Decades back an assignment for the Trenton Times offered a rare opportunity to cover the NBA Philadelphia Sixers. I entered the Sixers postgame locker room and made this introduction to players Charles Barkley and Rick Mahorn — “I’m L.A. Parker from the Trenton Times.” In what seemed like a rehearsed response, Mahorn and Barkley said simultaneously, “F*%k Trenton” then roared laughter. Mind you, their levity served more as invitation into their circle rather than searing criticism of the capital city. (I think). Flashbacks occur regularly of that 1990 incident as Trenton, rated the worst U.S. capital in many surveys, gets kicked, sucker punched, and hears the serious (what Mahorn and Barkley said) daily. Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill joined a Trenton-outcast contingent with the announcement that the Jan. 20 inauguration will take place in her home county of Essex at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark. (What Mahorn and Barkley chimed). Think about this, since Trenton became the state capital of New Jersey in 1790, every newly elected governor had their inauguration here. Former Gov. Christine Whitman celebrated an oath of office for her second term at NJPAC. Trenton lists as the lone U.S. capital without a hotel and Starbucks bridged by a downtown area filled with closed small businesses and several on life support, you know, the ones Gov.-elect Sherrill promised to support. An inauguration in Trenton would have been a nice gesture, a nod to know that the new governor sees our issues, not from a podium in Newark but just several blocks away from her new office. This Sherrill diss adds to the increasing infamy that shrouds a city in serious decline. In fact, even before the Sherrill inauguration decision, personal conversations entertained moving the state capital. New Brunswick received strong consideration along with Newark. “For more than a year, I’ve been up and down this state and am on a mission to deliver for all New Jerseyans – lower costs, a better future for our kids, and a more transparent and accountable state government. Leadership means listening to the people about what keeps them up at night – and we will start my administration the same way we won this race, by listening and taking action for the people I serve. I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn-in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City – and as governor, I will continue showing up for Newark, Trenton, and all of New Jersey’s communities,” Gov.-elect Sherrill said. Anyway, new regimes fill with what sounds like grand ideas, especially when supported by people hired to co-sign. This Gov.-elect Sherrill decision hurts Trenton but she will return like most Democratic candidates, you know, when our votes are needed to fend off a Republican challenger. Still waiting for Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora to say something, stand up for our city without damaging whatever relationship he shares with Gov.-elect Sherrill. Political rule books note to never bite the hand that could impact your potential third term. In other words (what Mahorn and Barkley shouted). L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected]. ...read more read less