To the Editor:

Collectively, we are living through some of the most turbulent weeks of our lives — so turbulent that an election was postponed. When we mail our ballots for the July 7th election, we will vote to re-elect Leticia Fraga for Princeton Council. We urge Princeton voters to join us. In the name of peace, prosperity, an inclusive, empathic community, and for responsible spending that prioritizes collective well-being, Leticia Fraga offers the best choice for Princeton. 

From the moment she took office in January 2018, Leticia has been a dynamic force, offering thoughtful, original perspective and then taking action. Throughout her first term, Fraga has shown intelligence, perseverance, empathy, and a willingness to listen to a variety of voices — including those from historically marginalized populations. 

When news of COVID-19 hit, Councilwoman Fraga snapped into action. As liaison to the Board of Health as well as the Commissions for Human Services and for Civil Rights, Fraga helped assure that our community managed an unprecedented set of challenges compassionately and responsibly. 

Anticipating that there would likely be families that would not be able to quarantine safely because of their crowded living conditions, Fraga worked with the departments of Health and Human Services to find housing for individuals who would need to shelter in place when they or someone in the household tested positive for COVID. Fraga made sure the vulnerable individuals had food, bedding, and PPE. In keeping individuals safe, she helped keep us all safe.

Fraga’s growing portfolio of responsibilities reflects her expertise — in public safety, health, immigration, youth, human services, and civil rights. 

Fraga has a track record of tirelessly fighting racism and injustice. Demonstrations around the country show how urgently we need to recommit to this fight. Leticia will play a crucial role as Princeton keeps at that hard work.

Inequality is as pressing a problem now as it has been at any time since the Gilded Age, clearly in evidence here in Princeton. Leticia’s presence where critical decisions are made has been crucial in extending opportunity and access for economically vulnerable residents. As the first Latinx elected official to represent the people of Princeton, and an immigrant from Mexico herself, Leticia helps give voice to the historically marginalized and underserved. The result is a safer, happier community for us all.

Leticia understands Princeton as its own entity and as part of a nation at a crossroads. Through organizations like the National Association of Latino Elected Officials and the New Jersey League of Municipalities, she plugs Princeton into larger conversations, brings home best-practices, policy research and successful models. Whether she is running the 2020 Complete Count Campaign of the US Census (crucial to getting Princeton our share of federal funding), winning inclusive restroom signage, or mandating that low-wage workers are paid for their work, Princeton can count on Leticia to look out for all of us. 

We urge our friends and neighbors to re-elect Leticia Fraga, for a safe, inclusive, just, and sustainable Princeton.

Margaret Davis
Shadybrook Lane

Carol Golden
Snowden Lane

Anastasia Mann
Lilac Lane