To the Editor:
This year, Princeton is fortunate to have four candidates for two seats on Council. Being able to vote in a competitive race is healthy for our local democratic process and ensures balanced views within our town’s leadership.
Candidate Leanna Jahnke stands out as a new face in our Democratic Party politics. Not a product of our existing party establishment, Leanna brings a much-needed fresh, younger perspective to our local political debates and policy making. Her strong ties to Princeton include her previous work in campus engagement at Princeton University and her current role as the executive eirector of the Princeton Nursery School.
As head of a nonprofit in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, Leanna knows well the obstacles that many in our community face — in education, access to services, safety, and housing. This expertise is further enhanced by her capable public service as chair of the Municipal Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity and Service (CARES). In her 17-year career, Leanna also worked with LALDEF in Trenton, as well as in schools for underserved children in Houston and New York City. Leanna truly understands what our community needs to become a fairer and more just place, emphasizing that while we can “talk equity,” it is the specific ways we enact that vision that make a real difference.
Leanna and her husband have shared their personal experience navigating Princeton’s exorbitant housing costs and understand the hurdles younger, middle-income families face to live in this expensive town. Princeton must grow this missing middle community to thrive, and we need their voices represented on Council.
Our town faces many challenges ahead, and not only in zoning and land use issues (for which we also have capable municipal staff). There are myriad steps we must take to make our town a more affordable, just, supportive community for all our neighbors, a place that offers real opportunities for everyone to live, grow, work and thrive. As a community leader and Council candidate, Leanna Jahnke offers a unique and important perspective that will bring a vital balance to Council.
Please join us in supporting Leanna Jahnke for Princeton Council. Early voting is now through Sunday, May 31 at the Municipal Building.