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What is it That People Love About Princeton?

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Princeton is an attractive town, for a variety of reasons. In general, people tend to love the university town for the beauty of its campus, the robust town center, and its geographic location situated halfway between New York and Philadelphia. For those who live here, they often come for a job, post-graduate work or the schools. But once they arrive, they tend to find there are many reasons to stay.

What are some of Princeton’s strongest attractions? We put out a survey and asked our locals to tell us what they love most. From leaders to layman, many shared their thoughts. Whether it is food or drink, outdoor spaces or the deep history, there are a variety of reasons this town is loved.

“What truly makes Princeton special is its people,” shares Christopher Tash, Chief of Police at Princeton Police Department. “They are warm, welcoming, and very engaged in the community. Princeton offers something for everyone—whether it’s walking the Princeton University campus, shopping at local stores, or dining at the many restaurants. Having lived here when I was younger and being a part of the community my entire life, I can confidently say Princeton is a wonderful town and community.”

It is the people that contribute most to making the town and community, and 21% of locals that responded to our survey indicated it is the diversity of those people that makes Princeton most unique and special. People come here from around the world, often to learn or work in industries such as pharmaceutical, education or sci-tech. Beyond those transplanted for a job, there are immigrants, both documented and undocumented, who come to be near others from their former communities. This population brings with it diversity of thought, socioeconomics, education, ethnic influences and more. Due to the presence of Princeton University, Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton Theological Seminary, town tends to be filled with brilliant minds. Many love that about Princeton! These geniuses could be anywhere and most just go about their day, like everyone else. As one respondent said, “You can stand in line and be next to a Nobel Laureate!”

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The university town, to many, also offers a small town feel with the bonus of city-type amenities. The opportunity of having much within walking distance and plenty to see and do, has many loving Princeton.

“For us we love that it is walkable, and it is safe for families. High schoolers like to gather with friends. There is always something to do, watch or participate in and around town. People are kind and town is small,” a local expressed.

Walking around in the less inundated areas of town are also a highlight to many. Whether it’s just around one’s neighborhood or to the local recreation areas like Grover Park. Princetonians also love heading into the natural areas like Herrontown Woods, Witherspoon Woods or Pettoranello Gardens.

Such activity outdoors can make one quite hungry, and locals have their go-to restaurants and eateries for sure. Conte’s topped the list with many loving their pizza pies. Blue Point Grill is also a favorite, from the oysters to the Chilean sea bass and grilled shrimp. Their sides are also beloved. One thing is for sure, our readers love the ethnic variety of cuisine around town including Thai, Indian and Latin American.

“I am a dedicated foodie who loves to indulge in new culinary experiences. Some of my guilty go-tos in Princeton include Cross Culture, Nomad, Conte’s, and yes, in the great ice cream debate, I am a the Bent Spoon fan. I love to marry salty and sweet flavors,” shares Princeton Public Schools Interim Superintendent, Kathie Foster.

If it’s just a drink one is craving, Small World Coffee seems to have a market on options that satisfy. Coffee, Scarlet Palmer Iced Tea, Iced London Fog and the hot chocolate are some of the most loved. Hot chocolate, either regular or spicy, is also a hit from the Bent Spoon. When it comes to adult beverages, Kristine’s is a top choice for its Cosmopolitan, French Martini and French 75. Some also love the beers at Triumph and the sangria made at Mediterra.

If one is in town, they might also take a moment to stop at their favorite shop. Princeton Record Exchange is loved for its selection of music and new vinyl options. jaZams, whether for gifts or just fun, is another top choice. For more gift choices (for both oneself and others!), our survey respondents shared they love to go to Dandelion, Toobydoo, The Museum Store, Princeton Makes, Faherty and Homestead.

But what about when others come to visit? Besides the great downtown, what is the #1 place our readers recommend visitors go? 45% of respondents said it must be Princeton University.

“Enter Princeton University’s Campus at the Nassau Hall entrance. Meander, read monuments, and take a moment to meditate at the breath-taking Princeton Chapel,” shared a resident.

The beautiful campus, Nassau Hall itself and notably Princeton University Art Museum (when it reopens) are also of strongest suggestion. Additionally, there are off-campus sites that enhance the municipality that many love to share when one comes to town, such as the homes of Albert Einstein and Paul Robeson, as well as McCarter Theatre.

