Councilman Goldfarb will be a candidate
By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
Mayor Mildred Trotman has decided not to seek re-election as mayor of Princeton Borough. She will serve the remainder of her term through the end of 2011.
She made the announcement at a Princeton Community Democratic Organization’s Saturday morning meeting, said Dan Preston, president of the organization.
”I’ve been thinking about it and I didn’t make a decision until the last minute,” she said yesterday. “It’s only been 26 years; it’s time. I don’t know if I can put my finger on any one reason. It’s a lot of little reasons and when you add them up, it’s time.”
Borough residents should not worry that many issues will be left hanging, she said.
”I don’t know that it’s more critical than any other time,” she said.
Ongoing issues that should be resolved by the time Mayor Trotman, who is 69, steps down next January, are consolidation, future use of the Valley Road building and the Community Park Pool. She hopes the basic decisions regarding Princeton University’s proposed Arts and Transit neighborhood will be resolved.
She said people have asked why she has chosen to leave now, before the issue of consolidation has been sent to the voters.
”There are things I want to do without having to be so committed to meetings, reading and preparation. I want to visit my siblings, we’re all getting up there in age, and I want to visit them and I want to see my grandson. I look forward to going to his activities with him, his life is as busy as mine. (If I continued as mayor for the next four years,) I will have missed everything.”
She hopes to remain involved, but “I might take a day off. I’ve been so involved as an individual with volunteer work so I see myself continuing to be involved and there are lots of things to do. I can’t just crash and do nothing, not to have a meeting or something to do.”
When she began in politics more than a quarter century ago, she never imagined she would remain involved for so long.
”Oh no, not at all,” she said. “I ran for my second term on a dare after the first three years. I enjoyed all my time, it has taken me to places I never imagined.”
She will continue her services as a property manager for a condominium community in her own company, a post she has had for more than 30 years.
”That will get me out of the house and something to look forward to,” she said.
The announcement took many by surprise, said Mr. Preston.
Councilman David Goldfarb said he would run for mayor and Council President Kevin Wilkes said he would not run.
”I was surprised that Kevin (Wilkes, council president) said he wasn’t going to pursue the mayor’s seat,” said Mr. Goldfarb. “Most of us were surprised that Mildred wasn’t going to run. I think she made a decision at the last minute, and none of us were going to run against her.”
”I’ve been encouraged to run by some of my colleagues,” he added. “I was flattered by their confidence in me, it’s something I am willing and able to do. I don’t see any dramatic changes coming if I do become mayor. I’ll be doing what I was always doing in a slightly different role.”
He is the first to announce he running.
”He’s been around for years, so he knows the ropes,” said Mayor Trotman. “I can’t say I’m surprised. He is the first to step up, there may be more to come. I would not be surprised.”
Mr. Goldfarb said, “I am excited, but I expect I will have opposition during this campaign, but I look forward to the process. I’ll continue to focus on the things I’ve focused on in my 20 years on council. I will closely watch our money and make an effort to reach out to all segments of the community.”
The first step is to try to get the endorsement of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization, said Mr. Goldfarb.
Having the organization’s endorsement ensures good placement on the ballot, with an endorsed candidate getting the first spot in the left-hand column on the ballot. Unendorsed candidates are placed farther to the right.
The group’s next meeting is 7:30 p.m. on April 3 at the Suzanne Paterson Building. Candidates seeking endorsement get to explain their views and tell their story and the group will vote to choose a candidate to stand behind. Candidates who wish to appeal for endorsement are encouraged to express their interest two weeks in advance. The public is welcome to attend, although only organization members may vote.
Mr. Wilkes said he decided not to run because of the complexity of the ongoing arts and transit issue and the discussions with Princeton University.
”The arts and transit issue and the Dinky is the most important issue facing the community right now, and a mayoral campaign would politicize my participation in the discussion and I think that would be counterproductive. I think my commitment to that is more important than being mayor. It’s a complex issue and I need to throw all my energy at that.”
The Republicans in the borough had no comment and had not had a chance to convene to endorse any candidate, said Scott Sipprelle, president of the Lincoln Club, which recently took the place of the former Republican Association of Princeton.
The filing deadline for a candidate to get onto the primary election ballot is April 11.
Mr. Goldfarb’s council seat is now up for grabs, as his name cannot appear more than once on the ballot.
As far as who would be jockeying for the seat, there are several who have expressed interest, but have not come forward.
Barbara Trelstad confirmed she will be running for re-election to the council.
Heather Howard, a five and half year-borough resident is throwing her hat in the council ring. She is the mother of a Riverside Elementary School pupil and has government experience. She was commissioner of health and senior services during Governor Jon Corzine’s administration.
”I want to make sure Princeton remains a welcoming place for people of diverse backgrounds,” she said. “I’m committed to progressive public policy and making that work on the local level.
The new mayor and council people will take office in January 2012.