Editor’s Note

As we do every October, Princeton Perspectives is providing you with information about every candidate on the ballot to help you vote informed in the upcoming General Election. There is a lot at stake, as a new governor is to be chosen, the entire Assembly is up for grabs, and many county and local leadership positions are on the table.

What is driving your vote this election? Perhaps you are you a party-line voter, there a specific issue, or a specific person swaying your decision. This month’s Pulse of Princeton shares what some locals are thinking as they plan to vote. Watch it now.

Who is on the Ballot, Where and How to Vote? This first article of the issue shares the details about every candidate except governor (that’s coming in our next article!). If you’ve not yet registered, want a Vote by Mail ballot, or prefer to take part in early voting, the details are all here. Plus, comments from every candidate on what they plan to do for you, if elected.

With Phil Murphy on his way out, it is time to decide his successor as leader of the Garden State. So, we asked each candidate questions about matters that are top of mind in Princeton.  The article Candidates for NJ Governor: Who Will Be Best for Mercer County? shares thoughts directly from each gubernatorial candidate, allowing you to compare and contrast their answers.

If you are still not sure which candidate is best for you, we offer some insiders’ perspectives from people that have spent years working in government. The articles, A Democrat’s Perspective for Undecided Voters and A Republican’s Perspective for Undecided Voters provide their personal points of view on what their candidate for governor has done or promises to do in the hopes of winning your vote.

Taking a look back at stories we’ve covered in the past, we provide you with the latest on the financial situation at Rider University, as well as a look at what’s to come at Princeton Battlefield in this month’s Perspectives Revisited.

As the only local publication providing insight into every candidate on the ballot, we hope you find this issue beneficial. It is now up to you!

Pulse of Princeton – What is driving your vote this election?

Who is on the Ballot, Where and How to Vote?

November 4, 2025, is General Election Day. Unlike the Primary Election we detailed for you in May, the General Election ballot includes Unaffiliated candidates alongside those from the Democrat and Republican parties. Additionally, unaffiliated voters are eligible vote in this election.

This year, the biggest race will be to determine the next leader of the Garden State. While Governor is a major contest, they say it is the local government positions that have the most impact on residents’ day-to-day life. There are many races for you to weigh in on this year, including General Assembly, County Clerk, Board of County Commissioners, Princeton Council and Princeton Board of Education. We bring you details here on every candidate on the ballot, to help you vote informed. (You can find out about the gubernatorial candidates and their views on matters most impacting Mercer County in our companion article, Candidates for NJ Governor: Who Will Be Best for Mercer County?)

VOTING OPTIONS

Are you inclined to Vote by Mail? If you are not already signed up to vote in that manner, and prefer to do so, you can fill out this form and return it in person, or mail it back to 209 S. Broad St., 2nd floor,  PO Box 8068, Trenton NJ 08650. A ballot will then be mailed for you to fill out.

Once completed, Vote by Mail ballots must be placed in a secure drop box, postmarked or returned in person to the Board of Elections office by 8pm on November 4th. If being returned via drop box, in Princeton those can be found at the Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon Street, as well as Princeton University Dinky Station/ Wawa, 152 Alexander Street. All other drop box locations can be found here. Note, the Hightstown drop box location has changed.

To ensure your vote was received, you can always track your ballot here.

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VOTING DAYS AND TIMES

If you prefer to vote in person, what are your options? This year, in-person early voting begins on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and is available through Sunday, November 2, 2025. Polls will be open Monday–Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.

You are eligible to vote at any early polling location, if one is more convenient to your work, daycare or family needs. Note, there is a new Early Voting location in West Windsor. The eight locations are:

Mercer County Library – Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, NJ

Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing, NJ  08638

Colonial Firehouse Company, 801 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ, 08619

Mercer County Library – Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike (at Darrah Lane), Lawrence, NJ

Pennington Fire Company, 120 Broemel Place, Pennington, NJ

Princeton Municipal Building – Community Room, 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ

Trenton Firehouse Headquarters, 244 Perry Street, Trenton, NJ

NEW! Mercer County Library -West Windsor Branch, 333 N Post Road, West Windsor, NJ

You can also choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 4th, with polls open 6am to 8pm. You have one specific polling location for election day, which is detailed on the front of the sample ballot which should have been recently mailed to your home. You can also click here to find it now.

WHO IS ON THE BALLOT?

GENERAL ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES

As it is every two years, the 80-member New Jersey Assembly is up for grabs this November. For 16th Legislative District (LD16) voters in Mercer County (Princeton voters), there are two incumbents and two challengers running. Voters will choose two, to serve a two-year term.

Roy Freiman (D) is running for his fifth term as LD16 Assemblyman, bringing with him previous experience as an executive at Prudential Financial. He has been proud to represent Princeton, a town where he says a richness of “history, education, innovation, and vibe help to create its unique charm and challenges.”

Freiman says he understands Princeton’s focus on affordability, which he will stay involved with if elected to another term.

“Princeton understands the importance of having a community that is open to all. That’s why I’ve worked to protect school funding, provide real property tax relief to seniors, homeowners, and renters through programs like Anchor and StayNJ, and strengthen government support for seniors and working families. My focus, along with my running mate, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, is to make sure Princeton remains a place where people are able to live, work, raise their families, and enjoy the beauty that is Central Jersey.”

Mitchelle Drulis (D) is running for her second term in the Assembly. She brings with her more than two decades of experience working on campaigns and alongside elected political leaders. Keeping Princeton, and New Jersey, affordable, livable and strong are key issues for her going forward.

“Affordability isn’t just a talking point. Whether it is property taxes, healthcare costs, or the cost of a night out with your family, it is something Mercer County families, even in Princeton, are feeling every day. Federal funding cuts to essential programs have only made things harder, forcing local governments and non-profits to stretch thinner to meet the growing needs.”