“Princeton is an amazing place; it is full of culture, has a lively atmosphere, and is surrounded by natural beauty,” says Princeton Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Musical Director, Rossen Milanov. “I look forward to the Princeton Festival on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden each June.”

Morven, former home of Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and then to five New Jersey governors, is an historic site that is unique to Princeton. In this town, there are many other locations and stories that also help it stand apart. Nearly 25% of those that responded to our survey shared Princeton Battlefield is the historic spot they love most. Site of the Battle of Princeton and a turning point of the American Revolution, there are monuments to read there, reenactments through the year and the original home of Thomas Clarke. Locals also shared some lesser-known chronicles of the past that they love about Princeton.

“I love learning about the African American history of Princeton. Beyond Paul Robeson, I don’t think enough people are aware of Black Princeton history,” one stated. Another reminds us of “the story behind the stars below certain Princeton University campus dorm windows commemorating alumni who died serving our country.”

Beyond the sites and stories like those mentioned, available to all, there are also the personal histories that are created by those who have spent a lifetime in Princeton. Princeton Council President Mia Sacks is a 3rd generation Princetonian. It is her family’s lineage and what has been experienced here that creates an unbreakable love of Princeton for her.

“Because my family’s history has been so shaped by this town, living in Princeton is a frequently nostalgic, sometimes bittersweet, experience for me. I have memories going back to childhood on almost every street. My grandmother loved trees and many of the ones she planted around town are still thriving. When I drive along Washington Road, it reminds me of the magical hospital fete that happened in June every year, and I miss it. I also miss all the family-owned shops along Nassau Street that no longer exist,” Sacks recalls. “One thing I appreciate about our town is that people do not dress ostentatiously. I have clogs from Hulits and wool sweaters from Landaus that I bought decades ago, and still wear.”

And she is likely not the only one! Maybe you can pull out your old clogs or sweater this winter next time you head out for your favorite bite, for a walk in the woods or simply to experience all one could love about Princeton.

Love in Letters: To the Women in Their Lives, as Written by Albert Einstein and T.S. Eliot

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Ah! The art of a love letter! When was the last time you took out pen and paper, to share your deepest thoughts with the one you love? There is a passion that can only transcend in this form. Today, it’s likely Facetime that keeps long distance lovers connected and with the loss of cursive teachings these days, what would a love letter even look like between two paramours from Gen Z?

Today’s young lovebirds might use emojis or social media acronyms like ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) or YOLO (You Only Live Once) while messaging through SnapChat. While meant to be private, salvaged love notes from the past offer deep insight into the times, relationships and more. Will someone be able to access SnapChat, Instagram or even read old text messages 80 years from now? There certainly will be little stored from Facetime conversations to have an historic recording of what was being shared between two loves today. While we are always reminded of the digital trail one can leave, there is a wonder if love messages from 2025 will be accessible in the future or whether the art form is lost in the past.

The written love letter, permanently noted by hand or typed onto paper, saved and later discovered, has provided insight into loves and so much more from the past. Two such love-stories with Princeton connections were long kept secret but shared in recent years with the public through their own words, providing intimate looks into these highly recognized lovers. Meant to be burned, letters from once-Princeton local, Institute for Advanced Study’s faculty member and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein, share a side often not seen by the public. Additionally, the heartfelt words of Nobel Laureate poet and former unofficial artist in residence at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study, T.S. Eliot, provide an otherwise possibly unknown peek into his inspiration.

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THE RELATIONSHIPS REVEALED

The Einstein letters, written to his lover Margarita Konenkova, reveal someone who truly cares about another, who wants to share the daily ins-and-outs of his life and spend cherished time together. Six (of many) letters were given by Konenkova to Marjorie Bishop (then her neighbor) with strict instructions, that unless claimed by 1955, Bishop had sole authority as to their disposal. Bishop even wrote a note, instructing in 1960, in the case of her death, the letter contents in the box were to be burned. But they were not. Instead, 20 years after receipt, it appears Bishop changed her mind and gave them to psychoanalyst Muriel Gardiner in 1969. She wanted them preserved and sent them the Sigmund Freud Archives for safe keeping. To do that, the archives placed them in the care of Library of Congress where, 50 years later, they were opened and today they remain.

