Letter: Be Brave Like Jo Butler

To the Editor:

First there were two municipalities.

Almost 15 years ago, when I first came to live here, I was shocked at the facts that there were two mayors, two municipal buildings, two police departments, and so forth. i never knew the borders of each, neither did I care. Consolidation seemed only logical and I still think it is. Savings? Realistically, we won't be able to figure out the actual numbers right away and it is understandable.

I mention the topic because people are talking about consolidation again, as if the problems happening in Princeton council are actually the never ending "battles" between the township and the borough.  When both municipalities merged, all good things of both should have been kept and all bad things of both should have been discarded. I admit that I am not knowledgeable of all the facts and that I am only using plain common sense on this. I also hope this is not the reason.

I do not understand, though, the division that has been created amongst Princeton council, composed only by Democrats.  Might the reason be that as they all belong to the same political party, this is then a battle of egos? I am a registered democrat; however, I consider myself politically independent and I call all independents and republicans in town to run for the available seats this year; it might help clean this gigantic mess.

Let's examine them.  Bernie Miller, brilliant and experienced. Heather Howard, she could not be smarter and  approachable. Lance Liverman, I don't really know or hear much about him.  And "new" to this group is Sue Nemeth, who actually has been around for a while and wants to get back in the game.

Then, there is Patrick Simon, whose analytical mind can not be questioned, Jenny Crumiller, bright and very outspoken, and Jo Butler.

Well,  it seems to me that there is a "puppeteer" behind the first group, now been known as the "elite"' the "cool kids" and so on.  The strings apparently are being pulled by someone that I would rather call  "political advisor" and that he/she should be "fired".

Perception is reality and what I perceive is a very bad political move that backfired.

Why trying to oust an intelligent, hardworking, efficient council member from their own party? Is it because she speaks out? Is it because thanks to her questioning, a conflict of interests policy was put in place?  Is it because she wants to see numbers and she is good at it? Is it because she wants transparency and open door sessions?  What exactly is the reason why this group wants Jo  Butler out? Is it arrogance? Or is it, sadly, that they are not the savvy politicians they believe they are and act impulsively? Why exactly is Jo the pebble in their shoes?

Is it because Jo doesn't let it go? Would you like the US attorney to stop "digging" into "Bridgegate" and move forward?

Sure, let's just put all the files in the drawer and get back to them later, hoping that people forget;  let's all get along nicely like we were in a kids 'playground; let's hold hands and play "follow the leader".  But, watch out, those  who don't will be shun because we should all always agree on everything.

For God's sake, let all the opinions be heard, let the questions be asked, welcome the participation and the challenges, this is democracy.   Be strong on what you believe but also admit that you are not the only possessor of the truth.  If you do so, then be out there assuming responsibility when mistakes are made, don't try to sweep them under the rug, be brave like Jo Butler, act consciously as she always does, and apologize when you didn't do it right.

Sandra Jordan Bierman
Princeton