Editorial: In support of Woodbridge

The upcoming year will present a unique challenge for Princeton’s mayor, as the Township and the Borough merge in January. Our new local government will have twice the issues as either did before, which will double the responsibilities of our mayor. The transitional state of Princeton will require a leader with previous experience in local office. Both candidates are involved with local government — Lempert currently serves on 11 local boards and commissions, and Woodbridge has served on 32. Both have some sort of experience in elective office. But whereas Lempert has served only as the Township’s deputy mayor, Woodbridge previously served as the mayor of the Township. The Board believes that Woodbridge has more experience overseeing the responsibilities of the mayoral office, and that his experience would allow him to focus on leading a successful merger between the Township and the Borough.

As members of both the community and the University, we hope that the mayor of Princeton views the relationship between the town and the college as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. A leader with strong ties to the University would be able to foster this relationship. Woodbridge is not only an alumnus; he has stayed active with alumni affairs, serving as class president and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Council among other activities. Woodbridge’s continued involvement with the University community gives him invaluable insight into its concerns, which would allow him to act in the best interests of the town without upsetting the college.

Finally, we hope that our next mayor will try to burst the Orange Bubble. Princeton students have a provincial view. Even when we are passionate about politics, we tend to neglect local and state issues and focus on national or international policy. Lempert and Woodbridge both hope to increase student awareness and involvement in local issues — Lempert suggests forums on campus with the mayor and other elected officials, and Woodbridge proposes a “meet the mayor” day. Both ideas would help increase the visibility of our local officials. However, the Board believes that Woodbridge would ultimately prove more sociable with students. Woodbridge has already taken the initiative to engage with students and has actively approached campus groups to raise awareness for the mayoral election.

Both Lempert and Woodbridge are proven leaders with successful track records, and the town of Princeton will be in good hands no matter who wins the election. The Editorial Board believes Woodbridge would work to benefit the University as well as the town, and thus we endorse him for Princeton mayor.

Editorials reflect the majority opinion of The Daily Princetonian’s student editorial board and not the opinions of either Princeton University or The Daily Princetonian Publishing Company, Inc.