To the Editor:

Princeton is fortunate to have exceptional civic-minded residents willing to serve in government posts. Rene Obregon has stepped forward as a candidate for the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education and I urge my fellow residents to elect him on November 7.

I’ve known Rene since our now high-school-age boys played baseball together in Little League. He was a constant presence as an encouraging parent at baseball and other athletic events, despite a demanding work schedule. Rene’s high engagement with the Princeton Public Schools in recent years is remarkable given his role as chief executive of the U.S. arm of a U.K. investment banking firm. By the time most of us get up in the morning, Rene is already well into his work day serving European clients.

Rene’s focus on educational excellence and prudent stewardship of the budget promises to serve the needs of all stakeholders in the community, from younger families with school-age children to residents concerned about the use of their tax dollars. His decades of experience in business will give voice to the challenges and opportunities that await our students.

Rene’s status as a potential newcomer to the Board of Education is especially valuable given the challenges faced by the district with growing enrollment, rising costs, and constrained funding growth. I believe residents will be best served with the addition of new board members that don’t feel bound by prior decisions.

Joe Arns
Philip Drive