To the Editor:
We are writing not just as two female physicians and Princeton homeowners, but as mothers of young children who chose to build our lives here because we believe deeply in community, compassion, and public service. Every day, we care for local families in our medical practices, and every evening, we come home to the same concerns shared by so many parents in this town: safety, affordability, opportunity, and preserving the character of the place we call home.
Like many in Princeton, we were devastated by the recent death of a middle school student who was struck by a car while riding his e-bike not far from where we live. That tragedy shook our community and forced many parents to ask whether our streets truly reflect the values of safety and community we talk so much about.
That is why we are supporting Marina Rubina for Princeton Council.
One of us has worked alongside Marina on the Princeton Democratic Municipal Committee and has seen firsthand her ability to listen carefully, bring people together, and offer thoughtful solutions to difficult issues. The other worked with Marina while planning her own home and experienced Marina’s community-centered approach to architecture, planning, and livability.
What stands out most about Marina is that she understands Princeton not only as it is, but as it could be.
She recognizes what many families feel every day, which is that Princeton is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary people to afford. Teachers, healthcare workers, young families, and many people who work here can no longer realistically live here. Starter homes are disappearing, small businesses face endless hurdles, and unsafe streets are making it harder for children to walk or bike safely.
As physicians, we know healthy communities are intentionally designed. Walkable neighborhoods, safer bike infrastructure, accessible housing, vibrant local businesses, and strong social connections are not luxuries, but are public health issues.
Marina brings a rare combination of planning expertise, architectural knowledge, and deep community engagement. She understands that zoning and land use decisions are not abstract policies; they shape whether children can safely bike to school, whether seniors can remain near loved ones, and whether young families can continue calling Princeton home.
What also inspires us about Marina is that she could have chosen the easier path and focused solely on advancing her career, but instead chose service. She stepped forward to help address Princeton’s challenges despite criticism and personal sacrifice (should she be elected to Council, she will end her work in Princeton to avoid any conflict of interest) because she believes this community is worth fighting for, just as we do. At a moment when many people feel disconnected from government, Marina offers qualities increasingly rare, which are competence, vision, and optimism grounded in real expertise.
Princeton deserves leadership that reflects both our ideals and our realities. We believe Marina Rubina is that leader.