Gusciora to Gov. Murphy: Release Trenton from MOU so City Hall Can Fill Vacancies, Properly Deliver Municipal Services

Department of Community Affairs Must Sign off on all Executive Appointments in the City under the Memorandum of Understanding

Press Release 4/6/18 

TRENTON) – Assemblyman Reed Gusciora this week sent a letter to Gov. Murphy requesting that the state release the City of Trenton from the DCA’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement necessitates state approval of all senior, confidential and cabinet-level city employees. Gusciora asserts that “this agreement unnecessarily hinders our ability to serve the common and public good”.

Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) explained that the MOU called for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide oversight for approval of executive appointments as a means of ensuring that Transitional Aid was spent wisely, and in a manner consistent with state laws.

However, this oversight has left the city incapable of filling multiple positions in key departments. There are currently 60 vacancies at the Trenton Water Works. While once warranted, this level of supervision is now unnecessary and is actually hampering progress in the capital city, said Gusciora.

“This unnecessary level of oversight has made it difficult for Trenton to shed reliance on long-term state aid. Oversight requirements specifically regarding hiring at our water utility have hindered the City’s ability to maintain full staffing. This situation is aggravated by DCA’s frequent and repeated rejection of applications to fill vacancies,” said Gusciora.

In addition, Gusciora noted that the MOU has impeded the Trenton Police Department’s efforts to ensure citizens’ safety. The DCA has restricted Trenton’s ability to fill city vacancies in the county police academy. Staffing levels in the department have become emaciated. While the city used to employ almost 400 officers, under 250 are currently patrolling our streets, said Gusciora.

“In order to remain competitive in our ever-accelerating 21st-century economy, municipal governments in urban areas must be proactive to match the pace of business development. The DCA’s Memorandum of Understanding has placed significant bureaucratic burdens on Trenton’s hiring process.  Vacancies hamper the local government’s ability to be an effective partner in revitalizing and redeveloping our capital city.” said Gusciora.

Gusciora has also requested a meeting with Gov. Murphy to discuss the MOU face to face. But the assemblyman would too like to open the discussion to all Trenton mayoral candidates. Gusciora maintains that “at the end of the day, we need to work together towards the best interests of Trenton residents.”