The 50-year span was an effort to ensure that the secret love affair, known to few, not be revealed while Einstein, Konenkova and any of their younger relatives were still alive. Why? At least partially because Konenkova was still married, though arguably quite lonely. She and Einstein met when her sculptor husband was commissioned to create a bust of Einstein. In 2019, the world was finally exposed to six never-before-seen passionate love letters from Albert Einstein to Margarita Konenkova, dating back to 1944.

Courtesy: Emily Hale Letters from T. S. Eliot; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Letters written from T.S. Eliot to Emily Hale similarly share deep affection, warmth and a desire to truly know each other. The letters also faced restrictions as they were barred from release until 50 years after Eliot or Hale’s death, whichever came later. Hale passed in 1969 and in 2020 the letters were revealed at Princeton University’s Firestone Library. They were personally donated there by Hale herself. In this instance, 1,131 letters written by Eliot between 1930 and 1957 remain available for research. All correspondence back from Hale are gone, burned by Eliot, but the collection does include letters Hale wrote to others, detailing their relationship as well as including photographs and other memorabilia.

Through it all we learn Hale and Eliot met in the Boston area in 1912. She was a speech and drama teacher at Simmons, Scripps and Smith Colleges while he was a graduate student at Harvard University. They reconnected in 1922 when she visited London, and he confessed his affection towards her (he was still married but estranged. His wife suffered severe mental illness and as a strong Christian, he would not divorce her). Hale claims she did not reciprocate the feelings at that time.

“You are always with me in imagination in these ways, at night and morning and during the day, and even when I am saying these things that you cannot agree with. During these recent months I have been much tormented on your account,” Eliot wrote in a 1936 correspondence. The letters in this collection display a strong emotional relationship, that at first was mostly one-sided but later became mutual. Mostly written while Eliot was abroad in England, the contents reveal that Hale was his muse and sheds an incredible amount of light on the references and words used in Eliot’s works over the years. It was learned, in a statement to Princeton University Librarian William Dix, upon donating the letters, that it was in the mid-1930s, Hale began to reciprocate Eliot’s passion. His wife had been committed to an institution, so he spent summers visiting Hale. She reveals, in her statement, that she had hoped to marry him (once his wife passed, which happened in the mid-1940s). To the surprise of many, that did not happen. Instead of choosing his muse, in 1947 he married another woman in England and wrote no further poems.

WHAT THE LETTERS SAY

Copyright: The Albert Einstein Archives, Hebrew University

The original letters written by Einstein to Konenkova were written in his native tongue, German. A Library of Congress volunteer translated them into English, allowing the public to further review, study and feel their connection. Josh Levy, Historian of Science and Technology at Library of Congress explained along with archivist Rachel McNellis in the 2023 blog Unfolding History, Love and Intrigue at Princeton: Newly Opened Letters from Einstein’s Love Affair with Margarita Konenkova that “The letters alternate between big ideas and the human scale of everyday life. In one, Einstein expresses his excitement for Konenkova’s upcoming birthday, but also insists that ‘birthday parties are stupid bourgeois affairs.’ In another, he retreats from his disdain for birthday celebrations, noting how thrilled he was when colleagues Peter and Margot Bergmann gave him Vivaldi concerti for his own birthday – even if it meant he needed to learn to play the violin again.”

Through Einstein’s letters to Konenkova you can feel a strong love as he shares some of his deepest thoughts. He details the “Half-Nest,” an area in his home where he liked to enjoy time with Konenkova when she would visit. The letters at Firestone Library represent only a portion of those that were written. In conjunction with others stored at Konenkova Memorial Museum in Moscow and some sold in auction by Sotheby’s in 1998, there is rumor that Konenkova was more than just a loving participant and possibly a Soviet spy. In a letter written in 1945, Einstein speaks of his conversations about atomic weapons, just after Hiroshima and Nagasaki had been bombed. Nothing secretive is revealed but were these and other similar conversations leaked back to the Soviets? Researchers don’t believe so, but one may never know!

Beyond their love affair, Einstein writes about visits with brilliant minds and friends Robert Oppenheimer, Bertrand Russell, Wolfgang Pauli and Kurt Gödel. To him, it is just another day, but to the reader today it is a glimpse into a life most can’t relate to. Each note begins with “Dearest Margarita!” and ends signed, “A.E.”

Copyright: The Albert Einstein Archives, Hebrew University

From the mundane to the emotional, here are some examples of other things Einstein shared in his letters:

January 4, 1944: “My flu is much better but not completely over yet. I think, however, that I will be able to get up tomorrow.”

