To the Editor:
Throughout years of living in and advocating for more equitable housing policies in Princeton, I have found Marina Rubina to be one of the most consistent partners in this advocacy. It is why I, as a former resident, former Princeton Affordable Housing Board member, and current leader of Princeton GROWS, wholeheartedly endorse Marina’s candidacy for Princeton Council.
I first met Marina through a discussion among neighbors about finding creative ways to promote more affordable accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Princeton. Shortly thereafter, I came to understand the wide reach of Marina’s advocacy and leadership, from her founding of the Princeton Progressive Action Group to her leadership roles in Princeton Future and Experience Princeton. Marina’s tireless advocacy even extended beyond Princeton’s borders, including organizing trips to testify in support of statewide pro-housing legislation in Trenton, presentations to the Supportive Housing Association of NJ, and membership on the steering committee of the Great Homes and Neighborhoods for All initiative where we both currently serve.
I have always been impressed by Marina’s work ethic and commitment to the Princeton community, her land use and planning savvy, but most of all, her unshakeable pursuit of cutting through the noise and solving problems in a way that builds rather than burns bridges. I have seen enough advertisements for the Walks to Coffee that Marina organizes and have spent enough Saturday mornings at Princeton Future gatherings observing Marina patiently engaging with residents in good faith and building consensus to know that she embodies practical and progressive leadership.
This is exactly what Princeton needs at a critical juncture. Princeton faces real challenges but also exciting opportunities for smart and inclusive growth, the kind that can not only preserve but amplify what makes Princeton a special place.
Achieving this will require getting the housing part of the equation right. Marina will help us get there because she believes in a more affordable, sustainable, and diverse Princeton and knows from personal experience what it will take to make this vision a reality. It will require creative approaches to housing such as duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and cottage courts that can house those looking to ditch their long commute, age in place after retirement, or find their stater home. It will require making smart use of land to reduce carbon emissions and promote greater diversity while retaining Princeton’s tree-lined, small-town feel. It will require simplifying burdensome regulations and processes that stand in the way of housing access and affordability.
Marina understands the critical role of local government in all of this. She also uniquely understands these issues from the perspective of a resident, an architect, a planner, and an advocate. Demonstrating her commitment to this community, she will step down from her Princeton-based projects should she serve on the Council. Those who want a local leader who rolls up their sleeves, builds bridges, and works to solve problems should vote for Marina Rubina in the June 2 Democratic Primary.