A step into the voting booth inside Washington School in Trenton delivered a rabbit hole moment that included visitation by deceased pop music star Peggy Lee. Crossed eyes stared and watered at the choices for president, House of Representatives, Commissioners, School Board, and East Ward councilman. A piano played just as Lee, born Norma Dolores Egstrom, whispered lyrics of her popular song. “Is that all there is? Is that all there is? If that’s all there is, my friend, then let’s keep dancing. Let’s break out the booze and have a ball. If that’s all, there is.” (Yes, unfortunately). My ballot eventually showed three selections. No way existed to continue the insanity that comes with repetitive selection of the same candidates who accomplish next-to-nothing and toe-tap party lines. Not much changes in Trenton because not much changes. If no variables receive alteration in any equation then life spits out same doses of Schitt’s Creek consistently on different days. The capital city, short on transparency and stymied by status quo with a touch of quid pro quo lip-smacking bottom snogging, devoid of transparency, and lacking discourse, delivers repetition of previously failed missions to revitalize Trenton. One more visit to the ballot box remains for South Ward voters as incumbent Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg faces a runoff challenge from Damian Malave on December 3. Neither candidate secured a 50-percent, plus-one plurality. Incredibly, this election cycle included no debates of City of Trenton council candidates. Interestingly, when people voiced dissatisfaction with previous government officials, persons charged with production of these public discussions assured these exchanges occurred. “I’m satisfied with the city council we have,” a Trenton influencer offered. When leaders take your call, support your initiatives, and bring you into the fold, it’s easy to express support. Plus, when people get their desired government, they prefer no debates that could impinge their candidate. Considering that two city council incumbents ran unopposed, well, that sounds hardly like healthy government. Both wards face issues that went undiscussed via debate as incumbents faced no interrogation about crime, housing, lead, health care, education, department heads, public works, transparency, and city finances. BallotReady, a nonpartisan organization that promotes civic participation, conducted a research that alleged seven of ten elective offices in the 2024 general election were sought by only one candidate. ”Democracy is not working the way it should,” Alex Niemczewski, chief executive of BallotReady told the New York Times. “Voters don’t have a choice.” Unfortunately, disengagement from this important election process increases apathy as voters lose faith in politicians and government. Break out the booze. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].