Jan 31, 1944: “I am very much looking forward to your visit and everything we will experience and do together. Be greeted and kissed by your A. E.”

March 15, 1944: “As always, I was at the institute this morning and drew my scrawls onto the blackboard and Pauli was there too. I found out about some really beautiful things and that was the true and real birthday present.” He also added, “In the afternoon after the traditional sojourn in the Nest – unfortunately alone.”

Sept. 13, 1945: “I read the brochure of a colleague about the atomic bomb that triggered my honest admiration. I realize that local physicists are against keeping experiences permanently secret because they feel that this would poison the political atmosphere and might cause new war risks. All these are welcome signs, so one doesn’t have to be too pessimistic.”

In the final letter of this collection, also dated Sept. 13, 1945, Einstein implies Konenkova is torn, though of exactly what, it is not clear. He promises to be there for her, no matter her choice. “But I assure of one thing. If you will choose the hard way I will act in a way that you will not experience any pain, even if you would search with an opera-glass that can look through everything. At younger ages I could not have made such a promise because nature’s power can’t be overcome by will, at least not unpunished. But it is different with a plant in late fall, strict ruling can only be good. You can rest assured in this regard.”

Courtesy: Emily Hale Letters from T. S. Eliot; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Upon studying the Eliot collection, those who know his work can note connections between the intimacy of Eliot and Hale reflected in his mid to late pieces. No one can clearly understand why Eliot chose not to marry Hale in the end, who appears to have wanted to further their relationship. But it is clear that the years in which he clamored for her affection and those they shared time together embellished his creative genius.

Before one delves into the details, it is obvious the sheer number of words and thoughts that are put into each letter are monstrous. His letters were formal and long when written on a typewriter, but sometimes when a typewriter wasn’t available, he hand-wrote shorter notes just to stay connected. Even on the typed letters, Eliot took care to handwrite her name and sign his. Much like the letters from Einstein, Eliot’s intimate thoughts are shared in combination with details of where he went, who he is seeing and what needs to be done. It can be fascinating to read his hopes and desires, from the mundane to the grand.

Courtesy: Emily Hale Letters from T. S. Eliot; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

One wishes for more moments they have together, as Eliot writes often of his travels, including plans to visit Hale or have her come visit him. Some examples of other things Eliot shared in his letters include:

Aug 2, 1934: “You also know perfectly well that I would literally give my eyesight to be able to marry you. Though unworthy of such happiness. I admit that I love you more intensely and appreciatively than ever – though at no time in the past would this have seemed to me possible – and probably this process will go on. But, my love, my love, what do you think I CAN do?”

Jan. 3, 1935: “I believe it would be better for Vivienne if she could be committed to an institution, but in this country, it is very difficult to restrain anyone’s liberty…I should think that eventually she was bound to get into financial difficulties.”

Nov. 4, 1938: “It always pains me to think of much greater advantages I have than you in the way of daily life: it is only the problem of how to get a restful holiday that seems equally insoluble for both of us. That, however, makes the arrangement of your winters all the more important. How I wish I could look after both for you! But this is a thought so poignant that I do not allow my mind to dwell on it – yet it is perhaps a good thing to express it now and then.”

Jan. 11, 1951: “I have been trying to work out a provisional scheme for a play, and to settle on my characters and their relations enough to sketch a few scenes. But success with one play does not seem to increase my confidence in approaching another, but rather the contrary…”

HOW TO READ MORE

There is so much said between the couples through the years of correspondence, we don’t have time or space to get into it all. But it is clear they both had strong relationships, often yearned for each other and were true confidants.

If you want to read more, the letters from T.S. Eliot are available for viewing at the Special Collections Reading Room inside Princeton University’s Firestone Library. They are available to anyone that has a school or government issued ID. More detailed information on how to register and request the materials for viewing in person can be found here, on the Princeton University Library website. You can also request digital access to the Emily Hale Letters from T.S. Eliot (C0686) by creating a guest Special Collections Research Account that will provide access to navigate through the selected letters which have been digitized.

To get a closer look at six of the letters Einstein wrote to Konenkova, you can also go in person and see them at Library of Congress in Washington DC. Simply request this collection at the reference desk in the Manuscript Division. If not local, you can contact them for digital versions.

