No new candidates have come forward
By: Marjorie Censer
No additional candidates for Princeton Borough Council have yet come forward, but at least one discussed name is now out of the running.
Anne O’Neill widow of Mayor Joseph O’Neill said she does not plan to submit her name for the seat.
"I know it takes amazing dedication to be a municipal councilperson, and I don’t think I’m up for that at this stage of the game," Ms. O’Neill said.
However, she said she plans to remain involved in her late husband’s work to illuminate the Princeton Battle Monument in front of Borough Hall. The Princeton Parks Alliance is seeking $125,000 for the historic monument’s illumination following its upcoming restoration.
Mayor O’Neill’s death on Oct. 21 left a mayoral vacancy that was filled last week by Borough Council President Mildred Trotman. The Democratic Municipal Committee will meet Tuesday to nominate three candidates for the empty council post, and the Borough Council will appoint one of those nominees at either its Nov. 29 meeting or its Dec. 6 meeting. Both occur within the 15-day deadline imposed by the state.
Three candidates are formally in the running for the vacant council seat. Anne Waldron Neumann, Barbara Trelstad and Kevin Wilkes have all submitted their names to the council as candidates.
Mr. Wilkes, who was not available for comment earlier this week, is an architect and Maclean Street resident. He said his background makes him well-qualified to handle issues facing the council, such as the relocation of the University Medical Center at Princeton and the zoning ordinance intended to keep borough home sizes in check.
"I have 20 years of experience pursuing these topics in town," he said. "I think I could be a major assistance to the council."
Two other potential nominees said Thursday they have not yet decided whether to run. Jenny Crumiller of Library Place and Mark Freda of Fisher Avenue were two of the candidates nominated by the Princeton Democratic Municipal Committee in 2004 to fill the spot vacated by Mayor O’Neill when he became mayor. Andrew Koontz, the third candidate nominated in 2004, was selected to fill Mayor O’Neill’s seat.
Ms. Crumiller declined to comment about the seat beyond saying that she has not decided whether to submit her name.
Mr. Freda said he continues to consider it noting that he has until Monday to make up his mind. He cited his participation in other organizations as the factor that might keep him from running.
"I’m involved in so many different groups," Mr. Freda explained. "I’d hate to leave people in the lurch."
Mr. Koontz, chair of the municipal committee, has said candidates are invited to the committee’s Monday meeting and will have an opportunity to make their cases before the group.
The appointed council member will serve until November, 2006, when there will be an election for the two remaining years of the unexpired term.

