To the Editor:
I was so happy to hear that Marina Rubina is running for Council this year. I really cannot think of someone better equipped to shepherd our town through the changes and challenges that the next few years will pose. Marina is an expert in translating zoning and other municipal policies to their practical effects on the daily lives of residents. Add to that her creative problem-solving abilities and her true care for the wellbeing of all Princetonians, and the result is a Council member that we can really trust to thoughtfully work in our best interests. More so, as Marina has selflessly pledged to put aside her own business interests in Princeton and move her architectural practice to outside of Princeton.
I have known Marina for many years — we have kids of similar age, and we have been friends since we were neighbors for a few months in 2010. But the truth is, I owe her so much. Had it not been for Marina, I would not be the activist many of you know me to be. Back in 2016, reeling from the presidential election, Marina spelled out for me clearly that I have power — and responsibility. “You are worried about what will come down from Washington, D.C.?” she said, “Look around at what is happening locally, and start doing something about it!”
Building on her contagious energy and practical ideas for how to bring about change locally, Marina and I created Princeton Progressive Action Group, where we worked together for six years to promote affordable and middle income housing in Princeton. It is this same energy and sense of empowerment that helped me found the Good Government Coalition of New Jersey, which has been central to abolishing the county line in primary election ballots and restoring accountability of elected officials to voters rather than to party machines. None of this would have happened without Marina teaching me that each of us has power, and we need to use it by acting on our values. I am so grateful to her for this important lesson, and I can’t wait to see what she will do for Princeton as a Council member.
Marina Rubina is uniquely suited to making Princeton a better place for all. In this primary election, I hope you join me in voting for Marina for Princeton Council.