Benson opened by acknowledging that the County had continued to face financial challenges over the past year, “Last year, when I spoke, I was clear about the challenges ahead. We were in a tough financial spot,” said Benson. “So we rolled up our sleeves, we tightened our belts, and we went to work.” Benson noted his administration’s work to restore fiscal stability by implementing cost-saving measures and making key operational changes.

“Now, Mercer County is planting seeds for our future, and that future is bright,” Benson said. “Because Mercer is a special place, and we believe that it should be leading the way. We want to set the standard. We want to show the entire region how government can and should work for people.”

Throughout his remarks, Benson highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting his close partnership with the Board of County Commissioners as well as his administration’s steps to strengthen coordination with Mercer’s twelve municipalities.

Benson celebrated several major milestones, including breaking ground on upgrades to the Trenton Thunder ballpark, launching the South Broad Street Vision Plan, and major improvements at Trenton Mercer Airport. He also pointed to projects like the reconstruction of the historic Eagle Tavern, the plans to extend and connect sections of the Johnson Trolley Line Trail, and the award-winning restoration of the Montgomery Street Bridge.

In addition to infrastructure progress, Benson highlighted his administration’s efforts to expand social services, strengthen public health and safety, promote diversity in vendor procurement, and lead the way on equality through the work of Mercer’s new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

“For the first time in a long time, there’s real energy and excitement about the future of Mercer County and our Capital City,” said Benson. “Because of the hard work of this amazing team, I can say with confidence that the state of Mercer County is much better today than it was just a year ago.”

“Over the past year it’s been great to see so many people excited again about what our County government is doing,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Kristin McLaughlin after the speech. “We’re proud of the partnership we’ve built with the County Executive, and of everything that we’re doing together to move Mercer County forward.”

The text of the County Executive’s speech can be viewed here.