Drulis says she’s worked hard with her counterparts, Assemblyman Freiman and Senator Zwicker, to bring money into the district – citing over $1.3 million to Princeton alone.

“This funding goes directly into projects that matter including improvements to Princeton’s sewer system to ensure that core infrastructure keeps pace with the community, protecting our historic sites such as the Princeton Battlefield, and cultural resources like McCarter Theater, and supporting Princeton Food Pantry which is seeing an increase in demand. And of course, making sure that programs like Stay NJ, Anchor and Senior Freeze which provide property tax relief for seniors, homeowners and renters are funded and can continue.”

Scott Sipos (R) is running for his first term in the Assembly. He is currently in his second term on the Raritan Township Committee, having served as its mayor in 2024. Sipos is a teacher, who led many negotiations as its union’s president, and strong schools are a top issue of his campaign.

“The most urgent issue facing Mercer County residents is the ongoing school funding crisis, and its deep impact on affordability, local property taxes, and the quality of public education. As a father and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how the flawed school funding formula has stripped millions of dollars from our local schools in LD16, forcing painful cuts to teachers, programs, and services that our children rely on. This isn’t just a school issue; it’s a community issue. When the state pulls funding, the burden shifts to local property taxpayers. That’s unacceptable, especially at a time when families are already struggling with high costs of living.”

Sipos intends to counter what has taken place while the current Assembly people have been in office.

“They have failed to take meaningful action. They’ve watched as schools in our district suffered, offering short-term patches instead of real, long-term solutions. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road while our schools and taxpayers pay the price. In Trenton, I will fight to overhaul the broken funding formula and ensure that every student in LD16 gets their fair share. Our kids deserve better. Our communities deserve better. And it’s time for real leadership to deliver it,” Sipos states.

Catherine Payne (R) is running for her first term in the Assembly, currently serving as Deputy Mayor of Hillsborough. She is also an IT/Operations professional who has worked to modernize and make systems more efficient in both the public and private sectors. She is eager to find better ways to fund New Jersey’s schools.

“The most urgent issue for Mercer County and LD16 right now is fixing the broken school funding formula, which has slashed millions from our local school budgets and placed an unfair burden on homeowners through rising property taxes. This funding crisis is not only hurting our students, it is threatening the affordability of our entire region. I’ve spoken with families, teachers, and school officials across LD16 who are frustrated and overwhelmed. They’ve seen programs cut, staff laid off, and class sizes grow, all while property taxes continue to rise. It’s clear the current funding model is not working for our community.”

Payne says efforts made thus far have not been good enough.

“Roy Freiman and Mitchelle Drulis have done nothing to deliver a long-term fix. They’ve stood by while our schools were gutted and offered no plan to restore fairness or stability to the system. Mercer County deserves better than empty promises and political theater. As your Assemblywoman, I will prioritize a complete reform of the school funding formula, so that our families aren’t forced to choose between a quality education and the ability to stay in their homes. The time for talk is over, it’s time for action.”

COUNTY CLERK

County Clerk is elected every five years. This year, there is one incumbent and one challenger running for the seat. This office files and records documents for things such as real estate ownership and transfer, County and Veteran ID Cards, U.S. Passport applications, small business trade name registration and more. It is also one of three county offices that oversees elections. This position has a five year term.

Paula Sollami Covello (D) is running for her fifth term as County Clerk, where she feels her experience as the first Executive Director of the NJ School Ethics Commissions, a Department of Education attorney and an Assistant County Counsel have benefited her. She is running to keep her position because she feels her experience matters as voting rights are under attack.

“There are many initiatives and policies that are limiting voter participation, and I believe this is the time in our history to fight to make sure that every voice is heard. Recent initiatives from Washington seek to restrict or limit voter participation by imposing REAL ID requirements on voters, requiring voters’ names to match their birth certificates and recent policies seek to eliminate vote-by-mail altogether. I would oppose any policy that restricts the ability to vote in our society. As a former leader of NJ’s County Clerks, I believe I am well qualified to continue to serve as Mercer County Clerk and fight against these suppression efforts.

Additionally, Sollami Covello says her accomplishments are a testament to what more she can do for the county.

“As County Clerk, I have expanded Mercer County’s vote by mail list to over 45,000 voters, one of the highest percentages in the State. I promised and delivered on our county’s purchase of a verified voting system, as we purchased voting machines with a paper trail for auditing purposes. I have also expanded outreach services for passports and Veteran IDs by opening a satellite office in Hamilton Township and bringing our passport service days to the various municipalities throughout Mercer County.  Further, I have eliminated backlogs in property recording and implemented online property search systems. I have scanned back most property records in the County Clerk’s Office and plan to complete this project. Most importantly, I have educated the public in multiple languages about all of my Office’s services so that everyone can vote or learn about the availability of the many government services the Clerk’s Office offers.”

Shaolin Brown (R) is running for her first term as County Clerk. She says her years as a community advocate, organizing town halls, supporting local small business and childcare providers and assisting law firms and nonprofits, have provided experience that will support her in this role.

“Through this work, I have gained hands-on experience with the challenges residents face and with the election process itself. My passion is building trust between government and the community, ensuring that Mercer County’s records, property deeds, and elections are secure, transparent, and accessible to all.”

Brown says restoring trust in the election process is the most urgent need.

“As County Clerk, I will ensure every election is run with transparency and full compliance with New Jersey’s Title 19 election laws. I will implement stronger chain-of-custody protocols, provide clear and accessible voter information, and record ballot draws on video for public review. These measures will help every voter know their ballot is counted accurately and their voice truly matters.”

MERCER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The legislative branch of county government, Mercer County Board of Commissioners, has four candidates vying for 2 open seats. Two incumbents are running to keep their seats against two newcomers. The part-time role is for a three-year term.

