To the Editor:
We are 50-year residents of Princeton and met Marina over eight years ago when we sought an architect to design our dream house on a small vacant lot near the heart of Princeton. Marina was everything we could hope for, quickly discerning our needs, the possibilities of the land, and the neighborhood fit. Her vision for our house and land use was exciting. Marina demonstrated her expertise in navigating municipal planning review and permitting, and guided us through builder selection. With her architectural and engineering credentials, focus on detail, and wonderful personality, she worked seamlessly with these agencies and the builder to bring the project to completion. As she has done for other families, she created a wonderful home nestled in a small space. When people ask if the build was difficult, the answer is absolutely not; it was a joy to work with Marina and her team.
During that project and our friendship since, we have seen so much more in Marina. To the benefit of her craft, she is strongly focused on respectful land use, responsible construction methods and style, and the well-being of the municipality and its citizens. That last point is critical as we assess Princeton Council candidates. We have had discussions with Marina about strengthening Princeton by improving economic opportunities for low-skilled workers, developing housing in space-constrained settings that reaches lower-income households, and promoting fairness in how government treats all of its citizens.
Marina has an unassailable record of achievement with these objectives. With a disarmingly quiet demeanor, she uses her deep knowledge of municipal and state land use and building regulations, along with a profound respect for neighborhoods and historic districts, to open opportunities that had previously been restricted. She has brought about meaningful change as a small business owner, and has expanded her abilities to guide Princeton’s future through leadership roles on the former municipal Site Plan Review Advisory Board, and with Princeton Future and the Princeton Progressive Action Group. Marina will simply not rest in her efforts to preserve Princeton as the special place we love, ensuring that all citizens can participate fairly.
As important as it is to have Marina’s deep knowledge of land use regulations and community vision represented on Council at this critical time of the planned consolidation and revision of old Borough and Township regulations, we note the personal sacrifice this requires on her part. As a Council member, Marina will suspend her professional work in Princeton to avoid conflicts of interest. We will miss her personal imprint on housing design and construction in the Municipality, but recognize how important it is for Princeton to add her deep expertise and enthusiasm to Council.
Marina is tireless, focused, and effective. Princeton will benefit when she takes her talents and energy to the next level. We strongly endorse Marina Rubina for Princeton Council and hope you will join us in voting for Marina in the June 2 Democratic Primary.