Atalaya Armstrong

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Atalaya Armstrong

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

Thomas Edison State University, 2002

Personal

Profession

Public relations

Contact

Campaign website

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Atalaya Armstrong ran for election to the Trenton City Council to represent West Ward in New Jersey. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Armstrong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Atalaya Armstrong earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University in 2002. Her career experience includes working in public relations.

Elections

2022

See also: City elections in Trenton, New Jersey (2022)

General election

General election for Trenton City Council West Ward

Teska Frisby defeated Atalaya Armstrong and Mary Horne in the general election for Trenton City Council West Ward on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Teska Frisby (Nonpartisan)	54.8	1,753
		Atalaya Armstrong (Nonpartisan)	34.4	1,101
	Submit photo	Mary Horne (Nonpartisan)	10.8	347

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,201
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Atalaya Armstrong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Armstrong's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

In the capacity of Community Advocate, my advocacy is deeply rooted in equity, equality, and justice for all; it spans political, social, and economic spectrums through protest, demonstration, and lecture.

In addition to my baccalaureate degree and pursuit of an associate degree in Criminal Justice, I have successfully organized and lobbied on both the Nation’s Capital and the New Jersey State House, lobbying for issues around voting rights, criminal justice reform, reparations, Medicare for all, student loan forgiveness and more. I also lobby for the preservation of historical narratives and structures, including the preservation and restoration of The Higbee School and The Carver Center, both located in the City of Trenton. I am Chief Steward for Local 2285, AFSCME. An At-Large member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a Trenton Police Citizens Academy graduate. I also produced Trenton’s local call to action for reparations for African American people, which I currently advocate. Moreover, I currently serve as Chair for Trenton Historic Development Collaborative.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am an advocate for the people
• I am visible and accessible within the community
• I know and understand the issues and promise to legislate the interests of Trentonians at the forefront.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing/ specifically to equalize our homeownership base, transitioning current renters into homeownership using the 271 properties owned by the City of Trenton.

Social, Economic, and Political fairness and equity for all Trenton residents.

Community Development and Economic Advancement - supporting policies that reflect the Trentonian interests and overall growth for the city.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

It is a legislative body whereby policies are to reflect that of the people, which is the same for both state and national levels.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Fannie Lou Hamer and Ella Baker are two people whose advocacy and desire to advance the people are most like mine. They were trailblazers for women, for Black women and for society at large.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I have no one book but several that are historical accounts of political history. I think reading about past historical experiences aids in understanding and serves as a gauge of how to move forward effectively.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Intergriy and character are two bug charactiristics,

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm passionate, dedicated, and committed; I listen well, have vision, and possess the ability to execute the vision. I am also confident, empathic, and lead from a place of integrity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I think integrity, character, and a moral compass are core responsibilities for any person in a leadership position, all the more vital if elected to office.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of perseverance and hope is empowering and inspiring for leaders of tomorrow.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, I was about eight or nine years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job, I worked as a proctor for the Board of Bar Examiners in New Jersey. I worked there for 5years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Why We Cant Wait by Martin Luther King Jr.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

From a local perspective, most people aren't aware of how much legislative influence the City council has in creating policies that can either advance or keep a city stagnating from a simple yes or no vote.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, at minimum, those running should have a strong civic foundation and understanding of how the city is governed and the order by which the council runs its meetings.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I've held and currently hold leadership/executive positions. My strong ability to communicate effectively and organize people has led me to champion issues successfully. I'm a great listener with vision, leadership skills, and the ability to execute.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Trenton City Council West Ward

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