To the Editor:

Princeton Borough and Township voters took the opportunity to retire me from local government at the end of this year by voting in greater numbers for other candidates in the Democratic primary election June 5. The vote occurred as I completed 23 years on Borough Council.

I have mixed emotions about the election outcome, as I wanted to pursue the promise of consolidation, which I have supported since the 1990s. But I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve all Princeton residents, taxpayers, and voters during three decades, continuing a family tradition.

In the time remaining, I intend to continue working to:

• Aggressively pursue property tax restraint

• Use consolidation to enhance municipal services at no cost increase

• Refuse to enter into consolidation with a “Township” or “Borough” bias

• Seek greater contributions in lieu of taxation from non-profits

• Improve the quality of municipal negotiations with community stakeholders

• Articulate middle ground — e.g., we can support the arts district AND the Dinky right of way; they are not mutually exclusive

• Insist on comprehensive, vigorous land use planning

• Analyze issues carefully, not relying on slogans or group-think

• Set the highest standards for local police, and hold them to it

• Advance the liberal ideals of the Democratic Party, with a libertarian bent

With thanks to all!

Roger Martindell

Patton Avenue