To the Editor:

I write this letter in strong support of Mark Freda’s candidacy for mayor of Princeton Council. As a former council member of Princeton Borough, I benefited first-hand from Mark’s leadership as Council president and valued his vision of community and drive for effective and transparent government.

As mayor, Mark will bring to the position a sensibility that comes from intimately knowing Princeton. Having grown up in Princeton; serving as a local fire fighter from a young age; and rising to leadership positions in the fire department, with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, with community groups like Spirit of Princeton, as well as on the town’s governing body, Mark’s heart, vision and initiative are all-in to ensuring Princeton’s vitality as a quality town.

Significantly, Mark, in word and deed, seeks good process. He’s made clear that his governing philosophy will be guided by openness, honesty, transparency, and communication. Although Mark and I did not always agree on substantive issues (though on the vast majority, we did), you always knew the basis of Mark’s positions and could trust his detailed understanding of municipal concerns and know that he always read the fine print to ensure robust advocacy for town residents.

For these reasons, I’m enthusiastic about Mark’s run for mayor and hope you will join me to support his campaign.

Ryan Stark Lilienthal
Maple Street