PRINCETON: Familiar faces will be leaving local politics

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   When Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner ran for office six years ago, one of his goals was bringing about the merger of the two Princetons.
   With that and other items off his to-do list, Mr. Goerner decided to leave public life — at least for now. He joins five other current members of Township Committee and Borough Council who will be leaving municipal government on the eve of the historic merger.
   In the township, Township Committeewoman Sue Nemeth also is retiring from office, while Borough Councilmembers Barbara Trelstad, Roger Martindell and Kevin Wilkes also are retiring.
   In interviews before their terms expired, they offered advice for the incoming government, looked back on their accomplishments and looked ahead to what they’ll do now that there aren’t any more government meetings to sit through.
   Mr. Goerner on Dec.18 called it an “honor to serve the community,” this as he transitions to the next phase of his life. He expressed confidence in the officials set to take office in January, a seven-member government made up of one newcomer and six others who have served in public office in either the Borough or the Township.
   Ms. Nemeth echoed those sentiments. “The community should feel very confident in their new leaders,” she said.
   2012 has been described as whirlwind year for everyone associated with municipal government in both communities. In less than 12 months, officials helped put into motion the consolidation on the fly. “Seeing that through has been satisfying,” Ms. Trelstad said.
   She had advocated for the consolidation, one chapter in long career in politics that began when she was in high school. Though there were successes and disappointments along the way, Ms. Trelstad said she “really enjoyed” her tenure as a councilwoman.
   ”As I do in the garden, I like to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty and help things grow,” Mr. Martindell said. “I’ll miss working in the fields of local government and encountering the many opportunities to find creative ways to make useful things happen in the community.”
   Mr. Martindell served in local government for 23 years, the son of the late state senator. and ambassador Anne Martindell. He said he got involved in politics because “it’s in my genes.”
   ”I never held politicians in high esteem, so I thought I might do better—a conceit I share with most politicians,” he said. “Frankly, much of politics is stupid.”
   Yet some officials talked of the demands of being in political office: spending time away from family, balancing work and public office demands. They said leaving office would allow them to focus on what they do next in life or on other things.
   Asked about his plans, Mr. Goerner said he has not ruled anything in or out.
   As for Ms. Nemeth, she ran for state Assembly this year but lost in the primary to fellow Democrat Marie Cornfield. Ms. Nemeth said she has ruled out for a run for the Statehouse next year, although she said she would stay active in local and county politics.
   Ms. Trelstad said she plans to stay engaged in civic life, albeit from the other side of the council dais. “You just can’t walk away from this,” she said.
   Mr. Wilkes, speaking Dec.18, said he would miss the ability to help the public. Looking back on his tenure, he said he was proud of the votes he and others on Council cast to not raise municipal taxes the past four years.
   So what advice would they give the incoming government?
   Ms. Trelstad said it is important to listen to people but also to take a stand — even if the position is unpopular. Mr. Wilkes urged officials to lead with integrity.