Former Councilman Manny Segura served two terms on the City Council

TRENTON, NJ — November 7, 2022 – Former Trenton Councilman Manny Segura announced his endorsement of Damian G. Malave for South Ward Councilman this weekend.
Segura, a Dominican, broke the glass ceiling as Trenton’s first Latino councilman, and has remained selective in his involvement in local politics. In his endorsement of Malave, Segura acknowledged the South Ward has a majority of Latino residents and said they had been mistreated with no one coming to advocate for them.
“I was humbled and honored to receive such a loud, dynamic and full-throated endorsement from former Trenton Councilman Manny Segura,” said Malave. “His boundless energy and passion are legendary in Trenton political circles and in the Latino community.”
Malave said he aspires to be the first Latino South Ward Councilman on Trenton City Council and has run a “boots on the ground” campaign referring to himself as “one of you.”
In making his endorsement, Segura reminded voters that they needed to take part in the process beyond expressing their dissatisfaction. In a radio endorsement for Malave, the former Councilman speaks in Spanish and passionately implores residents to get out and vote.
Segura also acknowledged that the South Ward has been forgotten for too many years and spoke of the harm caused by neglect. Years after he finished his two terms on City Council, Segura led rallies protesting violence in Trenton. The issue continues to bring concerns.
“We need to make public safety a priority,” Malave agreed. “People shouldn’t be afraid to live or work in South Trenton or any other part of the city. We need our neighborhoods safe and activities available to keep our children away from bad things like drugs and other crime.”
Malave also addressed the community’s crumbling infrastructure from potholes to abandoned buildings to dirty streets. He said that he intends to work hard to restore neighborhoods and help residents invest in homes and businesses.
A community activist, Malave sits on the boards of several non-profits, including the Mercer County Boys and Girls Club, Rodriguez Family Foundation, and Trent House. The South Ward Council candidate said small businesses and faith-based organizations are the community’s lifeline.
“I’ve helped feed the hungry and done much more as a volunteer,” said Malave. “However, the South Ward needs “one of us” on City Council to move things forward. Enough is enough.”
Malave made it to the run-off elections in 2018 against retiring Councilman George Muschal. In doing so, he beat one of his current opponents, Jenna L. Kettenburg. Evangeline Ugorji is the third candidate in the November 8, 2022 general election for South Ward Trenton City Council.