To the Editor:
In a time when many voices are eager to be heard and many names will soon appear on campaign signs, I feel compelled to share a few reflections about something that matters deeply to me and to this town: the kind of leadership that sustains a community over time.
I have lived in Princeton long enough to know that you learn a lot simply by watching who shows up, and how they show up. Over the years, I have noticed that some people are drawn to the visibility of public service, while others are drawn to the responsibility of it. The ones who concern themselves with the work itself, the quiet, careful, often unseen work, are usually the ones our town depends on most.
David Cohen is one of those people.
I have observed him involved in nearly every corner of local government that truly affects daily life in Princeton. From historic preservation to land use, from traffic safety and mobility to stormwater management and the long, detailed process of harmonizing our municipal codes, he is consistently present. Much of this work is not glamorous, but it is essential. It requires patience, preparation, and a deep respect for process, all qualities David brings with him.
As a historian of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, I am especially attentive to how leaders understand the relationship between Princeton’s past and its future. David approaches preservation with care and intelligence, recognizing that our history is not something to be set aside, nor something to be frozen in time, but something to be carried forward thoughtfully and responsibly.
What has always stood out to me is not only what David works on, but how he does his work. In meetings and public discussions, he listens closely. He asks questions that reflect both logic and compassion. When issues become complex or contentious, he brings steadiness and balance to the conversation. His voice is measured, but it carries weight.
And sometimes leadership shows up in the simplest, most human ways. I have seen David serve our community not only in board rooms and Council chambers, but also as a crossing guard, standing in the street, rain or shine, helping our children and neighbors cross safely. That, to me, says a great deal about how he understands service.
Good government is built by people who are willing to do the day-to-day work, year after year, without fanfare. It is built by people who understand systems, respect history, and never lose sight of the fact that policies affect real lives and real neighborhoods.
As Princeton enters a contested election season, voters will have choices. That is as it should be. But experience has taught me that one of the most important choices a community can make is deciding which steady, thoughtful leaders should remain at the table.
David’s leadership is not loud, but it is wise, consistent, and deeply rooted in care for this town. Those qualities are rare, and they are worth holding on to.