To the Editor:

As a Princeton resident for most of seven decades I long believed this would be an even better place to live if it were one town with two competitive political parties rather than two towns with one ubiquitous political party.

The first half of my wish came true with the recent vote in favor of consolidation. The second half now can come true with the election of Dick Woodbridge, a Republican, as mayor of Princeton. Just imagine, one town with a genuine two-party democracy.

Peter R. Kann

Cleveland Lane

To the Editor:

Some of us who live in Spruce Circle, the Senior Resource Center, were delighted to meet with Dick Woodbridge in our community room. He told us he was running for mayor. Several among us shared stories of Princeton past with Dick and reminisced of breakfasting with his late father at the Carousel Diner on Nassau Street. Dick greeted old timers with the same warmth he showed to more recent arrivals to town. He grew up in Princeton and is devoted to the community, is highly respected and admired, both professionally and personally. As mayor, he will ensure that Princeton remains the diverse community it has always been, and he will be a committed advocate for all residents from the youngest to the oldest. Dick understands the need for urban planning and will find solutions in an environmentally beneficial manner, to the traffic and transportation problems which impact the quality of life of residents. His remarkable leadership and consensus building skills, honed as a successful lawyer, Police Commissioner, Public Works Commissioner, and Fire Commissioner as well as mayor of Princeton Township and member of the Borough Council, make him the candidate who is ready and prepared to lead Princeton in the challenging years ahead.

Palumbo Armando, Mark Vigiano, Manuel and Opi Sordan, Joan Liang

Spruce Circle

To the Editor:

We support Dick Woodbridge for mayor for three good reasons. He is a native of Princeton, born, raised and educated here. He knows our history, and the past does inform the future. He is experienced, having been township mayor and council member, as well as borough council president. He has been an active member of our community his whole life. He works effectively to build consensus and lead with conviction. As a full time mayor, Dick would have the vision and insight and fresh ideas to effectively lead us into the future as one Princeton.

Finally, during the last 30 years, we have both had opportunities to work closely with Dick on a variety activities benefiting the Princetons and can say from first hand experience that he has the skills needed to move Princeton forward as its mayor.

Suzanne and Peter Thompson

Hornor Lane

To the Editor:

When considering who to vote for in the upcoming mayoral election, realize that this is not a partisan issue but rather the opportunity to select the best, most qualified, most experienced, most objective, and most appropriate individual for the office. It’s critical for the United Princeton to start off on the right foot with Richard Woodbridge.

As died in the wool Democrats, we last voted for a Republican mayoral candidate, John Lindsay, when we lived in Manhattan, and we see this election in the same light. Party affiliation has little or nothing to do with local issues. We voted for Dick when he ran for Mayor of Princeton Borough in the 1980’s because we saw him as a person with vision and integrity. We are delighted to have the chance to vote for him again for the same reasons.

For a number of years, I sat next to Dick on the Princeton Regional Planning Board. At that time we both considered applications not as Democratic or Republican issues, nor Borough versus Township decisions, but rather, what was the right answer for the application. Objective sensibility and an ability to listen and understand both sides of an issue are key to making good decisions. I think that Dick has these attributes.

We’re both confident that he will be open minded, fair, and apolitical in his decision making. Princetonians are fortunate that he’s interested and excited to tackle this demanding opportunity and daunting task.

Liz Lempert is a good choice for mayor but Richard Woodbridge is a better choice. He would-bridge our differences and connect our past with our future.

Michael and Mimi Landau

Patton Avenue

To the Editor:

In his first public message about electing a new mayor for Princeton, well before he threw his own hat in the ring, Dick Woodbridge asked us all to consider making ourselves available to serve. He was interested in finding the best candidates, not just placing himself on a short list. Dick thinks, works, and lives with an inclusive perspective. He will set a positive tone for our town’s governance. He is our town’s best advocate. And this is exactly what I like about Dick. He wants the best for our town. He is open to good ideas from everyone and he respects views from everyone, including his opponent. The best for Princeton is not just a campaign slogan for him.

Dick Woodbridge will be an excellent mayor for Princeton and I will be voting for him.

Harry Levine

Crestview Drive