Nina Melker (D) is running for her third full term as County Commissioner (she took over a vacated seat in 2018). She is grateful to bring her experience as a banker to help with county finances. What does Melker think is most urgent for Mercer County residents, should she serve a third term?

“Working to maintain affordability for residents and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations throughout Mercer County,” she says.

Cathleen Lewis (D) is running for her second term as County Commissioner, after serving 10 years on Lawrence Council (two as their mayor). She hopes to build on the momentum that has been underway with County Executive Dan Benson, focusing on services to residents. In a new term, Lewis hopes to continue county/municipal collaborations and invest in economic development.

Our work has begun with investment in compatible emergency response systems between our towns and the county, strengthening response while saving taxpayers money,” Lewis says, adding, “Through our new Division of Travel and Tourism we can effectively capitalize on the 250thanniversary of the birth of our nation, bringing in powerful economic dollars and building long-term investment in our local businesses.

Lewis also aims to develop clean transportation options and invest in safer roadways with accountability continuing as a primary concern for.

“This last year has brought open, collaborative conversations at our commissioner meetings. Not only do I want to see that continue, I think we can expand our efforts to ensure we are sharing information and ideas consistently.”

Daniel Hanley, Jr. (R) is running for his first term as County Commissioner. The son of an immigrant mother, he has immersed himself in his Mercer County community through roles including treasurer of the Hopewell Valley YMCA, treasurer for Hopewell Valley Lacrosse, and as treasurer for the Hopewell Valley High School Class of 2025 PTO. A Certified Financial Planner, Hanley hopes to help safeguard the county’s fiscal future using his experiences guiding people through an ever-changing economy.  As a County Commissioner, Hanley is ready to jump right in to mitigate increasing property taxes, suggesting zero-based budgeting and non-property-tax revenue streams to offset the need.

“New Jersey is already infamous for having some of the highest property tax rates in the nation, and as assessments and local, county, and school budgets continue to climb, this reality hits Mercer County households particularly hard,” Hanley explains. “The continuous rise in property taxes is more than just a line item on a budget; it is a fundamental quality-of-life issue. It forces long-time residents to consider leaving the community they helped build, making Mercer County less affordable and less diverse. Furthermore, it acts as a major deterrent to prospective new businesses and residents, ultimately harming our county’s economic competitiveness and growth.”

Alexander DiFalco (R) currently serves as Vice Chair of the Mercer County Young Republicans and works with Jersey First as a grassroots advocate while he completes his degree in history, law, and politics at The College of New Jersey. Hoping to represent the next generation of voters, DiFalco aims to bring his hands-on experience with campaigns at the local, county, and state levels to bring down Mercer County property taxes.

“In 2024, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners approved a sweeping tax increase that fell disproportionately on certain towns. Lawrence and Hopewell saw increases of 5 to 6 percent. Hamilton and Robbinsville faced increases of 12 to 15 percent. East Windsor and Ewing had crushing increases of 18 to 22 percent. Princeton saw an average increase of 12 percent from 2023 to 2024. Such steep and uneven increases place the heaviest burden on families least able to afford them, including many in Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, and Hamilton. For young growing families and disadvantaged residents, these hikes are not just numbers on a bill; they threaten their ability to pay for housing, food, and utilities. Tax increases must always be reasonable, equitable, and justified.”

DiFalco suggests using part of the county’s annual budget surplus to provide immediate relief across Mercer County through a large-scale tax break.

PRINCETON COUNCIL

There are two candidates vying for two open seats on Princeton Council, running for three-year terms on the six-member Council. Both are incumbents, running unopposed. There is no minimum vote required for them to win, but you can learn more here about who they are and what they stand for.

Mia Sacks (D) is running for her third term on Princeton Council and looks forward to building on the efforts she has made.

“Over the past two terms, I’ve worked hard to invest in our community’s future—protecting environmentally sensitive open spaces, strengthening local infrastructure, fostering smart growth, and making sure our public schools have the resources they need. As I seek a third term, I will work to build upon that progress: expanding housing opportunities to ensure that residents of all ages and income levels can remain in our community; and encouraging growth in a way that honors our town’s history while preparing us for the future. I will continue to advance resiliency and climate change mitigation initiatives to safeguard our environment and infrastructure. Just as importantly, I’m committed to streamlining municipal operations to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively—ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is used wisely as we plan for a sustainable, inclusive, and financially secure future.

In a time of increasing political polarization, the need for civil discourse and genuine dialogue is imperative. Our community thrives when we come together to listen, learn, and find common ground — even when we disagree. This commitment to civility is essential to preserving the unity of our town and the strength of our democracy.”

Michelle Pirone Lambros (D) is running for her third term on Princeton Council, where she hopes to continue focusing on economic development, affordability and sustainability. Pirone Lambros says that growing the commercial tax base helps to support nonprofit and cultural organizations while offsetting the residential tax burden.

“We are committed to making our town welcoming to businesses of all sizes, aiming to retain the unique small businesses that define our community, while also attracting and supporting larger establishments that add vibrancy.  My work with our special improvement district, Experience Princeton, is really just beginning as the foundation has been laid, and now the fruition of this will be realized over the next few years,” she details. Pirone Lambros is also proud of the work done on the Affordable Housing, Planning and Redevelopment committee to expand opportunities for housing development and will continue through the 4th round of affordable housing.

“To further our sustainability goals, we are looking to expand our municipal bus service, improving transportation for residents, visitors, students, and employees. Our efforts also include enhancing our bike and pedestrian infrastructure, implementing traffic calming measures, improving our streetscapes, and expanding parking facilities.”