And thank goodness for such digitization! With SnapChat as the dominant means of communication for young lovebirds today, it is unlikely much will be salvaged to share anything about today’s hot, secret love affairs with future generations. It is a deep contrast to the detailed love letters by Einstein and Eliot! Luckily, the advancements in technology allow archivists to store the old letters for years to come, storing them digitally as well, so hopefully they will continue to be available 80 years from now for the romantic that seeks to read them.

Editor’s Note

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Welcome, 2025! It’s a New Year, and that Means Changes Are-a-Coming! So, that’s what we’re writing about in this month’s issue of Princeton Perspectives.

What changes? Well, there are political changes, both federal and stateside. There are also financial and economic possibilities. We take a closer look at all of them. Some have people fearful; others have folks excited.

What changes are you looking forward to as 2025 kicks off? We asked locals in town, and those willing to stop in the cold weather to talk with us deserve to be heard! You can find some positive influence in this month’s Pulse of Princeton video.

On Monday, President Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second non-consecutive term as President of the United States. What’s in store for us locally after he takes office? The article The New Presidency and its Potential Impacts on Mercer County takes a closer look at the various ways the presidency could play a role in things important to you or those around you.

Change is always a source of discomfort when it comes to how it may influence the economy. Will it be positive or negative? There is still quite a bit of unknown, but the article 2025 New Jersey Economic Outlook shares some insight from a guest writer who has his pulse on the local economy.

Every four years, after the country chooses a new leader, the state of New Jersey chooses one, too. NJ is Getting a New Governor. What do the Prospects Look Like? is your source for a first-of -the-year analysis of what could be – from a guest writer heavily knowledgeable about it all.

As soon as 2025 hit, so did a new gas tax. Have You Noticed It’s Pennies More at the Pump? explains what, why and how this change took place.

Speaking of change, Princeton Public Schools is getting new leadership, and the NJ Hall of Fame inducted some impressive Princetonians. Perspectives Revisited shares more details on each.

The start of the new year can bring excitement for what’s to come, and concerns about what could change. We hope this issue helps you to feel more informed as, together, we work through the changes and await what is yet to come.

Pulse of Princeton: What changes are you looking forward to as 2025 kicks off?

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The New Presidency and its Potential Impacts on Mercer County

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On January 20th, Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States. President Trump won the national election with 312 electoral votes over Kamala Harris’ 226. In New Jersey, Trump did not get the win, however his loss by fewer than 250,000 votes (<6%) was an extremely close margin for the Garden State.

Where the vote was not nearly as close was in Mercer County, where Harris earned 65.67% of the votes compared to Trump’s 31.92%. In municipalities such as Hamilton and Robbinsville, there was much stronger Trump support than elsewhere in the county, with Trump earning 46% of votes in Hamilton and nearly 43% in Robbinsville.

Most of those that support President Trump are looking forward to the changes that could come about when he takes over the reins later this month. Most Harris supporters are more skeptical. Democratic Mercer County Executive Dan Benson told Princeton Perspectives, “I can’t think of an administration more diametrically different than myself from a policy perspective, as evident by Trump’s support of policies as outlined in Project 2025. At a county level, the biggest concern will be potential federal cuts to essential social safety net programs and county infrastructure investments.”

While Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, he has spoken of desires for various policy changes and, during his previous term in office, attempted to make some of them. Time will tell what comes to fruition, but there are thoughts about direct impacts they could have on those living in Mercer County.

SOCIAL SAFETY NETS

As Benson alluded to, Trump made some waiver changes to Medicaid during his first term, such as work requirements. They were removed under the Biden administration, but there is an expectation those may come back when he returns to office. Also of concern for lower income residents, there is speculation Trump may attempt once again to make cuts to institutions like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which enables food insecure households to purchase what they need.

More than 20,000 Mercer households participated in SNAP as of April 2024. Food insecurity is a major concern, and Mercer County already has numerous organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Jewish Family & Children’s Service and Princeton Mobile Food Pantry providing groceries and meals to those that need. Locals might become more heavily reliant on such assistance should the largest federal welfare program, which was supported by over $112B federal funds in 2023, face reductions or restrictions

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“While the future of federal programs like SNAP remains uncertain, any potential reductions could significantly impact vulnerable residents in our community,” explains Rhodalynn Jones, Princeton Human Services Director. “Our mission is to actively enhance the quality of life for vulnerable, economically disadvantaged individuals, and those in need by coordinating essential programs and services, advocating for their well-being, and empowering those we serve. To that end, we remain vigilant and proactive, continually assessing our programs to ensure we are prepared to address any changes that may arise.”

