To the Editor:

The Tree Street residents have spoken — on January 1, 2015, we will officially de-consolidate from Princeton. The newly formed municipality, called Princeton Arbor, will hold elections this November for three people to serve as the Arbor’s initial Council of Elders (a motion to call it the Council of Alders has been rejected after being considered too cute). All interested parties should submit their applications in care of the Director of Elections at Arbor Hall.

No formal job description has been developed, but it is expected that the jobs will be similar to those in Princeton. It is, however, noted in Arbor by-laws that the Council of Elders is strongly encouraged not to form sub-allegiances that may lead to a homogenous voting bloc within the Council. Arbor founders believe that such voting blocs ultimately lead to a less representative form of government in which decisions are made by the few, rather than by the many.

As a working model for independence, potential nominees are encouraged to study the service record of Jo Butler, who has served with distinction on the Borough Council and more recently on the first Council of the consolidated Princeton. In her tenure Jo has shown herself to be an effective advocate for open government, a tireless worker on every committee on which she has served, and above all an independent voice. The Arbor would be well served to have three people of Jo’s caliber serving as Elders following the election.

There have been continuing rumors that the Arbor is looking to annex the road on which Jo Butler lives so that she can serve on the Council of Elders. While appealing, state regulations prohibit such an annexation.

Jim Levine

Linden Lane

Un-elected, un-appointed, un-named

(and perhaps un-wanted) representative of Princeton Arbor