PRINCETON PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

There are three candidates vying for the three open seats on Princeton Public School’s Board of Education. Two incumbents and one repeat candidate are running uncontested, but your vote signals confidence to serve the three-year term. To know them a little better, each candidate shares why they are running and what their priority issue is for the new year.

Erica Snyder is running for her second attempt to gain a seat on the Board of Education.

“Despite the initial setback, I’m more determined than ever to serve our community. I have another year under my belt as a parent in the district, including a full year at the middle school to help shape my perspective. I’ve also received overwhelming support from community members who share my vision for a better school district. This enthusiasm has reinforced my decision to run again.”

Snyder is still hoping to work towards closing educational gaps and improving district communication and is eager to get involved with supporting the new leader of PPS, Dr. Michael LaSusa.

“My top priority would be to ensure he has what he needs to make changes in the district that work to support all students receiving the best education in a safe learning environment.

Dafna Kendal is the first Board of Education member to run for a fourth term. Feeling there is still important work to do, she looks forward to another three years.

“Efforts in curriculum, special education, and facilities, takes years to move from idea to reality, and I would like to see them through. I’m also running because stability is important. With a new superintendent, major facilities work, and state-level pressures on budgets, having experienced leadership on the Board helps provide continuity. At the same time, I see my role as supporting newer board members so that the district benefits from both experience and fresh perspectives.”

Kendal plans to continue keeping students top of mind.

“My top priority is working to ensure that every student has access to strong academic and support programs that meet their needs. That means strengthening course offerings, improving special education resources, and making thoughtful budget decisions that ensure that teaching and learning are always at the forefront.”

Susan Kanter is running for her third term on the Board of Education, looking forward to what it will bring.

“In serving on the Board, students have always been and will continue to be my prime focus, both in terms of meeting educational expectations and their emotional needs. I especially look forward to supporting our new Superintendent in meeting these goals, and ensuring Princeton Public Schools can ensure all our students have the tools they need for success.”

In her next term, Kanter recognizes there will be both unique opportunities as well as challenges.

“I do not want to minimize the challenges this district will face as we navigate Princeton’s expected growth and other potential changes to our financial model. In my first two terms I served as co-chair of the Operations Committee, as well as a member and co-chair of the Long-Term Planning Committee.  I hope to continue to use this experience to focus on both long-term and short-term financial planning, implementing referenda with fidelity, as well as supporting building maintenance and technology needs. I believe my experience and enthusiasm on these committees as well as my current postings on Policy and Student Achievement, and the year I have spent as Vice President of the Board, will allow me to effectively meet the demands our district will face in the coming years.”

RESULTS OF THE RACES

Unofficial results will begin coming out when polls close at 8pm on November 4th, though Mail-in Ballots will continue to be counted until November 10th. The official tally will be confirmed by Mercer County by November 25th, and by the state on December 4th.

On Election evening, voting machine results will be available here for anyone who wants to view them.

Candidates for NJ Governor: Who Will Be Best for Mercer County?

It is three weeks until election day, and the biggest race on the New Jersey ticket in years. Who will succeed Phil Murphy as the next governor of the Garden State?

Leading candidates Jack Ciattarelli (Republican) and Mikie Sherrill (Democrat) have dominated the airways, but Vic Kaplan (Libertarian Party) and Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party) are also running for the seat. Which candidate has visions that would be best for Mercer County residents? We asked them just that, so you can decide.

We posed the same three questions to all four candidates. Their responses are posted in alphabetical order, not ballot order. For all of the questions, just click on the + next to each candidate’s name to compare their responses.

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INCENTIVISING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

One of the top issues for those in Princeton is affordable housing. Princeton has often utilized PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements to negotiate with developers to build more affordable housing. Some say this helps stimulate growth and is a predictable, stable revenue stream for the municipality while others argue this removes tax funding from schools, which often bear the burden of the growth. Do you support PILOTs, and if not, what incentives or ideas do you support to meet affordable housing needs in NJ?

