January
2003
From
the Mayor: The City of Trenton's New Year's Resolutions
By
Douglas H. Palmer
When
the Downtowner asked me about my New Year's resolutions for 2003,
I began thinking about progress on all fronts. Not only do we
want Trenton to continue to be a delightful new discovery for
businesses, developers, tourists, and aspiring homeowners, we
want the people who live here to take part in the excitement of
the city, too.
As
Mayor of Trenton, I am resolved to lead our city in the pursuit
of the most efficient services possible in tight economic times.
As
a partner with our schools, I am resolved to continue collaborations
with our outstanding School Superintendent, James Lytle, on behalf
of the children of the city. A good example is our Community-based
Schools Master Plan, which just won an American Planning Association-New
Jersey award for integrating our state capital and educational
facilities, museums and libraries, the Delaware River for environmental
study, new and rehabilitated housing, and historic factory buildings.
The plan forms exciting neighborhood improvements, anchored by
schools that will be community centers beyond the traditional
school day.
I
am resolved to promote this sort of creative thinking and collaboration
in connection with all of our great opportunities - to energize
redevelopment efforts downtown, on the Waterfront and in the Arena
District, in our neighborhoods, and with the dozens of community
organizations that are committed to the Trenton transformation.
Along
with our Housing and Economic Development Department, I am resolved
to help ease new businesses through the process of locating in
Trenton-and to work with them to ensure that these efforts bring
jobs to our residents.
I
am resolved to help Trenton fully realize its stature as a wonderful
place to live and a smart place to start a business in a setting
that can accommodate commerce with colleagues all along the Washington-to-Boston
corridor.
I
am resolved to help the people of our city, state, and nation
fully appreciate Trenton as an example of what teamwork and creative
energy can do.
Last
but not least, with a new baby, I am resolved to be a good dad?
And maybe, just maybe, to get a little more sleep!
Doug
Palmer is the mayor of Trenton.
