The Future That You Smell

Cory Booker took office as the first new mayor of Newark, New Jersey, in twenty years and the first Newark mayor born after the 1967 riot that has haunted the city ever since. In his inaugural address, he delcared that he could "smell" the future.

Mr. Mayor, what you smelled was Newark! :-D

Anyway, Booker plans to hit the ground running in trying to improve Newark's schools, streets, and neighborhoods. He'd better. Otherwise, he'll just plain hit the ground. And Newark's problems are so entrenched, he might end up doing that anyway.

Ironically, even as New Jersey's largest city gets a shot of momentum with a new mayor and a new generation of leadership, New Jersey itself has had to shut the state government down. Governor Jon Corzine has been unable to agree with Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts on a budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year that began on Saturday - the sticking point is a one percent sales tax increase Corzine says is necessary to bring the budget in balance - and "nonessential" offices are closed until further notice. This includes the motor vehicle department. Yeah, and what other services are deemed nonessential?

Well, at least one of them is not the state prison system. Good thing, because Cory Booker will have enough trouble keeping Newark safe without convicts from the city getting out of jail prematurely and coming back to steal from fellow residents. I am, of course, referring to convicted Newark politicians. :-D