Our current approach to affordable housing is broken. Of course, we need affordable living options in New Jersey, but mandated housing construction in every municipality has resulted in residential overdevelopment in communities that have limited infrastructure, no mass transit, and very few, if any, low-to-moderate income job opportunities. The current model is also gobbling up open space, chasing wildlife from its habitat, increasing pollution from more idling cars on already congested roads, leading to more local flooding from stormwater management issues, and driving up property taxes due to endless legal fees and additional local services. That's why I support a regional approach that would allow for more local input, with an approach focused on driving population growth to transit hubs and urban centers, where self-sustaining local economies are desperately needed - including regional contribution agreements (i.e., RCAs) and quotas based on state Department of Labor statistics. The extent to which PILOTS fit into that approach would be a matter for local stakeholders to determine in the best interest of their community. I believe that approach must come via a real legislative solution - not a judge - and, if need be, a constitutional amendment. Local infrastructure issues, like Princeton faces, are why I support impact fees on new development to ensure that when infrastructure improvements are necessitated by the development, the developer pays for it, not already overburdened taxpayers.
I support affordable housing, but I do not support state mandates, such as the PILOT agreement to negotiate with developers to build affordable housing. I do not support using tax dollars to achieve affordable housing. I just want people to have access to affordable housing, without having the taxpayers foot the bill. I support the building of smaller houses with no impact fees (taxes on smaller houses). I support working with the local governments to change the zoning laws to allow tiny homes and RVs, so that people can have affordable housing. I do believe that the presence of affordable housing would reduce the number of people leaving New Jersey, as well as homelessness. Abandoned residential and commercial buildings could be used to house the homeless.
The SWP campaign is not centered on a better set of proposals for how to reform capitalism it is to change which class rules. No agreements including the PILOT agreement, other laws, or policies under the capitalist profit system can solve the housing crisis and homelessness. High rents and housing shortages are no accident. Landlords put a premium on building luxury apartments — which rake in more profits — rather than affordable decent housing that workers need. Only through the struggle to end the profit system can that be changed. Workers need to fight for higher wages and a massive government-funded public works program to build affordable housing and provide jobs for those who need them. Cost-of-living adjustments in all wage, pensions and benefit contracts so that workers are protected from rising prices.
I am committed to lowering housing costs and working with our towns to expand housing opportunities that families, seniors, veterans, and young people can actually afford. PILOTs are an important tool for towns to meet the specific needs of their communities and to help their residents afford a home there. As governor, I will work collaboratively with municipalities to help lower housing costs by crafting further incentives and tools for towns to employ and making resources available to support municipal housing programs and projects. As governor, I will expand existing first-generation and first-time homebuyer programs to cover a larger share of homebuyers’ down payments, which will expand access to homeownership and generational wealth to more families. Making housing more affordable in our state also includes working to expand access to starter homes and accessory dwelling units that are less expensive for families and address the “missing middle.” I will work collaboratively with local governments that seek to redevelop underused and neglected properties, and to create transit-oriented development, which will expand access to affordable housing options and generate local property tax revenues. State government also needs to improve coordination and consistency across all state departments to streamline the state permitting process for housing. This will reduce construction delays and homebuilding costs, which will lower the cost of homes for working families. I also will work with municipalities to identify ways that we can fairly and effectively address infrastructure impacts from new housing construction, such as sewer and water systems and roadways, which create additional local burdens. I’ll crack down on predatory investors, negligent landlords, and deceptive lenders who illegally jack up prices, collude to rig rents above market levels, don’t take care of their buildings, and discriminate in the home mortgage and rental markets. A critical way for the state to support more housing options that are affordable for families is by ending diversions from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fund helps municipalities expand housing options that are affordable for families and lower costs in a way that works for their community, but the state largely uses it for other purposes right now. I’m committed to ending these diversions as governor. I will also work with municipalities to make sure our families have access to a world-class education at the same time as they can afford to put a roof over their heads — families should not be forced to pick between the two. Central to this commitment is fully funding our schools at the state level. As governor, I will fully fund, stabilize, and modernize our school funding formula so our kids have access to programs that we know work, like high-impact tutoring and mental health services.

SCHOOL STRENGTH

Schools are a major attraction for a town, and Mercer County is known for many strong school districts. How will your proposed changes make our schools even stronger?

Our current school funding formula is antiquated, unfair and, I believe, unconstitutional - and it is crushing our taxpayers. At the same time, our school systems have fallen from second to twelfth on the national report card. It's a crisis. I'll fix it. I will reform the state school funding formula, set a statewide standard on per-pupil spending and then allow that money to follow the student, while instructing the State Department of Education to get off the backs of higher-performing districts while concentrating on under-performing districts. I will coordinate the expansion of pre-K utilizing existing private day care providers, making sure the money aligns with parent choice and student needs. I will expand charter schools and loosen restrictions on the inter-district public school choice program to allow parents real choices in the schools their children attend. And I will implement a true Parents' Bill of Rights that provides transparency to parents by requiring K-12 curriculum sources to be posted online at the beginning of each school year, and reform requirements for sexual and social education to make content age-appropriate for elementary, middle school-aged, and high school children.
I do believe in Parental Choice in education. I support parents being able to send their children to schools across the municipal lines. This would reduce de-facto segregation in our public schools. It would also stimulate innovating solutions to public schools, as they will seek to attract more students. Proven solutions would be adopted by more schools, as they will seek to attract more students.
The capitalist rulers have no need for workers to be educated. They need us to be obedient, work hard for them, consume all we make each week on the products they sell and lose any desire to broaden our scope and become citizens of the world. The purpose of “education” in class society is not to educate. It is to give the “educated” a stake in thinking they are going to be different and better than other people who work all their lives. Until society is reorganized so that education is a human activity from the time we are very young until the time we die, there will be no education worthy of working, creating humanity. The biggest battle we face is to cast off the self-image the rulers impose on us. Capitalist society promotes the myth that education is a youth question. But any society that sees education as a question just for young people can never have education that is meaningful for human beings, including youth. Social solidarity will never exist in such a society. A lifetime of education can prepare us so we recognize our capacities and put an end to capitalism’s dog-eat-dog relations.
New Jersey has one of the best public school systems in the country, but access to that world-class education is too often determined by ZIP code. This status quo is unacceptable. As a mom of four, I care deeply and have a plan to invest in our public schools to ensure that every child has access to a quality education that sets them up for a lifetime of success. The pandemic severely harmed students’ mental health and kids went hungry because of a lack of school meals. As governor — just as I did in Congress — I will work to provide free school meals and expand desperately needed mental health resources across our schools. We have a tough budget thanks to the $5 billion hole that Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has created — which my opponent Jack Ciattarelli fully supported. But this is about who we are as a state and what we value, so we have to find a way. No student should go hungry or face mental health struggles alone. That is why I am committed to strengthening tax enforcement at the state level to crack down on tax cheats, which will add hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s coffers. This revenue can then go towards evidence-based mental health programs in partnership with school districts and healthcare providers, as well as free school meals. Make no mistake, as governor, I will fight for our students, and I am committed to using state funds to provide the critical resources that our students need.

WINNING OVER VOTERS

After two decades of Republican leadership, Mercer County has become a Democratic stronghold for more than 20 years. How will your party lead Mercer County in the upcoming election?

