By Anne Levin

Last Friday, Mayor Mark Freda, a Democrat, announced that he is seeking a second term. A few days earlier, Princeton resident and former School Board member Daniel Dart made it known that he will run as a Democrat for Congress against incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Current School Board member Brian McDonald, also a Democrat, announced last week that he will seek to fill the seat on Princeton Council that will be vacated by Eve Niedergang, who announced at Council’s reorganization meeting that she will not run for another term. And Democrat Leighton Newlin has confirmed that he will run for a second term on Council.

The primary is on June 4. Election Day is November 5.

Freda, who grew up in Princeton and is president of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, pledged in his announcement to “lead with transparency, foster open communication, and build lasting relationships — within our community, with neighboring municipalities, and at the county, state, and federal levels.”

Freda cited the renegotiation of the town’s agreement with Princeton University, the creation of the Special Improvement District (Experience Princeton), and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, among other achievements during his first term in office. He also stressed an ongoing commitment to affordable housing.

“Princeton is a desirable place to live, which puts pressure on housing prices,” he said. “How do we balance growth and density and maintain the mix of people that makes Princeton so attractive? We live in an active and sustainability-conscious community. As our residents walk and bike more, how do we ensure safe routes for them in a town built around driving a car? Along with those items we will work on road conditions, on moving beyond concept plans for Community Park South, and many other important issues on the horizon.”

In addition to his term on the Board of Princeton Public Schools, Dart has been a trustee and treasurer for the Watershed Institute, where he continues as a member of its advisory board. On his website, he lists his leadership as chair of the Corner House Foundation’s investment committee, where “the portfolio was successfully restructured, costs reduced, and the investment returns improved. These changes provided increased funding for the Foundation’s mission to prevent and treat alcohol and drug addiction by engaging and supporting youth, adults, and families in lifelong healthy living and recovery.”

Dart’s website says he served a chief operating officer at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers in Plainsboro, where he “led a team that transformed a business from a loss to a profit, and grew assets under management from $4 billion to $32 billion, in a short period of time.”

Issues of importance to Dart include protecting the environment, protecting freedom to choose, national security, and securing the southern border and immigration reform. Citing Congress’ recent track record of passing only 27 bills last year, he said, “We deserve a functional Congress to move our nation forward. As a moderate Democrat with a proven track record, I will work with members of both parties to solve problems using common sense practical solutions.”

McDonald has been on the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education for six years. He announced January 15 that instead of reelection, he will pursue a seat on the municipality’s governing body. In a letter to Town Topics and other community media, he listed his membership on the boards of the Watershed Institute, Sustainable Princeton, and McCarter Theatre Center.

“Our community is at a pivotal juncture,” he wrote. “As we grow, we need to ensure that our growth is smart, sustainable, and respectful of our unique character. At a time when the average home cost exceeds $1 million, we need to find ways to make our town more affordable for individuals and families at all income levels so that our significant diversity, which is one of our great strengths and defining characteristics, may be sustained and expanded.” 

McDonald thanked Niedergang in his announcement letter for “her decades of community engagement and leadership as an advocate for our environment and sustainability, and as a dedicated member of Council.”

Newlin announced his intention to run for a second term on Council in a letter on the Mailbox page in this week’s issue of Town Topics.

“In the face of challenges like affordability, climate change, gentrification, and social infrastructure, Princeton stands at a crossroads,” he wrote. “It is crucial that our leadership reflects the diversity and values of our people. As a native son of Princeton, born and raised, I offer a unique perspective on our history — past, present, and future — and consistently bring that perspective in discussions with my colleagues, department heads, and municipal staff.”