To the Editor:
I encourage Princetonians to cast their votes in the upcoming contested council election for Democratic candidates David Cohen and Marina Rubina and the entire Democratic ticket. I’ve known and worked with both for many years and can attest to their capabilities, their integrity, and their commitment to this extraordinary community.
David has been an effective and productive Council member and he is eager for another term to complete some unfinished business, such as the updating of Princeton’s zoning code, which dates back to the 1960s and 1970s and whose strictures in many cases prevent us from having the zoning rules and regulations that today’s residents want. David, a trained architect, will also be involved in two other important initiatives going forward: the plan for the Westminster Choir College site and the development of a Stormwater Utility for Princeton, which will allow the Municipality to more effectively cope with climate change and flooding.
In David’s own words, “All my work on Council has been about fostering positive change while preserving the best of what Princeton has to offer. I pledge to continue engaging with the hard issues, to listen intently to the concerns of every resident, to think with an open mind about the best solutions for our town, and to clearly let you know where I stand at the end of the day.”
Marina, a local architect, has worked on both single-family homes and larger developments, including several affordable housing projects. She is used to grappling with decisions about land use and development in Princeton and understands and has worked with our zoning code. The overhaul of the zoning code can move us towards a Princeton that is more affordable, with a variety of housing options to meet disparate needs, that is walkable and bikeable; and has more locally owned stores and fewer big chains. With Westminster, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance community in the center of the town, to focus on the needs of the schools, our cultural institutions, the Municipality as well as walkable housing suitable to this wonderful location.
In Marina’s own words, “I am honored to be part of the first cohort of Andy Kim’s Next Generation Leaders and the first one to run for office. Although as an immigrant I cannot run for president, as a Democrat I can work to bring about the American Dream. With business experience, design expertise, and hands-on knowledge of land use, I am ready to help Princeton achieve our American Dream.”
A refresher on election details: mail-in ballots start going out to voters this coming weekend; October 13 is the deadline to register to vote; early voting is Sunday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Due to possible changes in regulations for mail-in ballots, please return your ballot by using the drop box at the Municipal Building, rather than using the mail.