When It's Not All Bad

I had lunch with a journalist a few weeks ago who gave me a new perspective on my approach to civic activism. A recent email exchange with this journalist reminded me, again, to take another look at my approach and consider how it would be received.

I was advised to seek out more opportunities to partner with the community-at-large as well as the city administration. I was reminded that although my pursuits may actually be good and positive, I may not be the only one pursuing good in this city and not necessarily be promoting the only positive event in the city on a given day. Points well taken.

Here's an attempt to take this lesson, learn from it and then practice it.

In this city, where the administration of governmen is rank with mismanagement and wasteful spending practices that should have far more people upset (especially the majority of taxpayers in NJ and the entire NJ State Legilature), there is a very well-run and effective department. Perfect? I imagine it is not. Committed? I see no reason why it should not be described as such. Proactive? I can attest that it is. Accomplished? Definitely!

Which you ask. The Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture led by Director Sam Frisby. This department is really doing what it can and surpassing that limit through continually reaching out for assistance from the local community and to any other organization it can. Simply ask Director Frisby about his position and he'll immediately begin to bombard you with programs that are underway (SCOOP, Trenton Summer Camp, City-Wide Chess, Cadwalder Paker renovations - HERITAGE DAYS, and the list goes on) and planned (more chess venues, a dedicated chess facility). He'll tell you what's been accomplished and what needs to be. Then he'll ask you what you can do. That's right. You can't always ask the director what he (or she) is going to do. Sometimes, you need to be prepared to answer them. I am beginning to find ways of answering that question through action or better described - involvement.

I imagine this involvement could very well be described as partnering. So, I have bettered myself in two ways by heeding the words spoken and written to me by this journalist. One being my praising the good work of a member of Trenton's administration and two being my being involved in a particular event sponsored by the City's Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture.

I confess - those who know me will agree - that I am often, essentially, a brat. I have been trying to break my habit of talking at people and practicing to converse with them instead. I have a long way to go, yet. But, I give myself a pat on the back for first, realizing this myself (I've been told by the way but, I've looked for myself and seen it) and second, trying to change it.

So, while I continue to practice bettering myself with regard to sharing my views and opionions, I will also continue to practice being more specific with my criticism for the city's administration so I do not inadvertently criticize those that should not be and focus on finding ways to partner rather than always looking at reasons to devide.

I commed Director Frisby and a certain member of his staff, Megan Higgenbotham for their fine job today at the First Annual Trenton City-Wide Chess Tournament.

May this event continue to flourish and grow into a recognized event in the world of chess.

May Trenton's chess programs continue to provide a means for our city youth to develop their analytical skills and become masters of the game of chess.

May these young players go onto meet their dreams with open arms and wrestle those dreams into submission.

Sincerely,
Nicholas Stewart

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