To the Editor:
Reading letters to the editor the last few months in support of various candidates ahead of the June 2 primary elections always proves to be informative and inspiring. Even though our family has lived in Princeton for 23 years now, the introduction to caring citizens running for office gives us knowledge about them that we otherwise would not have. To know that there are such people serving these roles makes me feel good about living in a town that we have come to treasure as our home.
Even though it’s difficult to select a candidate for Princeton Council and another candidate to run as our Democratic candidate for Congress to replace the excellent Bonnie Watson Coleman, I’m writing this letter to endorse respectively Jon Durbin and Sue Altman. Making any decision for me involves figuring out what criteria to apply and in both of these instances the humility, intelligence, approachability, and responsibility demonstrated by these individuals prompted me to make public my support.
The past few years have seen some tumult in the culture of our town, that is, the way we do things around here. Instead of communication, we have often witnessed accusation. The first principle of successful negotiation (a critical competency for both of the elected positions in play) of beginning with the other side’s interests in mind seems to be ignored if not rejected. Therefore, having individuals who have proven possession of both the ability and attitude of trying to understand others rather than combat them will serve Princeton well.
Additionally, while the word affordable has been applied frequently and needfully to one particular situation — housing for those in need — the issue of affordability for retirees now on fixed incomes also deserves attention, which Jon Durbin and Sue Altman will supply without the rancor of regrettable appellations like racism, classism, or hypocrisy. Having had the opportunity to converse with both Jon Durbin and Sue Altman, I believe that they will lead our community toward greater progress and peace. Please consider voting for them on Election Day.