Douglas H. Palmer never lost an election as a Mercer County freeholder nor five mayoral contests. So, an ordinance, supposedly hanging in the balance last Thursday, to affix his name to the Annex of City Hall, seemed more foregone conclusion and done-deal than quick-setting cement. As Palmer admirers filed into City Council Chambers to uplift the first African American mayor of Trenton, minted in history from 1990 until 2010, in a city named for William Trent, a peddler of animal pelts and molasses, both a slave owner and slave trader, seven members of City Council anointed a Black prince unanimously. Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer remains friends with former city police Director Joseph Santiago. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer celebrates with wife, Christiana (Foglio) after a unanimous vote by City Council supported an ordinance to place his name on the annex of City Hall. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)City Council of Trenton members listened to supporters of ordinance to honor former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Many supporters of ordinance packed City Hall Chambers. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Cathy DiCostanzo, former Mercer County clerk, with Trenton mayoral assistant, Andrew Bobbitt. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora speaks with former Mercer County Executive Bob Prunetti. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Mercer County Executive Dan Benson next to former West Ward Councilwoman Annette Lartigue. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer with Republican pal Bob Prunetti, former Mercer County executive. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Show Caption1 of 8Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer remains friends with former city police Director Joseph Santiago. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Expand Almost two dozen attendees had signed up to speak during Public Comment. Many were government officials with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora leading the procession of supporters in support of an ordinance to recognize Palmer’s lifetime of service to his capital city. Gusciora praised the Palmer legacy that attracted national recognition and support. “After 20 years of service, Doug could have sailed off into the sunset,” Gusciora noted. The mayor said he and most members of City Council had sought guidance or information from Palmer on a number of topics. “Thank you Council for giving Doug Palmer the recognition he dutifully deserves,” Gusciora added. The night’s theme included a departure from honoring people after they have passed. “Too often our heroes are recognized posthumously….I think it’s time we tell Doug Palmer thank you, today,” Dan Benson, Mercer County executive offered. One by one, speakers added their consent as the faces of City Council members betrayed their eventual vote of confirmation. “We’re here because it’s time to recognize an African-American who made a significant contribution to the City of Trenton. It’s plain and simple,” Annette Lartigue, a former at-large councilwoman, said. John Bailey, a Colorado resident with strong ties to Princeton and Trenton, noted Palmer served with distinction. “And while some people criticize and ask, ‘Well, what did Doug do for black people?’, they should understand that (Palmer) represented everyone in the City of Trenton,” explained Bailey, who emphasized the former mayor cultivated pride in many Brown and Black households. Darlene implored city council to, “Give (Doug Palmer) his flowers while he’s living.” Cordelia Staton, a former East Ward councilwoman, noted Palmer had earned the honor to have his name affixed to the Trenton City Hall Annex. She added levity with this insight about their longtime friendship. “I knew the mayor when he was just a player,” said Staton. Karen Palmer Richardson, the mayor’s sister, referenced the siblings’ mother who deceased in 2005. “I just want to say before “The Mayor” speaks, because that’s what I call him all the time, I need to say on behalf of his No.1 cheerleader, our mother Dorothy (Vaughn) Palmer, his biggest fan who is definitely smiling down from heaven, and our dad (George), who is under the weather and could not be here, that you have bestowed such honor to our family that we will never forget. He is deserving of this honor,” Richardson said. Former Mercer County Executive Bob Prunetti discussed a successful partnership between a white Republican and a Black Democrat who collaborated on several projects, including an arena, ballpark, hotel and major park. Prunetti praised the heart of a city champion who birthed in Trenton and enjoyed being mayor of his hometown. “This evening is really about the heart of Doug Palmer. His heart is in this building, on the streets of this city and with all these people seated here tonight,” Prunetti said. City Council members gushed about an approaching date with history. West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby, who sponsored the ordinance noted factions had pressed her. “Why the rush? Why the rush? Why now,” some asked. Well, why not now?,” Frisby responded. Then, seven members of city council confirmed the obvious as an entire chamber of attendees cheered and celebrated. Mayor Palmer acknowledged a list of persons who lifted him toward numerous achievements, including his wife, Christiana Foglio. “I would not have been able to do anything without those people, working and believing in me and the city. I would not have been able to accomplish anything without the support of the people, without the citizens of Trenton,” Palmer explained. “My heart is so full, I’m humbled and honored.”