Councilman Leighton Newlin Promises to “Keep Listening” for Three More Years
To the Editor:
As I head into the general election for my second term on Princeton Council, I’m feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community that I love. Being on Council is both an honor and a privilege, and I start every day with that in mind.
When I first ran three years ago, I promised to be part of a movement building a broad infrastructure of care in Princeton — focused on housing, affordability, education, social services, transportation, public safety, and the arts. My colleagues and I have worked hard to deliver on that promise. But we’re not there yet. A few things that come to mind that are on my radar screen — an absentee landlord policy, regulating Airbnbs, and expanding our towns tree canopy equitably in all neighborhoods.
Our next phase keeps the focus on smart growth and wise choices. Building a human infrastructure for Princeton’s future that is truly inclusive of people at all income levels. As I’ve said before, diversity is a core strength of our community, not a weakness to be papered over. We’ve made progress, but there is still much work to be done.
Whether you voted for me or have agreed with me or not, thank you for being an engaged citizen who cares enough to vote. I take governance seriously — I won’t just mail it in for three more years. I’ll do my homework, keep looking for creative ways to build community, and work on key issues like affordable housing, human services, racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion, livability, sustainability, environmental justice, public safety, transit, mobility, our central business district, communications, historic preservation, and municipal services.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a nod of appreciation to the dedicated public workforce that keeps our town running. From DPW workers to police officers, crossing guards to road crews, parks staff to firefighters, municipal clerks to health inspectors, and yes, the tax collector too —these are the folks whom we should be thanking every day for their service.
I’m proud to be a native son, who has gone from leading the Princeton Housing Authority for 24 years, to building community through activism, using my professional background in re-entry/re-integration, and then joining the governing body. As one of just two people of color on Council and the only African American member, my path has given me unique perspectives to share.
My promise to the good people of Princeton is that “Leighton will keep listening.” I’m committed to building an even stronger, more vibrant, more inclusive Princeton for all of us. I hope I can earn your support and your trust for three more years.