As you convene on Saturday, March 5, I am writing to ask you to endorse Brian Hughes for Mercer County Executive. Based on his future plans, and his record of achievements, I believe he has earned your support. He has mine.

You know me well from my eight terms of service representing the 15^th legislative district in the New Jersey General Assembly and now as the Mayor of Trenton. I have worked closely with Brian for two decades. He has been a great partner, reliable, steady and a good listener to my concerns. We have achieved much together.

Brian is a doer, not a talker. He doesn’t just promise, he delivers. He has kept County taxes stable. He acquired over 5000 acres of open space, preserving and protecting fully a quarter, some 27%, of Mercer County from development—forever. That is real environmental protection. And, he has promoted sustainability through the establishment of new bus routes, bike paths, EV charging stations and a massive solar field that has produced nearly a million dollars a year for education.

Brian listened and he acted. In Trenton, he has expanded the Mercer County Community College Campus with physical buildings to promote the City’s redevelopment and with new and expanded course offerings to help students who rely on the College as a bridge to a sound future. Brian has improved our roads and bridges. During COVID, he provided medical care to our residents and particularly to our neediest. He expanded the social services, and created mobile units to bring medical services to those in my city who do not have the means to travel. Brian has created good union jobs, and, working with the African American Chamber of Commerce, created the County’s first minority-, veterans- and women-owned business set aside program. Brian expanded the County’s library system, and I am now working with him to create a major library expansion in Trenton. Together, we will do more. Not just for library access, but for all services. We are focused on helping kids thrive in Trenton and we have close and supportive relationships with our NGOs designed to achieve success for our children.

I have been personally honored in the past to receive your endorsement for General Assembly. You know that I have been an independent, progressive voice, and not just a party mouthpiece. You know that I opposed Governor Christie and members of my own party at personal risk. Brian is of the same mold. He is independent and progressive. Brian defeated the Republican machine twenty years ago and has kept Mercer County Democratic. Brian is not a party boss. He has been inclusive of new, younger voices, minorities and women. His record of inclusive hiring is unmatched.

It is well known that Brian makes governmental decisions without regard to politics, honestly, and on the merits. In his first major act, he adopted a strict County pay-to- play law. He has kept big money out of Mercer politics. Now is not the time to turn the clock back to the old days.

This race is not about age or health. Brian suffers from a chronic pain condition which he has had since his first election. But it has never stopped him from doing his job. The “whisperers” who have been talking behind his back do not represent the ideals of our Democratic Party.

Brian’s plans for the future, dedication, independence, inclusiveness and result-focused governance make him the best candidate in this race. He is a lifelong Mercer resident and a long-time Trenton and now Princeton resident steeped in a family tradition of public service. As one who knows him, his values, and his dedication well, I strongly endorse Brian Hughes for Mercer County Executive and urge you to do the same.

Sincerely,

Reed Gusciora

Mayor, City of Trenton