To The Editor:

Democrat Roger Martindell’s recent letter referred to the autocratic control by the local Democratic powers of primary Democratic candidates. Right on, Roger.

For 58 years I was a registered Township Republican, uninvolved in party matters, who always voted for whom I considered the better local candidate to serve the community. Locally, party affiliation should not qualify candidates and Democrat Phyllis Marchand got my vote every time.

Roger’s final comment on his concern was “consider an open primary in this nearly one party town.” For newcomers, when I first came to Princeton it was a one-party town — Republican — with not a Democrat in sight. The Republican candidates were not party hacks. They ran on their name and local issues dedicated to serve the people.

Some years back, I was on a non-partisan committee concerned about building a downtown garage. I announced to the Council we were going to take a survey. Sometime later, with over 5,000 opinions from both the Borough and Township, three of us arrived at 7:20 for a 7:30 Borough meeting. Not a seat was empty, so we stood. I announced the results — over 60 percent of those responded against building the garage. Most nearby retailers had agreed. Mayor Reed asked “Who did this survey?” I noted I had been involved in a lot of surveys and I did this with an expert. “Who is the expert?” (He was a highly qualified Princeton professor in charge of survey studies who wanted to remain anonymous.) I replied, “I’m sorry I can’t tell you ….” Mayor Reed said something to the effect, “We don’t have to listen to this. We were elected to make the decisions.” That ended that. Subsequently, we found out that a loyal Democrat had sent out a flyer to Princeton party members to pack the room — get there early. Ergo, no seats for the opposition.

There are many talented Independent and Republican people in Princeton who are not invited to serve. That shouldn’t be. Mayor Phyllis Marchand, however, asked me to chair a celebration for the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Princeton Township. I got good publicity and a battlefield turnout of some 150 blacks and whites who had 1838 ancestors in the township. Thank you Phyllis for being so open minded for service to Princeton.

Finally, I sometimes watched Councilman Martindell take opposing viewpoints to his Council associates when he thought it was important. He was a Princetonian serving Princeton — not a party hack. I hope the Democratic machine will not dictate and endorse candidates during the primary. Good go, Roger.

Herb Hobler

Ballantine Lane, Skillman