I was proud to represent Princeton when I served in the state legislature. I won that seat the same way I'm running this campaign, by going everywhere and talking to everyone with common sense solutions to the problems we all face. Everyone wants an affordable and safe community, with good schools, strong local businesses and recreational opportunities. That's why I am out all day every day earning votes in every corner of the state.
We have had Republican and Democratic governors for many generations. Unfortunately, the State of New Jersey has been rated as one of the least business-friendly in the nations under both the Republican and Democratic Administrations. We have seen an increase in the cost of living and homelessness. Because I am not a Democrat or a Republican, and an independent thinker, I am open to working with people in both the Republican and Democratic Parties, to deliver policies that would help the people of New Jersey.
The Socialist Workers Party campaign builds solidarity with working-class struggles, wherever working people are acting in our own interests, which are the interests of the vast majority of humanity. What’s decisive is recognizing that only the working class is capable of effectively fighting to end the source of the degrading economic and social conditions we face — the capitalist profit system. To do that the working class has to act independently of the capitalist politicians and parties that workers and our unions are currently tied to, and struggle to take political power into our own hands.
I’m committed to fighting for voters in every corner of the state. As we saw during the primary, Mercer County is winnable, and our coalition is strong. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in talking to voters in Mercer County and are on the ground, every day, sharing our message to drive down costs, take care of kids, and bring accountability to state government. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far. Since the late summer, our team has canvassed all 12 municipalities and contacted over tens of thousands of Mercer voters. While Jack continues to double down on Trump’s disastrous agenda and blindly supports his devastating tariffs that are raising costs on Mercer families, I’m ready to take on anyone to stand up for families in Mercer County and across our state.

Editor’s Note

Perhaps it is a story being told by the docent as you make your way through the halls; videos strategically placed throughout that bring different displays to life; or maybe it’s the pieces alone that connect with you. Everyone engages with museums differently, but all have the ability to take you back, pull you in and open your mind.

In the September issue of Princeton Perspectives, Special Collections: Art, History and Culture in our Midst, we share some of the unique offerings on display around our area. They extend from traditional to esoteric, including historic homes and artistic enclaves. While some consider themselves “museum people,” others need an extra attraction to draw them in. Around here, there seems to be something for everyone.

What has been your most meaningful museum experience? We asked people in downtown Princeton to share their stories, and they are quite intriguing. Watch this month’s Pulse of Princeton to get inspired for your next museum trip.

If, as described above, you are not a traditional museumgoer, it is time to head across the river. The article A Unique Opportunity to Go Back in Time at Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle takes you inside the mind, home and museum of Hugh Chapman Mercer. Unique and quirky, he was an artistic and historic genius who enabled people to learn for generations. He also built what is now home to the Bucks County Historical Society, with a research library spanning back for centuries.

To ensure its history is saved, and soon back on display for all to see, The Hopewell Museum is rebuilding. Reimagining The Hopewell Museum provides a glimpse at some of the treasures it has salvaged, how it has done so, and the ways it hopes to share them for years to come.

Speaking of rebuilding…it shared beautiful and renowned works of arts for more than a century, and now, after years of construction, another museum hopes to offer even more. A New Princeton University Art Museum is Opening for Visitors is an article about what sets this new museum apart, and how you can indulge in it all.

In some instances it is the structure itself that is the most historically significant. You may have driven by it many times and not realized the history that lives on here, so the article Rockingham and its Historic Visit by Washington informs about what happened before, during and since George Washington’s stay at this special home.

Speaking of homes, you must have electricity or gas to keep yours cool in the summer and warm in the winter month, turn the lights on and more. This month’s Perspectives Revisited provides insight on recent bill increases that have many concerned. We also share how you can get the most out of Hispanic Heritage Month, going on right now.

Your homework, if you’ll take it, is to pick one local museum you have never visited and make a plan to do so. Whether outside to enjoy the elongated summer weather, or an indoor one for a cooler day. The greater Princeton area offers something for everyone. Take your pick!

The Pulse of Princeton: What is your most memorable museum experience?

A Unique Opportunity to Go Back in Time at Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle

Credit, Kevin Crawford

Around an historic area like Princeton, there are many relics of the past worthy of saving, witnessing and celebrating. Many are stored in museums to last well into the future. While we could spend days talking about the numerous museums located just in Princeton and Mercer County (and we do discuss some in other articles of this issue!), we want to highlight one located just across the river in Bucks County.

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, located in Doylestown, PA, are visited by a combined 95,000+ visitors each year. All come to see, touch and learn from over a century of history initiated by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 1900s, as well as even more from Bucks County archives.

Mercer (of no relation and not to be confused with General Hugh Mercer, the namesake for Mercer County, NJ) was ahead of his time. Most well known as a tile designer, he was also an historian, amateur architect, collector and curator. Whereas many people keep things in our homes that one day could be perceived as precious or unique, Mercer took collections and his talents one step further. He built himself a castle-style home, Fonthill Castle, and nearby decided to then build Mercer Museum, also inspired by castle architecture. In it, he stored a collection of almost 30,000 objects; most that were still being used in his day but which he saw as becoming either obsolete or an important mark of their time. It includes everyday items like spoons or bicycles as well as pre-industrial items such as a hand-pumped fire engine.

“He definitely recognized these things would one day be considered historic or rare and he wanted to make sure the significance of these items would be recognized,” explains Annie Halliday, Director of Library and Archives at Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. “It’s not a typical museum experience. You can read labels, we have interpretations, but if you’re not a conventional museum person you can still walk in and be blown away with how quirky and interesting the buildings are. There’s strong aesthetics throughout both buildings, which makes us appealing to a broader audience.”

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Mercer himself was not just a quiet collector. He was part of the arts and crafts movement and the designer of such notables as the tile floor mosaic installation in the Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA today. Featured in magazines about cement or the arts & crafts movement, Mercer not only traveled to collect oral histories but was known to research and find local histories as well.

