To the Editor:

Informed decisions require knowledge of the topic, constructive questions, transparency, open-mindedness, and the most important and uncomfortable component, which is the discussion of difficult issues. The new Princeton is still in its infancy and informed decisions by the elected officials are the key to making this a successful transition.

Lively discussions in Council in the past year have involved contracts, conflicts of interest polices, and fiscal responsibility. These are tough issues that need to be aired in a professional and objective manner without personal attacks or pre-determined outcomes. Open debate needs to be a welcome part of the decision-making process. We rely on our public officials to have this open discourse that is needed to properly run the town.

Jo Butler has a proven record of pushing for informed decisions that are critical to the prudent use of taxpayer dollars. Jo served on the Transition Task Force (TTF) and four of the TTF subcommittees, she has a strong background in finance, she continuously asks the hard questions, she removes items from consent agendas for more detailed and transparent discussions, and she is willing to listen and learn from her constituents.

Princeton has the opportunity to be an excellent case for consolidation, but to make this case, we need a Council with dedicated public servants like Jo Butler who consistently advocates for informed decisions.

Beth Ogilvie-Freda

Fisher Avenue