Mercer County Freeholder Keith V. Hamilton

Even as the gubernatorial battle absorbs attention now and for the duration, next year's Trenton mayoral election looms as one of the more interesting contests of 2010.

In the shuffle of people intent on succeeding 20-year retiring Mayor Douglas Palmer, stands Mercer County Freeholder Keith V. Hamilton, who's built name identification as a 14-year member of the board.

He hasn't yet formally announced, but the Trenton native who raised his family in neighboring Hamilton Township and moved back to Trenton two years ago, is ready to spring into campaign mode after the resolution of the governor's race.

"I'm keeping my powder dry at the moment but I intend to run, yes," Hamilton told PolitickerNJ.com at a Democratic Party fundraiser tonight at Padrino's in Hamilton Township.

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Daniel Beckelman

(201)-446-9889

October 1, 2009

BLOSCHAK FIRED UP AFTER CITIZENS FOR ASSEMBLY RALLY

The Revolution of 2009 Starts Today and Urban Republican Will Ride To Victory

Belleville-Urban Republican Assembly candidate Andrew Bloschak was excited to be part of the effort to retake New Jersey through a populist effort to elect ordinary citizens in long-overlooked areas to the State Legislature. The group, Citizens for Assembly, is lead by Bloschak’s fellow Essex County challenger, Barry Funt, who the Urban Republican looks forward to serving with come January.

Trenton Council President Paul Pintella

TRENTON - The probable retirement of Mayor Doug Palmer next year has sent all would-be successors into scramble mode early in New Jersey's capital city.

At the top of the public heap of next generation leaders stands 44-year-old Council President Paul Pintella, a 16-year veteran of the city council who has served as chief of the governing body for two terms.

"It may be premature to say the mayor's not running, but if he decided to run, I would still consider running," said Pintella, a Trenton native who works as an affirmative action specialist with the state. "I am in the process of testing and polling my name out there and I feel comfortable saying I will be a candidate."

He anticipates making a formal announcement sometime before the end of the year.

Pintella said his base of support in the city goes back to the work his late father did with the Urban League of Metro Trenton.

Former Freeholder Tony Mack

In the lead-up to what looks like the end of the 20-year era of Mayor Doug Palmer in Trenton, Tony Mack measures his words carefully.

Yes, he established a Facebook group over the weekend called "Make it Better, Make it Mack for Mayor," but he won't say in a phone converstion whether he's definitely running.

That's because he can't risk a third loss to Palmer, who defeated Mack in 2006, then punished him last year by quietly working within the party structure to deny Mack the Democratic Party line when he ran for reelection as a Mercer County Freeholder.

Now sources say Palmer's done - not because of any threat but because at 58 he's ready to retire from public life.

The mayor won't confirm it, as sources say the former national chairman of mayors and West Street standard bearer doesn't want to spend the rest of his term relegated to lame duck status.

TURNER STATEMENT ON TRAGIC DEATH OF TRENTON TEEN OVER WEEKEND

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, issued the following statement in response to the tragic death of a 13-year-old Trenton girl in a drive-by shooting at a block party Sunday night:

“At this time of loss for the community, my thoughts and prayers go to the little girl’s family and friends, who are grieving for a life taken far too soon, and the promising future she had before her left unfulfilled. No words can express just how deeply such a senseless and horrific tragedy can impact on those who knew and loved her.

The Trenton Times is reporting that Stuart Country Day School, a Roman Catholic school in Princeton, has canceled a woman's leadership forum because Trenton Bishop John Smith objected to the pro-choice keynote speaker, former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. 

WATSON COLEMAN URGES NEW JERSEYANS TO CLAIM ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENTS

(TRENTON) – Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today urged everyone who is eligible to be sure they file for their economic stimulus payments by the Oct. 15 deadline and vowed to help spread word about the importance of filing for the money.

“This money is as critical as ever with the costs of energy, food and other expenses soaring amid the sagging economy,” said Watson Coleman, (D-Ewing). “These payments represent help to those who need it most and it cannot go unclaimed in this time of need.”

WATSON COLEMAN APPLAUDS TRENTON HOUSING PROGRAM

(TRENTON) - Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today commended Trenton's Mayor Douglas H. Palmer for making Trenton the first community to participate in a new "Live Where You Work" affordable housing program with the state Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) issued the following statement:

"This innovative local-state partnership will provide first-time homebuyers and state employees with real financial incentives to work in Trenton and to make their homes in Trenton."

Hopewell (July 20, 2007) – Bob Martin, Republican State Senate candidate in New Jersey’s 15th district, announced his comprehensive anti-gang plan today. This plan comes at a critical moment for Trenton, Ewing, and their neighboring towns, as gang violence has become a primary concern for residents who have experienced its effects in recent weeks. Trenton’s homicide count is currently up 75% from this point last year, and the repeated shootings on Brenwal Avenue in Ewing have caused an exodus from that neighborhood.

With the highest property taxes in the country, the highest sales tax in the nation and the worst income tax of all fifty states, the question is what is the true cost to taxpayers?  The answer lies in the impact on our lives and our ability to invest in our own quality of life.  The collectivists in Trenton believe they have a right to take from those who are productive to give to those who believe they have a mortgage on the success of others.