No specific plans have been shared yet by the incoming Trump administration.

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

What is known is that one role of the next presidency will be doling out $294 billion towards state and local infrastructure projects as it rounds out the final two years of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the “bipartisan Infrastructure law.” As Benson referenced, where and how Trump chooses to direct funding could have profound effects on projects around Mercer County. In 2024, County administration was awarded more than $53 million in federal grants to fund projects including the Lincoln Avenue Bridge Replacement in Trenton, a new taxiway and the terminal replacement project at Trenton Mercer Airport.

DEFEDERALIZING EDUCATION

For funding and organizational reasons, Trump has repeatedly mentioned on the campaign trail desires to save money and improve education by adjusting or eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and sending further controls back to the states. He will not be the first President to attempt such reorganization, but it is not something he can unilaterally do.

While much of the decision making about how schools run is already done at the state level, this department has some weighty responsibilities such as through the Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services as well as the Office for Civil Rights, which provide many opportunities and oversee protections for various students.

“Trenton Public Schools will continue to implement elements of Titles IX and VI until we are alerted of any changes. We are committed to provide all students equitable access to education and programming in Trenton,” says James Earle, Superintendent of Trenton Public Schools.

While life continues as is for now, Republicans are eager to let state and local agencies determine what is done in schools, as they say they know their populations better. Democrats are concerned about how well things will work, if eliminated or not all together under one department. In addition to what is provided by the offices mentioned above, public schools also rely on federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Education provides 4-12% of the overall funding for public schools. This, in addition to the approximately 37% in aid from NJ (Mercer County schools will get over $600M in state aid for schools in 2025), provides important assistance. New Jersey K-12 schools as a whole receive $2.81B in federal aid, but some districts rely on it more than others.

For example, to ensure high quality education, close achievement gaps and improve student outcomes, the federal government provides Title 1 money to schools based on the size of their low-income populations. Trenton Public School District received over $9M in Title 1 funds for the 2023-2024 school year ($7.5M Title 1 Part A and $1.8M Title 1 SIA).

“Trenton Public Schools receives a substantial amount of federal funding which is used to provide targeted supplemental support for students in Trenton. A reduction or elimination of these funds would significantly limit academic, social & emotional and mental health supports offered to students,” shares Earle. “Furthermore, these funds allow schools to connect with families when addressing issues such as chronic absenteeism, reading and math tutoring supports, and reading and math interventions at home.”

In total, Trenton schools got assistance from eight different federal funding sources last year. And beyond the capital city, at least half of Mercer County municipalities have also benefitted recently from Title I support and most districts appreciate other federal funding as well.

Beyond public schools, the U.S. Department of Education also handles loans and grants for higher education, which has some concerned. $2,410 per student was provided in NJ last year by the Federal government. Insiders say this important resource is not going anywhere.

Trump’s expressed desires are to eliminate what he deems the unnecessary parts of the DOE and distribute coverage of others to different departments. For example, the Department of Justice could take over the Office for Civil Rights and funding, such as under Title I, could be overseen by the Department of Health & Human Services. Critics are concerned about organizational chaos, and that without proper oversight, distribution disruption or even elimination could wreak havoc.

Congress would need to approve any changes to this government agency, which could be a hurdle.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME?

What is more likely is a discussion amongst the new administration about whether or not the U.S. should continue the tradition of Daylight Savings Time. As 2024 was coming to an end, Trump posted on X, “Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient and very costly to our nation.”

The practice, where clocks jump forward an hour in the spring, and back an hour in the fall, began in the United States around 1918. In 1966 the Uniform Time Act made it a uniformed practice, giving states an opt out to remain in Standard time, which Hawaii and Arizona took advantage of. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make Daylight Savings Time permanent, but it never was finalized in the House. This leaves an opportunity for the Trump administration.

It is said that Daylight Savings Time was adopted in the U.S. during World War I, for the purpose of conserving energy. But there has been much research since to question whether that is an actual benefit. There has also been rumor that Daylight Savings Time was enacted to allow more use of daylight, particularly to benefit the farming industry. This has also been questioned. In fact, in 1919 farmers rallied against the time change citing “spring forward” costs them the early morning sunlight hours.

