Dear Trentonians

I have lived in Trenton since February 1986. I wasn't quite 5 years old. I was excited to live in a house. I grew up in two apartments on Long Island and couldn't wait to have my own backyard. I quickly made a lot of friends on my street, Lamberton, in Trenton's best Ward, The Bottom; known to most as South Trenton. Most of those friends aren't my friends anymore. They grew up to be thugs and have been convicted of crimes. They are not members of my society any longer and are not willing to change. Still, I remember my youth vividly and think about my youth knowing had I not experienced it that way, I would not be who I am today. I am proud of who I am, who I've become. Aside from my family's role in my life, I attribute the rest of my development to Trenton and my experiences within it.



Trenton defines me. I love this city. I will make my home in this city. But first, I am going to work to change this city from what it is now. Do not be confused. I am not going to work to bring this city 'back' to what I knew as a child. No, I am going to work to make this city what no one living remembers - a center of business and a community of civil people.



As stated, I have spent over 22 years in this city. I have observed quite a bit. Have I seen it all? No, but my eyes have always been open. I am compelled to offer my views and solutions for this city. Realizing that I am one person in a city of many, I will address my solutions to Trentonians in the hopes that some will comment and offer some of their own solutions. Eventually, as a dislogue develops, ideas are exchanged - a compromise may be possible and solutions can be implemented.



Bear with me. I am young. I am eager. I am often wrong. But I will try.



For you, but mostly for me.



Sincerely,

Nicholas Stewart