Here’s why we’re endorsing Samuel T. Frisby Sr. for Mercer County Commissioner:
The “County Line” in primary election ballots: Being placed in a preferential ballot position unfairly benefits some candidates and disadvantages others. Recognizing the outsize influence of the “county line” primary election ballots on the outcomes of elections, and the considerable voter confusion that they cause, I will therefore advocate for an “Office Bloc” ballot as is used in every other state and in some counties in NJ (see http://ggcnj.org/resolution for more information).
Comment: I believe in transparency and all of the tenants of an inclusive democracy. I recognize that our system is not perfect and I am committed to working with the Good Government Coalition to better educate myself on the challenges, as well as promoting public discourse around the what works and what needs to change.
Contract Vetting: I will rigorously review all county contracts to make sure they reflect fiscal responsibility and the values of constituents.
Comment: Since being on the Commissioner Board I have always scrutinized the contracts that come before me, which is what led me to advocate and assist in the revision of a set-aside ordinance in Mercer County. Our contracts where not equitable in reference to our demographics and who was actually receiving contracts. Many times our contracts have been very heavily tilted towards larger entities and many times excluded; women, minorities, veterans and small businesses. If you show me your budget, I’ll tell you what you value.
Pay to Play: I will not exchange professional service contracts for donations to my campaign or the campaigns of my friends/allies. When possible, I will open contracts up for a competitive bidding process, instead of automatically renewing last year’s contract.
Comment: This is already a process that our commissioner board utilizes; we require that all contracts are reviewed by a committee and require them to go back out to bid at the end of each contract period.
Ethics Reform: I support ethics reforms that would require broader disclosure of financial information (e.g., investments) by candidates for county commissioner, as a means for regulating campaigns and limiting corruption.
Professionalism: I will commit my time and energy to full length meetings that make information accessible to the public. I will not support rushing through an abbreviated consent agenda
Meeting location and accessibility: I support using technology to make meeting attendance more accessible for residents, both publicly in person and via live-streaming of meetings (e.g., zoom) or other remote attendance options.
Meeting Structure: I believe that county commissioners should hear from the public that they represent, and therefore I will not limit public comment beyond reasonable rules that make it possible for all who want to contribute, to do so (e.g., no more than 3 minutes per speaker). When possible, I will be responsive to public input.
Information reporting: I support easily accessible online meeting agendas and minutes. I support user-friendly budgets so residents can easily see how public funds are allocated. I support user friendly agendas that include explainers about resolutions being voted on.
Responsible County Administration & Oversight: I will work to ensure that the county entities and public services I oversee (such as libraries, parks, technical schools, community colleges, correction facilities, and infrastructure) are safe, professionally staffed, and appropriately funded.
Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions: I will appoint people with diverse perspectives to boards, authorities and committees, opening up government for greater participation, rather than selecting the well-connected. Because new ideas and voices are important, I will seek out new residents to fill these board positions and strive for diversity that represents constituents (e.g., in terms of gender and race), rather than having the same individuals serve for decades.
More information about Samuel T. Frisby Sr.:
Email: commissionerfrisby@gmail.com
Phone: 609 638-0644
Party affiliation: Democratic party
Date of Birth: 10/14/1968
Current Occupation: Chief Executive Officer
Education: Bachelors Degree from Howard University 1992: Bachelors of Social Work
Master’s Degree from Springfield College 2016: Master’s of Science
Public/party service:
2003-2009- Director of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture, City of Trenton
2011-Current- Mercer County Board of Commissioners
2015 & Current Chair of the Commissioner Board
2018 Vice Chair of the Mercer Democratic County Committee
2020 Vice Chair of the County Black Caucus- NJ19, Founding Member and Vice Chair
Current Boards and Commissions:
Founding member of the Howard University Alumni Association and it’s first Vice president
Saint Francis Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and both Saint Francis Medical Center’s Steering and Executive Committees
Member of the Statewide MLK Commission
National YMCA’s African American CEO Network
YMCA State Alliance Board of Trustees
Mercer County Coalition for Environmental Equity & Inclusivity
Board of Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce
Founder of the Capital City Area Black Caucus
YMCA Regional JEDI Committee
Mercer County Planning Board
Trenton Kiwanis
Mercer County Food Stakeholders Leadership Group
Former Boards and Commissions:
Hamilton Board of Education Human Relations Committee
Chair of the Youth Investment Committee for the Mercer County W.I.B.
Vice Chair for Port of Trenton Museum Board
Member of the Artworks Board
Chair of the YMCA of Trenton Board, Co-chair of the Weed & Seed Steering Committee,
Ex-Officio Member of the State Museum Board,
Founder of the I Am Trenton Community Foundation Board
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