4)

• Processes for assistance to new business
• Property tax rates for commercial

Change to the governance structure. Currently strong Mayor (2)

• Staggered Council terms
• Changing form of government
• Term Limits

Other Top Issues

• Accountability to ethical standards
• How to make Trenton Schools appealing to citizens who send kids out of district
• Position on current police/law enforcement contracts
• Police residency options
• Vacant property plans
• Position on the State plan for office buildings downtown
• Workforce preparedness and vocational training.

City Council Candidate Virtues

• Moral compass (2)
• Honesty/transparency
• Knowledge of Trenton
• Open minded
• Tenure
• Understands the job
• Ability to negotiate / diplomacy
• Understanding budgets as policy instruments
• Understanding policy and how government works
• Ability to creatively solve problems
• Being available
• Ability to use technology
• Follow up
• Courage to do the right thing