To the Editor:

The Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Association (WJNA) will hold a Candidates Forum with the four registered candidates for Princeton Council this Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church on John Street. All candidates have confirmed their participation.

WJNA has held several forums prior to local elections. The organization holds events that focus on issues specific to the needs of the neighborhood’s residents; however, the topics, questions, and answers always span the interests of the entire community. As always, WJNA welcomes broad participation and attendance for this Saturday’s forum prior to the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 4.

The WJNA forum will offer an opportunity for candidates to address issues, identify their priorities, stake their positions, and propose solutions.

This spring, the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood will host a Welcome Weekend (May 18-19) with an unveiling of historic plaques for the neighborhood’s four churches and a presentation of ideas for improving the fence along Paul Robeson Place that forms the southern boundary of the historic neighborhood.

Despite the vibrancy of the WJ neighborhood and the steadfast nature of its residents, one need only refer to the Sunday, April 28 New York Times front page article (“The Neighborhood Is Mostly Black. The Home Buyers Are Mostly White”) to gain a sense of the challenges to sustaining socioeconomic diversity in our oldest central neighborhoods. The real estate analysis of the relative value of improvements and land, as well as the affects of local economies, can be applied to the phenomenon of McMansions, an issue that has impacted many neighborhoods in the Princeton community.

There has never been more urgency than now to underscore the importance of engaging in public discourse. The importance of hearing from candidates and voting your interests in our local elections cannot be overstated as we face the cumulative challenges imposed by state and federal policies. As such, we expect a vibrant discussion at the forum.

Please join us this Saturday, May 4 for the Princeton Council Candidates Forum at the First Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. As always, refreshments will be served.

Yina Moore
Co-convener Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Association
Green Street