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All Quiet on the State Street Front

It’s been two full days since the raid on the Trenton Water Works Cortland Street Headquarters, and still no statement from City Hall. We read today that over two dozen TWW employees are scheduled to give testimony on Friday to a Mercer County Grand Jury, clear proof that Monday’s arrests are not the final act in this drama, and that the corruption in the city-owned utility goes deeper and broader than the two individuals taken into custody.

And still no statement from Mayor Mack. One would think that, with this second major blow against TWW’s integrity, that the mayor might think it necessary to reassure the citizens of Trenton and those of the Mercer townships served that they should rest assured that the small number of criminals involved in this incident should  not sully the reputations of the other employees of TWW and of the professional quality of their work.

One would think that, and one would be wrong. Not only has Mayor Mack not said a word about this scandal, but in a very strange – even creepy – performance yesterday in the City Hall atrium, he went out of his way to ignore several members of the press seeking a comment from him. He literally turned his back not only our local reporters, but reporters and camera crews from New Jersey Network and Philly ABC station WPVI Channel 6.

I’ve seen several mayors over the years in all the cities I’ve lived in over the years. Ed Koch and David Dinkins in New York, Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, and Joe Alioto and George Moscone in my native San Francisco. Regarding Moscone, you think Trenton politics are tough? Remember, Mayor Moscone and city Supervisor (their Council) Harvey Milk were assassinated in City Hall in 1978 – by another city Supervisor! Our politics are still much more cordial than that.

One thing I’ve noticed about all of these mayors, as well as other local politicians I’ve known. Almost to a man (or woman), when dealing with the press – even about matters that were embarrassing and/or damaging, they related to the press in one of two ways: they either play the press and cameras like a conductor working a symphony, smooth and confident; or like a boxer who’s just heard the bell for the sixth round, cocky and aggressive.

I have never, ever seen the kind of passivity on display yesterday. I can’t explain it.

I know there is a lot that, due to the workings of the criminal justice system now under way, the Mayor is probably not at liberty to say. But I think it’s absolutely essential for Mr. Mack to speak about the Trenton Water Works as it goes forward, and to take whatever immediate action is necessary to reassure everyone – Trentonians, customers of the Townships, the County Executive and the township mayors, and not least the State Board of Public Utilities – that things are back under control.

Because the longer Mayor Mack stays silent, the stronger the perception will be that Trenton can no longer manage the Water Works. And, you know, that might not be far from the truth.

UPDATE: At least a few Trentonians are thinking the same way about this. TrentonKat’s take on the Mayor’s appearance yesterday is an excellent read, and private citizen Dan Dodson takes it upon himself to say the words I am waiting to hear from Tony F. Mack. (If you are not a member of Facebook, you may not see Dan’s note).

That’s terrific, guys. Let’s hear some more!

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