Mercer County has approximately 300 farms, the majority growing crops. It turns out Daylight Savings Time may not be as meaningful to their business as other concerns.

“We ignore daylight savings and it does not matter to us if it stays or goes. When it is lighter earlier, we start working earlier, and when the biannual time change hits we adjust our start and stop times accordingly so that our effective daylight schedule stays constant. Far more impactful to us on a work schedule is climate change, which has led to far hotter summers and the need to begin the day in the dark to beat the heat,” explains Jess Niederer, Owner and Operator of Chickadee Creek Farm in Pennington.

TARIFF-IC IMPACT

Other Garden State businesses could also feel affects after Trump takes office, through his promise to raise tariffs on imports. His comments have predominantly targeted China, Canada and Mexico where it is has been said the increase would be to partly help American trade but also to curb the influx of fentanyl, said to be influenced by those countries. Last week, at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, the incoming President repeated part of this desire stating, “We’re going to put very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada.”

Imports are an important part of the supply chain here in NJ. There are companies that import materials from China and use them to create goods they then export to Canada, for example. Canada is the largest importer of goods from New Jersey, and the top importer to New Jersey is China, so the impacts are felt very close to home. Those impacts could be both positive and negative.

In mid-December, Christopher Emigholz, Chief Government Affairs Officer for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), testified to the NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform & Federal Relations Committee about the various impacts higher tariffs could bring to the Garden State. On the downside, he stated that retaliatory tariffs could threaten NJ exports, which are big business here. He added, they could also increase costs and cause inflation. On the flipside, if tariffs are carefully implemented so they are on products that are easily found stateside, Emigholz stated that could benefit our domestic operations. Additionally, if the government does not impose the tariffs on products that can only be found in a foreign nation, there could be less harm. Other positive impacts he testified to were that tariffs could be bargaining leverage for a more open and fair trading environment and tariffs could punish and correct bad actors, such as China.

“I think it is safe to say that all businesses as well as all consumers could be impacted by tariffs depending on how broad their implementation is. The biggest impact may be on manufacturers that either make, use, sell or compete against the products that may have tariffs, and there are about 500 manufacturing firms in Mercer County that employ about 14,000 people per the most recent data from NJMEP,” Emigholz told Princeton Perspectives. “Their supply chain and sales to other nations may be majorly disrupted. And what is great about manufacturers, but hurts more in this context, is that manufacturers have one of the biggest multipliers of any business in the economy, so any impact is magnified for the better or for the worse in this case.”

According to the International Trade Administration, from 2014-2023 New Jersey imported $144.3B worth of goods and exported $43.3B. As it relates to the impending tariffs, $13.6B of imports in 2023 came from China, $8.9B from Canada. In Mercer County, businesses are bracing to see what is to come.

Buildings material supplier Hamilton Building Supply says it is hard to know how or if tariffs will impact their business, so right now much is conjecture. But they do import most of their framing lumber from Canada, and that makes up 20% of their business.

“We’ve seen tariffs in the past and there’s been minimal impacts on our products, based on the magnitude of products that get effected, “explains John Perner, President & CEO Hamilton Building Supply. He says representatives at lumber mills are providing them insight into current and future pricing and at least for the foreseeable future, it is business as usual for 2025. “The other part is there’s other manufacturers we work with for windows, doors and molding that may import raw materials like pine from South America and other soft woods from Canada. That could have an impact on the cost of raw materials that goes into how windows are built and other specialty items and that could impact costs of materials at our yard.”

Perner adds a potential positive is that approximately 80% of his business comes from American-made products. If there is parity in pricing between American-made products and those from oversees, he expects the American manufacturers will get more support.

For the average Mercer County resident, it is possible increased tariffs could impact inflation. Emigholz suggests that those who work at manufacturing, trade or logistics could potentially feel a hit in terms of wage/benefit increases, hiring or even job cuts.

WHAT 2025 WILL BRING

There are still nearly two weeks left until the 47th Presidency begins. Until then, everything is talk and speculation. Should Trump go forward with any of the items mentioned above, it will likely take time to implement the changes and more so to see and feel their impacts. Princeton Perspectives will stay on top of any major affects to come.

Have You Noticed It’s Pennies More at the Pump?