Credit, Kevin Crawford

Visitors today can enter what was once the private residence of Mercer, Fonthill Castle, which is still very much the same as in his day. When he passed in 1930, Mercer left it to his housekeeper (and her husband), and she lived there until her death in the 1970s. The home was then put into a trust and ultimately into the hands of the Bucks County Historical Society. Using photographs and other inventories, it was slowly restored it to its original glory. Mercer himself was a founding member of the society in 1880, so it is great continuity for it to now be in under their control.

Courtesy of the Bucks County Historical Society

The Bucks County Historical Society today operates both Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum. It has a collection of more than 40,000 objects, some obtained through original accession or things Mercer purchased, as well as donations and purchases made over time. The museum’s on-site Research Library also houses over 20,000 books, 12,000 images, maps, periodicals and pamphlets, 2,500 feet of county government archives, early technology items and more.

“We have a broad yet specific scope. We are Bucks County Historical Society, so we collect for Bucks County History which is great for Bucks County genealogy or historic property or an historical event or something you’re just interested in,” Halliday shares. “Since we’re also connected to the tools and trade part, we have ledgers from blacksmiths, organizational records related to lumber yards or businesses in Doylestown creating things. We have Mercer’s papers, his architectural notebooks, tile drawings, research from his time at Harvard. It encapsulates his life’s work. We do also have some things just related to the arts and crafts movement or tile making in general.”

Credit, Kevin Crawford

The facility and ability to store so many sensitive materials makes Mercer Museum unique as a county deposit. Blacksmiths will come up from Colonial Williamsburg and they’ll interact with items to learn new methods, and researchers come to find collections of things that are difficult to find anywhere else, like butter molds. People come on their own to research about the time of their grandparents or schools will come on field trips to learn about pre-industrial technology.

“I doubt Mercer could’ve imagined the world we live in today, and things he’d have considered to be mundane are remarkable to us. We have a card catalog when you enter the research library, and children have no idea what that is. They think its historical! [but it’s actually being used!] We have a huge, long well sweep and wooden water pipes, things you can’t fathom using today. We have a huge impact in reminding kids and adults alike of where we came from technology-wise and how things have changed,” Halliday adds.

Jeff Marshall is a Bucks County local and former President of Heritage Conservancy, who has been researching the area’s historic buildings since 1977 and now visits the museum’s Research Library nearly weekly.

“In my early years I spent countless hours trying to learn about historic buildings by finding documents such as wills and associated inventories, Orphans Court documents, land drafts and local newspapers beyond what was needed to complete projects. This was generally used to try to provide baseline documentation to supplement architectural evaluations of structures to accurately tell the story of a historic building,” Marshall details.

And stories he has found. Through his research, Marshall has made some unique and interesting discoveries.

“One thing I found was in the will of John Burroughs giving his one son Samuel one silver dollar ‘because by his imprudent conduct he caused his father to spend more money than his share of the property would amount to’.  That got me digging and I found out that Samuel was a Tory and a horse thief who was vilified by the Revolutionary leaders of Bucks County and his father got him off relatively unscathed. Deeper research showed that he obtained a character reference from a Virginia officer who had apparently spent time in the family’s house around the time of Washington’s Crossing and is one of the only references to where troops beyond the generals were encamped.”

With historical materials dating back to the 1680s as part of the Bucks County government collections and those gathered by Mercer himself since the 1880s, there is a lot to learn and locate. Deeds once signed by William Penn, a register of slaves from 1783 and even a book that describes how properties were marked are preserved.

“We have an Earmark book filled with drawings of cattle ears, and all the different marks to designate what cattle was owned by each farmer. Nicks they’d cut out of a cow’s ear. It is one of first records of Bucks County,” Halliday exclaims.

Thanks to a priority that materialized from COVID, the photograph collection of the museum is fully digitized and 90% of the postcard collection is as well. If you can’t make it on site, there is an online database accessible to anyone. If an item has not been digitized, sometimes a photo is attached to the record so that you can still catch a glimpse. And if you find something of interest, they offer a collection access visit where the item is pulled from the museum or storage for you to come and see in person.

“We’re very proud of our collection, and many people don’t know there is a library associated with the museum,” Halliday boasts. “Our favorite types of people are those that just want to see cool stuff.”

If you like cool stuff, whether you want to tour Mercer’s old home, be inspired by the collections within the museum or research an old plot of land that was once in your family, there is a lot of history available.

Credit, Kevin Crawford

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle each require a separate ticket but are both open Tuesdays through Sundays. Fonthill Castle, a National Historic Landmark, provides 60-minute guided tours only. The museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, offers self-guided tours with timed tickets. The Research Library entry is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, and entry is free with a Mercer Museum ticket or to members of Bucks County Historical Society.

A New Princeton University Art Museum is Opening for Visitors

Courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum; Photo Credit: Richard Barnes

An art museum is more than the just its works of art, placed around a room or hung on the wall. Along with layout and placement there is also flow, chosen artists, studio and educational spaces and more – all reasons that Princeton University spent more than four years rebuilding.

Its old museum often felt like it was ‘busting at the seams’ with its need to meet ever-increasing demands for public visitors, academic use and school groups. Publicly announced in 2018, though in discussions for even longer, it was a project that removed the old Princeton University Art Museum and constructed a much needed and desired new one.

“At best, some 2% of the collections were able to be shown in the old Museum on any given day, and certain aspects of art—including contemporary art and time-based media—were very difficult to display. At about 2,500 square feet, our temporary exhibitions spaces were much too small. There were few educational spaces and no dedicated social spaces; every space in the old building was required to do double or triple duty, creating untenable stresses on the collections and making it difficult to meet the needs of today’s visitors, among other things,” explains Stephen Kim, Senior Associate Director for Communication & Information.

Courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum; Photo Credit: Richard Barnes

Now, many are anxiously awaiting the new facility which boasts 146,000-square-feet for art display, teaching and educational programming. More than 117,000 objects spanning over 5,000 years of creativity will be on display and open to the public beginning October 31st.

