Meet Pedro Reyes
My vision is clear: to create a better Mercer County through fiscal responsibility and transparency. We are committed to working closely with businesses and the community to enhance our way of life while effectively reducing our tax burden.
Our approach is straightforward: eliminate waste and cut through the bureaucracy that has long hindered our county’s progress. By collaborating with the City of Trenton, we aim to improve the Trenton Water Works and address the critical issue of water pollution that affects not only Trenton but also parts of the county.
We will leverage federal, state, and business grants to alleviate the tax burden on our residents, ensuring that every dollar is used efficiently and effectively. The current $12 million deficit is a result of electing the same officials who have failed to bring about necessary changes. For more information regarding this deficit, please visit our news tab.
It’s time to demand what you deserve. Join us in putting an end to the nonsense and building a brighter future for Mercer County. Together, we can achieve meaningful change and create a community we are all proud to call home.
Let’s make Mercer County better—together. Demand what you deserve!
Together We can Make Something Great!
our Voice, Your Power
Together, we'll break down barriers that hold you back, empowering you to create the change you seek in your community.
A Vision Centered Around You
My goal is to work tirelessly to enhance your quality of life, ensuring that your voice guides the policies and initiatives I champion
Innovating for Your Success
Together, we can drive change, encourage creativity, and ensure that your work leads to meaningful outcomes
Your Vote for Progress
Residents of Mercer County,
Today, I stand before you to shed light on a critical issue that has been plaguing our county: the severe financial mismanagement that has occurred under the previous administration. The state of our county’s finances is not just a matter of numbers and budgets; it reflects the values, priorities, and, ultimately, the effectiveness of those in charge.
County Executive Dan Benson has laid out a stark picture of the financial challenges we face, challenges that stem directly from the decisions—or lack thereof—made by the previous leadership. When we talk about budgets, we are talking about the lifeblood of our community, the foundation upon which we build our schools, our infrastructure, and our future.
Let’s consider the facts presented by Mr. Benson:
$10 million in deferred charges: These charges were uncovered in disorganized financial records and must now be paid in the 2024 budget.
$4.5 million in fines and interest: These were revealed by the State Comptroller’s office, signaling gross negligence.
Under-budgeted department salaries and operating expenses by $6.4 million: This indicates a significant gap in financial planning and foresight.
Overestimated revenue projections by $2.1 million: This shows a dangerous disconnect from reality.
Over-expended capital and grant accounts by $1.8 million: Reflecting poor oversight and control.
Failure to budget for close to $1 million in unfunded county debt due in 2022: This oversight could have led to even greater financial peril.
Errors in the 2022 Annual Financial Statement and an incomplete 2022 audit: Threatening our county’s credit rating and financial stability.
These issues are not mere oversights; they are symptoms of a systemic problem—one that continues to haunt us because the same individuals who allowed these conditions to fester are still in positions of influence. It’s a classic case of foxes guarding the henhouse.
So, the question we must ask ourselves is this: How can we expect different results if we keep the same people in charge who created these conditions in the first place? It is not enough to acknowledge past mistakes; we must demand accountability and change.
Key Questions to the County Commissioners:
What specific measures are being taken to prevent the financial mismanagement seen in the past from recurring?
How will the county improve oversight and accountability to avoid significant errors in future budgets and financial statements?
What plans are in place to manage and pay off the $10 million in deferred charges discovered for the 2024 budget?
How does the county plan to address the $6.4 million under-budgeted department salaries and operating expenses?
What steps are being taken to ensure more accurate and realistic revenue projections in future budgets?
How will the county prevent the over-expenditures in capital and grant accounts that totaled $1.8 million?
What strategies are being implemented to ensure that future annual financial statements are accurate and complete?
What measures can be taken to manage the $12 million increase in debt service payments and the $4 million rise in expenses for Inmate Medical Services and the Youth Detention Center contract?