FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY &
ELIMINATING STATE OVERSIGHT
Since 2010, the state of New Jersey has controlled Trenton's budget through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The city can't hire, can't fire, can't make spending decisions without state approval—all because of "transitional aid" that represents less than 10% of the city's budget.
This arrangement was supposed to be temporary. Cities were supposed to wean themselves off state funding and regain local control. Most other cities succeeded. Trenton has not. Fifteen years later, we're still under state oversight, and not a single mayor or council member has presented a plan to change that.
Rolando was directly impacted by this crisis. In 2011, he was a Lieutenant with the Trenton Police Department. When the layoffs came, he was demoted to Sergeant to backfill positions. He spent 5.5 years demoted before being repromoted in 2016. Over 100 officers were laid off. The department has never recovered—we went from 340 officers to 260-280, and we're still there today.
The Plan
Develop a Long-Term Plan to Eliminate Transitional Aid
• Each year, reduce reliance on transitional aid by at the minimum of 1% of the previous year's allotment
• Make budget decisions that prioritize essential services and eliminate waste
• Work toward full fiscal independence within a reasonable timeframe
End State Oversight of Local Budget
• Once transitional aid is eliminated, the DCA loses its authority over Trenton
• Return budget control to the elected officials that Trentonians chose
• At minimum, limit DCA oversight to only the transitional aid portion, not the entire city budget
Stop Using State Oversight as an Excuse
• For 15 years, local politicians have blamed the state for every failure
• It's time to take responsibility and actually work toward independence
• Present a real plan, not just complaints
Eliminate Wasteful Spending and Corruption
• End no-bid contracts that enrich connected contractors while delivering nothing
• Stop commissioning endless studies that lead to no action (like the $750 million Water Works problem)
• Invest in programs that deliver measurable results, not photo opportunities
Fix the Water Works Crisis
• Address the mismanagement that has put our water system on the verge of state takeover
• Develop a realistic plan to fund necessary repairs
• Ensure competent leadership and accountability
Why This Matters
Every mayor since 2010—Tony Mack, Eric Jackson, and Reed Gusciora—has complained about state oversight. Reed Gusciora even ran in 2018 promising his "relationships" with the state would end the DCA's control. He was wrong. Complaining doesn't work. We need a leader who will actually do something about it.
Rolando isn't interested in excuses. He's interested in results. Fiscal independence isn't just about pride—it's about giving Trentonians control over their own city again.
Let’s go from Trenton to Triumph!!!