Today, I announce my candidacy for the office of

Mayor of the City of Trenton, New Jersey

     A little over 11 years ago the residents of the Trenton's West ward elected me to serve as their Councilwoman.  I am both humbled and gratified by the trust they have invested in me to serve them in that time.

     Together, we have accomplished many great things: new and renovated housing; a new shopping center; infrastructure improvements to curbs, sidewalks and streets; progressive enhancement and repair programs; and economic development.

     We have also worked together to improve access to the Office of City Council through the monthly West Ward Advisory Board (WWAB), a which I founded in 1998. This grassroots organization meets monthly, and has been tireless in its efforts to provide new scarves, gloves, socks and hats for Trenton’s homeless and Veteran populations.  We have raised funds yearly that have given local children opportunities to attend summer camp and supervised recreational activities — positive alternatives to much of the potential negativity we all know awaits them in urban streets.

 

     I campaigned to be elected West Ward Councilwoman because of my passion for public service and my wish to serve the West ward community to the very best of my ability. My record shows that I have done that.  In so doing, both my passion and desire to serve have grown to the extent that I am motivated to ask all of the citizens of Trenton to trust me and the positive leadership I have demonstrated as West ward Councilwoman with the opportunity to work with the entire community for a brighter future as your Mayor.  

 

     The poet, Maya Angelou, said: “All great achievements require time and trust."  I ask you  now for that partnership of  "time" and "trust," with which I believe we can further realize the potential for great achievements in and for this city.  We can make it happen with the strength and hope of every resident in this city. We must work together to reach every resident, hear every voice and provide every opportunity within our power for the betterment of our community. 

 

     To you, my fellow Trentonians, I pledge that my administration will work hard to both earn and honor your trust. We will continue in the spirit of the WWAB to meet monthly with residents to share and dispense information.

     I pledge to build an administration characterized by a spirit of partnership and accessibility.  We will work collaboratively to re-establish and maintain a vibrant business district and downtown area.

     We will join hands with all necessary entities, both public and private, to continue the fight against crime and for improvement of denigrating social issues currently plaguing our city.

     We will reach out to our educators to improve the quality of education for our children, and thereby their futures, and that of our own.

     We will partner with Trenton’s City Council to ensure good and accountable governance.  Our commitment to these things and more begin with a campaign, in which round table discussions will be used to help guide the goals and decisions of my administration. 

     Finally, we will run a clean, issue focused campaign — one reflective of the pride and dignity I know exists in the hearts of residents of the Capital City.

     Through my website and hot-line, I will provide timely response to requests for information and verification. I welcome the input of the residents from whom I will draw my strength and support. 

    

     Any resident wishing to contact me or learn more about me, my platform and vision for Trenton may engage me in person at our first roundtable on Saturday, January 2, 2010. You may also follow me, on-line, at http://www.annettelartigue.com, Trenton Talks Back blog, Facebook and Twitter.  Our campaign headquarters will open January 1, 2010 at 354 South Broad Street.    

     I am Annette Lartigue, and I have the experience, strength, faith and hope to guide our city through this transition and the difficult times ahead. Every Resident. Every Voice. Every Opportunity.