Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore will not run for mayor of the consolidated Princetons, but will instead be a candidate for the council that will govern the combined municipality.

“First, I think we have the opportunity to elect a mayor who has broad experience, has contributed to the Princeton community outside of the political arena, and who has the vision and fortitude to lead our community in a new era,” Ms. Moore said in an email Tuesday. “Second, I decided to run for office one year ago to bring my experience, leadership, and clear purpose to bear in addressing a myriad of community issues. Although I have been in office only 70 days, I have put forth several initiatives that I want to focus on for the next few months as mayor without the distraction of a mayoral campaign.

“Third, I want to continue the implementation of these initiatives and contribute to decision making as a voting member of Council to ensure that benefits of consolidation accrue to the entire community,” she concluded.

Ms. Moore’s decision leaves the field open to two Democrats, current Township Committeewoman Liz Lempert and Councilman Kevin Wilkes, who are currently seeking the endorsement of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO). The PCDO will meet on Sunday, March 25 to endorse a candidate for mayor and decide which of the 10 Democrats vying for council seats to approve.

Meanwhile, the Princeton Republican Committee is seeking potential candidates for both mayor and council, as well as membership in the new Committee, which will be chosen from each of the 22 new voting districts in Princeton in the June primary. Chairman Dudley Sipprelle has issued a statement urging interested parties to contact him at princetongop@yahoo.com or (609) 497-740.

In addition to Ms. Moore, the Democrats running for seats on the combined council, which will begin governing the consolidated Princeton in January 2013, are current Borough Council members Heather Howard, Jo Butler, Jenny Crumiller, and Roger Martindell; Township Committee members Bernie Miller and Lance Liverman; and newcomers Tamera Matteo, Patrick Simon, and Scott Sillars.

Ms. Matteo ran an independent home and design store in Palmer Square and later in Princeton Shopping Center, for more than 10 years. Mr. Simon serves on the Princeton Joint Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission, and Mr. Sillars is vice-chairman of the Transition Task Force.