TRENTON – If you can’t beat them, join them.
On Dec. 2, Judge Robert Lougy issued an opinion siding with the City Council At-Large runners-up who contended that the city should have a run-off election for the at-large seats.
Kadja Manuel, Alex Bethea, and Taiwanda Terry-Wilson successfully argued that Trenton City Clerk Brandon Garcia used the wrong formula to determine a majority for the three available at-large council seats.
Like the top three vote-getters, the group has combined forces as the at-large run-off election surges forward.
Manuel, who filed the challenge that led to Lougy ordering the run-off, offered insight into the reason behind the alliance.
“I had no intention of teaming up with anyone. I see it as running alongside two other candidates who share my values. Tai, Alex, and I joined and bonded over the one word, PRINCIPLE. Our lawsuit is what got us together, because we think it is absolutely crucial that Trentonians have a council that at least half of the voters voted for. That’s democracy, and that’s a core part of our value set.”
“Now, we went into this lawsuit, and now this runoff, knowing that the three top vote-getters would not only fight and try to stop us from moving forward but that the top three vote-getters would also remain silent about the transparency of the election,” Manuel said. “They were willing to bypass the will of the people and disregard democracy to get into office, and that is concerning to all three of us. Every endorsement and every dime that they’ve gotten has been from those who will benefit, directly or indirectly, from them being in office. That’s how our group differs. We put the people first, and we will fight to make SURE their voices are heard, just like we did when we won this lawsuit. That’s why we teamed up.”
Terry Wilson added, “With the disparities, Trenton faces almost daily on every front, the November 8th, 2022 election abnormalities and disparities were too egregious to accept. It became very easy to work with Mr. Manuel and Mr. Bethea to ensure that the voice and the will of Trentonians was heard. That is what working for the people entails. I am working alongside two people who share my primary concerns: principles and people over politics.”
As a team, Terry-Wilson hopes the trio can start “independence and growth” in the Capital City.
“Have cleaner and safer streets, less gun violence and senseless murders which traumatizes families and the entire community. Put an end to illegal dumping and attempt to improve the quality of life for every Trentonian by ending poverty caused by discrimination, and redlining, which concentrates poverty into one area, which is then left disinvested in.”
“This can be done by fostering economic development and generating opportunities for diversity in housing costs so that every resident can have an opportunity to benefit and contribute to our economy and tax base on some level. I also hope to guide conversations to get to the root of student conflict resolutions as the children are our future, and how they handle conflict will have a direct impact on their educational success and their school’s climate. Finally, I hope to contribute dignity and respect, civil discourse, and pride back to the council and workings,” Terry-Wilson said.
Manuel added, “ We will restore quality, constructive, people-first governance to Trenton. We will do the will of the people and hold folks accountable when they deviate from that. But just as importantly, we will work constructively and collaboratively with the Mayor and other council members to serve the people and address the needs of the city.”
“Well-maintained and lit streets, directly investing in the people and communities throughout Trenton, improving access to information, and creating an open-door policy with actual office hours dedicated to residents are a few ways we plan on being innovative. This election is about innovation, investing in our city to make it better, and improving how we communicate with residents.”
Each offered a final word to the residents of the Capital City.
“I’d like the residents to know that Manuel, Terry-Wilson, & Bethea aren’t running a slate in the traditional sense,” Manuel said. “We are running three separate campaigns that are working together to support one another, because we are aligned in our focus on two principles- Transparency and People.”
Manuel continued, “Serving the people of Trenton in a transparent manner and doing what’s right for all of us. Yes, we are working together, but we see it as running alongside each other and supporting each other while maintaining similar visions for Trenton. A SUPER PAC or special interest committee did not throw money behind like the real estate developer’s lobby did for our opposition.”
“Instead, we came together purely over our love for The City of Trenton and those who live within its borders,” Manuel said. “We are committed to putting people over politics, over developer profits, and everything else. The people of this city should be the priority for anyone running for council, and I firmly believe that we three have proved our integrity and our commitment to that through our successful lawsuit. We have protected Trenton’s democracy and the people’s right to pick their council. Now, we ask our fellow Trentonians to vote for us, because we will do what’s right for all of us – even when special interests and powerful people tell us not to.”
Terry-Wilson said, “ we value your voices. We understand the importance of all stakeholders which are residents, businesses, community partners and elected officials creating a vision of what we want for the community, mapping out a plan to bring it into fruition, and working in unison towards that goal which is a safer, cleaner, healthier, and economically sound Trenton. The very first and crucial step is voting. In a city of 91,000 residents, our civic engagement is a reflection of how serious we take moving our city forward. I totally understand the apathy. We must do things differently though to get different results. We successfully secured a runoff because there was supposed to be one. This is an example of what leadership working for the people looks like. It can be quiet, and professional yet strong and unwavering. I think that type of leadership is needed at this moment. Residents will decide if they want it now by completing their absentee vote by mail ballots which have arrived for those who vote by mail, and those who vote in person will decide at the polls, on January 24, 2023. I encourage you to participate in our city’s direction. Vote and be heard.”
Bethea concurred with the answers of Mr. Manuel.
Previous Trentonian reporting contributed to this article.
