To the Editor:

In this election season, I write to add my voice to the chorus singing praises of Councilwoman Leticia Fraga and supporting her re-election this spring.

Raised here in Princeton, I have seen many people come and go from 08540, cycling in and out of public service. On some level, all of them want the best for our town. Some people, more than others, however, have what it takes to make a real difference.

For her dedication, patience, curiosity, intelligence, sensitivity, and willingness to work through tough problems, Ms. Fraga sets herself apart from the rest of the field.

In the nearly 20 years that I have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Fraga, she has committed her time and talent to supporting the health, growth, learning, and stability of this community.

As liaison to the Human Services and Civil Rights Commissions, to the Youth Advisory Committee, and in her capacity as police commissioner, Fraga brings to bear her professional background in law and advocacy which she gained working in the U.S. and overseas, in both the public and the private sectors.

Leticia helped spearhead the revitalization of Civil Rights Commission as a stand-alone entity. That body, which I am honored to chair, acts as a watchdog, an advisory body, a source of public education and outreach. Our mandate is to safeguard the rights of residents from underserved and historically marginalized groups. In the current political atmosphere of our nation, this responsibility is as vital as it has been at any time in my life.

Now, more than ever, Princeton needs Leticia Fraga on Council as a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for the public good.

Leticia epitomes the American dream. A first generation immigrant, she migrated with her family from Mexico as a young girl. Whether in outreach to our local migrant students or as liaison to the Youth Advisory Board, whether she is working on housing or parking or as liaison to the Health Department, Ms. Fraga is a champion of fairness, equity, responsibility, safety, transparency, and inclusion.

A consensus builder, Leticia is nothing if she’s not an honest broker, clearing a space for us to find our common interests on the issues that affect us all. “That,” she says, “is what makes a community.”

Watching Ms. Fraga do her job for the residents of Princeton, I think of President Obama’s words of assurance, which we need now more than ever: “Si Se Puede.” Yes WE Can. Together, let’s re-elect Leticia Fraga, to continue to forge ahead on the urgent priorities that affect us all. Leticia has been there for all of us, let’s be there for her. On June 2, 2020, vote Fraga for Council.

Thomas Parker
Leigh Avenue