By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Princeton Councilman Patrick Simon said this week that he is “considering” running for mayor next year against incumbent and fellow Democrat Liz Lempert, in what would set up a battle in the primary.
“I’m weighing it. I have not made a decision,” he said by phone in response to being asked about the political scuttlebutt concerning him.
He said members of the community have approached him about getting into the race, and that he planned to speak with others to gauge his level of support.
Earlier this month, Mayor Lempert announced she was running for another term. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Mr. Simon’s decision would have implications for him and the rest of council. His term is up in 2016, so he would have to decide between running for mayor or seeking re-election.
Mr. Simon said he also had not made up his mind about running for his council seat. He was elected in 2012 and, because he drew a one-year term when the consolidated council was seated in January 2013, won re-election in 2013 to a three-year-term.
In mild criticism of Mayor Lempert, he said she had done a “good job” in some respects but “struggled” in others. He did not elaborate.
In political circles, there has been talk of Mr. Simon getting into the race. At her press conference Monday, Mayor Lempert faced a hypothetical question about how her working relationship would be with a member of council who was also her opponent.
“I have a job to do,” she said. “So I would do my job.”
