To the Editor:

Now that consolidation has passed, it is time to expand beyond a monolithic one-party system and inject some fresh thinking into our new town government. This fall would be the perfect time to fill one of the two Princeton Council seats with a candidate who has fresh ideas and a broad-based background, namely, my good friend Fausta Rodríguez Wertz. She’s the best. She believes in a Big Tent which encourages expanded participation in the democratic process, transparency in all aspects of government, and rigorous fiscal responsibility. Republicans and Independents are concerned about the same issues as everyone else, such as public safety, schools, property taxes, and the general prosperity of our now united town. It is time to have an open mind and vote for the candidate best qualified for the job — Fausta Rodriguez Wertz.

Dick Woodbridge

Prospect Avenue

To the Editor:

Consolidation has led to many challenges for Princeton’s governing Council. We want to congratulate its members, and especially Jenny Crumiller and Patrick Simon, who are now running for reelection. We were promised cost reductions, and indeed the current municipal property tax is $2.6 million below last year’s combined total for Borough and Township. It is even $750,000 lower than the corresponding number for 2008. Pat and Jenny have been deeply involved in the efforts that made this possible as well as in the many challenging actions necessary to accomplish the goals of consolidation. They have continued to lead specific aspects of the ongoing work, including putting all meeting documents online and publishing open meeting agendas in advance of meetings (ours is the first New Jersey municipality to do this). Jenny has also specialized in the effort to preserve neighborhoods, including the downtown area; and to create Advisory Planning Districts (Neighborhood Advisory Councils) to give residents a voice in decisions affecting them. Patrick has focused on upgrading Emergency Response procedures. He has understood the importance of working with neighborhoods to establish emergency communications and access to shelters and hospitals. Both are working on increasing availability of affordable housing, and improving and clarifying zoning and the Master Plan.

We need Jenny and Pat to continue their important work and their contributions. It gives us great pleasure to endorse their reelection.

Mary Clurman and Peter Lindenfeld

Harris Road