A dedication of a bust of President Barack Obama went on as scheduled at Trenton City Hall despite controversy over its funding and the involvement of indicted Mayor Tony Mack.

Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
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The Mack administration says the bust was paid for entirely with private donations. But some council members say invoices show $1,000 in taxpayer money was used for the base. They wanted the unveiling postponed.

Council President Phyllis Holly-Ward tells The Times of Trenton (http://bit.ly/SU4Qel ) Thursday's ceremony was "a desperate attempt" by the mayor to redeem himself a week after his indictment on corruption charges.

But some city residents wearing Obama t-shirts and buttons were excited to see the event go on. Donor Bettye Alford called the Obama sculpture wonderful and said "it's very important we did this."

Mack's attorney has said the corruption charges are unfounded.

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