By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
With the announcement of a Democratic slate of six candidates having been formed among those endorsed by the municipal chairs, there are other four candidates who are running their own campaigns seeking seats on the new Borough Council.
There are three Democrats two newcomers to the political arena, Tamera Matteo and Scott Sillars, and one incumbent, Roger Martindell, running. There is also a lone Republican, Geoff Aton.
The candidates think the slate approach taken by others might actually help their own campaigns.
”It has had a positive impact on my campaign. The reaction has been swift and strong,” said Ms. Matteo. “I have had an increase in donations and volunteers have stepped forward to offer me help in so many ways.”
Others think the slate is giving those six candidates an advantage the individuals can’t match.
”They have back office, legal, logistical and financial support that I don’t,” said Mr. Sillars. “It makes it harder and more expensive for me to compete on equal footing. I have support from several members of the slate and support several members of the slate, but I am running on my own.”
The slate could be confusing for voters and cloud the individually of the candidates.
”The formation of a slate by other candidates underscores the value of voting for candidates based on individual merit, not based on whom they associate with,” said Mr. Martindell.
The individual candidates were asked a set of questions about timely issues in town, including the slate they are running against and a summary of their answers are below.
What do you think of the slate that has formed?
Martindell: The primary would be more open and competitive if individuals run for elective office on their own merits rather than as a phalanx.
Matteo: I’m disappointed that some party insiders have now decided to close ranks with a limited slate of candidates. But I believe that the voters, including the members of the PCDO who participated in the endorsement process and other Democrats that I have met with during the last few weeks, want new leadership from the new consolidated council.
Sillars: Princetonians are well-informed and independent people and will see the slate as a vehicle of convenience for the candidates and not much more.
Aton: I understand the reasons why the six candidates would combine efforts. However, it is simply taking the PCDO sponsored candidates and making them one – one voice, one vision and one opinion on all the issues at hand.
How do you plan to help heal the rift that is forming between the borough and township?
Martindell: There is no “rift” that is “forming” between the borough and the township. There is no borough and no township, as of Jan. 1, 2013. There are only differences of opinion as to how to get from now to then.
Matteo: I have worked well with residents from all over town for years with my work on joint agencies, the school district, Corner House and the recreation program. In my work, I’ve never harbored favoritism for one municipality or the other. It has always been one community in my mind.
Sillars: There isn’t a rift, just spirited debate. There will always be a few who want to magnify the difficulties. Focus on the fact that we are making great progress.
Aton: The latest bickering between the Borough Council and Township Committee only reinforces my decision to run for office. These members of our government can’t come to terms on minor details and we are simply going to entrust them to run the town post consolidation?
What do you think about the acting police chief position in the township?
Martindell: I think the township’s decision to promote a police officer to acting chief is unnecessary, expensive, and confusing for those interested in a better consolidated police force. Promoting to acting chief at this time sends a message that leadership in next year’s police department is not based on a merit analysis but on where the candidate is employed today and whom he knows. That’s a poor way to launch the new police department.
Matteo: I understand the rationale behind the township’s decision. However, I believe that theoretically the shift in mindset from two municipalities to a united Princeton should begin now for all parties involved. To that end, we have two great police departments and extremely qualified volunteers on both the public safety subcommittee and personnel subcommittee, whom I feel confident will make sound recommendations to the Transition Task Force and the governing bodies on which leadership will be chosen.
Sillars: No comment.
Aton: Did not address issue.
What is your opinion on town-gown relations?
Martindell: Town-gown relations are much better this year than they were this time last year, thanks to the successful negotiation of the re-zoning of the proposed arts district. As a result of adopting the university-sponsored E5 zone, the community obtained a $1 million increase in annual contribution in lieu of taxes and $1 million to study and implement transportation improvements. But there’s more to be done, especially on transportation issues! Too few Princetonians appreciate the value of negotiating rigorously with the university on issues where local government could drive a better bargain for residents.
Matteo: The relationship with the university is extremely important. So is the relationship with Westminster College of the Arts, the Institute for Advanced Study and the Princeton Theological Seminary. The new municipality has a great opportunity to develop positive and professional relationships with all of these important ‘gowns.’ There will always be opportunities to collaborate and cooperate, and there will always be points of friction. The council’s goal should be to expand the opportunities for cooperation and collaboration and to build relationships that can lead to successful negotiation in those areas where town and gown may disagree.
Sillars: They can and will be improved. It’s understandable why they have gotten strained. The benefit of continuing to work together is also obvious. We are never going to see eye-to-eye on everything.
Aton: This relationship is strained and at an all-time low; at times it is downright embarrassing. The university is always expected to do more. Can they do more? I think Brown University’s recent $31 million PILOT payment shows the ability. It’s the willingness. A working relationship is always a give and take. The university was excluded from the consolidation process; wards that would have given the university a voice on council were rejected. How can a municipality rely on a university as a fallback plan when they don’t offer them a seat at the table? Moreover, agreements that are made are later nullified for political reasons.
What would you do to improve town-gown relations/what would you do differently?
Martindell: I would promote seminars in how to negotiate with company headquarters in a company town. The seminars would include developing a sense among those in community leadership positions that dealing with the University is a business proposition, should be conducted as such, and should not be seen as merely an opportunity to socialize with smart folks who have an office in Nassau Hall.
Matteo: Paramount to improving town-gown relations is fostering trust between the University and the new municipality. By first creating a professional dialogue, we can open up the sometimes strained lines of communication. We can address all of these with civility and professionalism along with promoting joint activities to assist in improving lines of communication.
Sillars: More close consultations, more engagement at more levels between government and university administrative functions and leadership, and addressing issues of conflict quickly and directly are a few suggestions that could foster better relationships. Knowing when it’s time to agree to disagree and moving on also could be used more frequently by some.
Aton: This relationship will not get better on its own. A new perspective is required to mediate and negotiate. Joint planning, discussion and student involvement are just the beginning to return this relationship to one based on mutual respect with a common goal, the betterment of Princeton.