The works, while still often hung on the wall or placed around the rooms, are each carefully chosen and their placement even more thoughtfully decided. Rather than art being divided and placed on separate floors, there is more flow between the rooms. The goal is to make one think and reflect on the past vs. the present, to really see different cultures, and question human experiences.

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Courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum; Photo Credit: Richard Barnes

“We have curated the museum in ways that will welcome visitors not only to experience beauty but also to analyze it; to admire creativity and to contextualize it; to marvel at materials and to complicate their origins,” said Juliana Ochs Dweck, chief curator of the Princeton University Art Museum. “In the new building, visitors can directly experience our collections, whether walking above ancient mosaics recessed in the floor, ascending the Grand Stairs across from a medieval Mallorcan stairway, or encountering a dialogue between light-based works spanning five hundred years. Our new museum offers many ways to have intimate encounters with art, to pursue curiosity, engage in meaningful dialogue, and to find solace or belonging.”

The new museum will launch with a 24-hour Open House beginning the evening of Friday, October 31st. There will be free public events and opportunities to engage with the spaces including open studio hours, dance parties, movie screenings, collections tours, trivia, yoga and more. The 3-level building welcomes visitors from all sides, greeted by gold, bronze and wood mosaics of tile created by artist and educator Nick Cave. They welcome you to 80,000-square-feet of gallery display amongst nine pavilions (further divided into thirty-two galleries and three special exhibition spaces). Additionally, there is room to welcome more school groups with over 12,000-square-feet dedicated to educational space comprised of two creativity labs for hands-on art making, six object study classrooms, an auditorium and two seminar rooms. The Grand Hall can also be used for classes or lectures or to offer performances or social gatherings.

When its first independent building opened in 1890, this museum was one of the inaugural ones to display works from multiple continents and in different forms. It prides itself as having one of the most diverse looks at the world amongst university museums. The new layout is specifically designed to enable “conversations” to take place from one work of art to another.

Courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum; Photo Credit: Richard Barnes

“Galleries are designed to evolve, with works of art regularly reinstalled, new acquisitions reshaping the narratives on display, and visitors challenged to think critically and empathically. This embrace of flux reflects the Museum’s role as a place of teaching and learning, where new research and new encounters continually inform and redefine what it means to curate,” Ochs Dweck notes.

For the opening, there are two special exhibitions on display. Princeton Collects will highlight artwork that was donated in honor of the new museum building. It includes paintings by artists including Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell and Gerhard Richter. Princeton Professor Toshiko Takaezu will also have her work on display in Toshiko Takaezu: Dialogues in Clay, described as “experimental artistic exchanges between the artist, her contemporaries and her teachers.” The special exhibitions will change in the spring.

Courtesy of the Princeton University Art Museum; Photo Credit: Richard Barnes

The Princeton University Art Museum Store, another trove of treasures, is now situated at the intersection of two art walkways that allow visitors to walk through the museum campus. A full-service restaurant is located on the third floor, will both indoor and outdoor dining. The museum has also taken advantage of its surroundings, offering outdoor terraces and an amphitheater as well.

As a near 30-year dream for the new museum has come to fruition, it is an ode to the community it sits amongst and thanks to the generosity of those that believed in its necessity.

“The capital costs of the new building are the result of a philanthropic and University partnership through which about two-thirds of the cost was contributed by private donors and one-third by the University,” Kim shares. “Fundraising for bricks and mortar was completed in fall 2021 but continues in order to grow our endowments and support increased operational costs associated with a much larger facility.”

The new Princeton University Art Museum will have on display approximately three-times as many objects as the old museum offered, which is still only about 4-5% of the collections. There will be plenty of time to view it all, as the admission remains free and it will be open seven days a week.

Editor’s Note

While some are wishing there were many more weeks of summer, others are looking forward to getting the kids back to school and on with the regular routine. Though it officially lasts until September 21st on the calendar, summer unofficially ends for many with Labor Day and a new school year. Administrations have been working through the months to get everything in order. Now, as staff and students are gearing up to head back, we’ve got the scoop.

This month, the August issue of Princeton Perspectives is It’s Back to School Time…Here’s What You Need to Know. From what is new, different, or will be an adjustment, it’s all in here!

The Pulse of Princeton aims to share with you what others around town are thinking, so this issue we asked them, what are you most looking forward to as the new school year begins? Watch the video and decide – do you agree or disagree?

Starting with our local public school district, the article Summer 2025 is Full of Changes for Princeton Public Schools shares details about the many referendum projects that were completed over the past few months, with a closer look at the new superintendent in charge.

Are you the type of person that packs up a lunch to send off to school each day, or does your student prefer to purchase one in the cafeteria? Either way, there may be more to think about. Princeton Public Schools was just awarded the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for its creative and collaborative efforts to improve the quality and nutrition of school meals, a big step in the right direction. The article Healthy and Free School Lunches are Building Blocks for Better Education is one educator’s look at what more could be done.

If you don’t have a child at Princeton Public Schools, perhaps they attend one of nearly two dozen other local schools. The article Princeton Area Schools Share What’s New for the Upcoming Year provides insight into some of the projects, administrative changes and curriculum updates that each school embarked upon this summer.

Amidst it all, some things may still be unknown. The article School Communities on Edge as Federal Education Funding Remains Uncertain explains where things stand today and what it all means.

Princeton University and Princeton Public Schools are the sources for this month’s Perspectives Revisited. Read on to find out some good and some bad happenings from the summer break.

Once you finish reading through, get on outside and take advantage of the day! Summer is winding down, and you don’t want to miss it!

The Pulse of Princeton – What are you most looking forward to as the new school year begins?