To the Editor:

People often ask, “What’s the back-story behind the effort to oust Jo?” It’s a valid and important question. I believe the backlash against Jo’s strong performance can be traced back to two major points that are never discussed in the whisper campaigns or targeted emails, which instead allude to vague, baffling phrases such as “hard to work with” or “Tea Party tactics.” But the real motives are, in my opinion, much more tangible.

First and foremost was the controversy regarding Princeton’s Conflict of Interest policy. One or more elected officials opposed Jo’s diligent efforts to get the policy in place, imagining that her efforts were somehow directed at them personally. Perhaps some feelings were hurt. But the fact is that Jo needed to ensure that the State of New Jersey’s Ethics Statutes, which are clear and unequivocal on the issue, were upheld within Princeton’s consolidated government, as they always had been within the former Township and former Borough. Jo’s eventual success in instituting the policy is to Princeton’s ongoing benefit, and to Princeton’s credit, and she should be applauded for it.

The second point is that Jo believes she was elected to represent the people of Princeton, not to represent other elected officials. As such, she needs to be able to examine the facts of each issue, and come to her own determination of the best course of action. One highly relevant example of her principled approach occurred on Consolidation Day 2013. Jo was urged to approve Professional Services Contracts for Princeton — which included fee rates and significant budget commitments — yet despite her repeated requests, she was denied access to those very contracts. So she couldn’t — and wouldn’t — approve them. In this issue and similar ones, Jo ends up taking the heat, but she will not be deterred from doing what is best for Princeton’s present and future success.

Studying the issues, asking questions, learning the facts, and taking action, on behalf of all Princetonians. That’s exactly the kind of representative we need on Princeton Council.

Jon Crumiller

Library Place