Borough Council Candidate: Roger Martindell

Name: Roger Martindell
 

Street of Residence: Patton Avenue
 

Occupation: Lawyer

Previous Government Experience:

• US Representative Frank Thompson (researcher)
• State Senator Anne Martindell (chief of staff)
• Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders (legal counsel)
• Princeton Borough Council

Other Civic Experience:

• Co-founder and steward of Riverside Elementary School instructional gardens 
• United Way Board of Trustees. 

Why do you want to represent Princeton on Council? 

To deliver quality municipal services at low tax cost through better management, and to do so in the spirit of public service to which I have subscribed during many years while working in all levels of government. 

What differentiates you from your opponents? 

Intimate knowledge of the community as a third-generation Princetonian, legal training and experience, and over 20 years working in government.  That background equips me to help the new consolidated government to succeed. Recent accomplishments during my tenure on Borough Council include: no tax increase in the Borough for four years running while Finance Committee chairperson; a $1 million transit trust fund and 40% increase in Princeton University annual contribution to the Borough in 2011; the only elected person in both Borough and Township to vote to approve the University's proposed arts district while also fighting to preserve the Dinky right of way for future transit needs; better civilian control over the police department. 

If elected, what are your TWO top priorities for Princeton and specifically what will you do to make those a reality?  

With the consolidation of Princeton, unprecedented opportunities will emerge to improve municipal services without increasing taxes.  To take advantage of those opportunities, experience in government is important. 

1. The first priority is to achieve all the goals of the Consolidation Study Commission and expand on those goals, such as by merging recreation and public works staff to better maintain parks and by better coordination of police to reduce over-staffing.  
2. The second priority is to continue to keep a tight reign on taxes so persons can age in Princeton if they choose.