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Did you know that you are supporting New Jersey’s critical infrastructure needs each time you fill up your tank at the gas station? And, as of January 1st, you are supporting it with an additional 2.6 cents per gallon.

This new increase, for the Petroleum Products Gross Receipt Tax (PPGRT) portion of your “gas tax” (now at 34.4 cents per gallon), can be adjusted annually. It is added to the fixed rate Motor Fuels Tax portion, meaning there is a total 44.9 cents now taxed on every gallon of gas sold in NJ. With this funding, the state is hoping to provide necessary support to the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) program which provides funding for the state to fix, change or improve things like roads, bridges, rail and buses.

This may all sound a bit high level to those of you simply seeking to drive around and fill up your tank. But those cents do add up.

“I’ve heard about it,” Atlantic City resident Aaron Kleiner tell Princeton Perspectives, as his tank is being refilled. “I have to get gas either way, but for the next few months I’m going to be commuting from Atlantic City to Princeton, so it is going to add up.”

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The good news, even with the increase, is that gas in Mercer County remains about the same as what is sold in Atlantic County. It is also nearly 18 cents cheaper than across the river in Bucks County, PA and a lower cost than all neighboring counties in NJ to the north and east of Princeton.

At Fowler’s Gas on Nassau Street in town, he knows the decision to increase the gas tax comes out every fall. Occasionally, he says a customer complains about the price. Most don’t seem to have an issue.

“I haven’t seen any impact in volume at all since the start of the year,” shares owner Gary Fowler.

At the Exxon Station at the edge of Princeton, situated between State Highway 206 and Cherry Valley Road, the owner agrees he does not see a direct impact of an increased gas tax, but indirectly there could be an affect.

“I have a deal for commission based on a per gallon incentive. No matter the prices, I get paid for each gallon I sell,” owner Sunny explains.

This means if the tax going up leads fewer cars to purchase as many gallons of gas as they have been, Sunny will feel the pain. For now, drivers at his station don’t seem to fear.

“I did not even know there was an increase,” Princeton local Hana Rozensweig states. “I fill up when I need to, it usually costs me about $45 to fill the tank [of her Honda CR-V].”

Nearby Griggstown Farm resident says not only is the increase having no impact on him, he’s buying premium these days. “I am putting 93 in. I am trying to wash the engine right now,” explains Hasan Ahun. “I knew the gas tax was going up, but it’s OK, I need it.”

Sunny fears that the gas tax added to increased gas prices is going to ultimately push more customers towards electric vehicles. He says he’s already seeing it. People are not happy when gas gets more expensive.

“When it was $1.99, my volume was way up! Now, at $2.99, it is down by about 50%,” Sunny notes.

Despite New Jersey’s efforts to get drivers to crossover to electric vehicles, it is projected by the NJ Dept. of Treasury that consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel in 2025 will be 0.6% higher than was seen last year. So, hopefully the cost of crude gas will go down and help the independent gas station owners bring in business.

Editor’s Note

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It is easier, at this time of year, to think of and do for others. Up to 35% of annual donations are said to be made in December. Yet, even now, and especially throughout the rest of the year, we can get caught up in our own lives. Not necessarily thinking about what others are experiencing, or the ways in which our choices can impact them.

In the December issue of Princeton Perspectives, Keeping the Community in Mind, we highlight some things that are happening around us that we can weigh in on, support or work against.

What is something you do that keeps the community in mind? That is what we posed to locals in this month’s Pulse of Princeton. It can be rewarding and inspirational to learn of other’s contributions, so watch the video now.

Speaking of contributions, Princeton homeowners paid 47% of their property tax bills towards Princeton Public Schools this year. Yet, that may not provide enough funding for some of the district’s needs. The article Princeton Public Schools’ January Referendum and its Impacts on Our Communities breaks down the details of the January 2025 referendum. It takes a look at what the stated needs are, the costs and informs what some are considering as they look towards voting in January.

Though Princeton Environmental Commission and organizations like Sustainable Princeton have aimed to make sustainable and climate needs public knowledge, there is always more to learn. The article How One Person’s Actions (or Inactions) Can Affect Others shares a few of the ways that climate change is showing it is here, and what you may be able to do on your own or as a group to turn the tides.

To make change, one first needs to know that it is needed. One goal of Princeton Perspectives has always been to delve deeper into what’s happening in our community. The article Choose to Spread Feelings of Joy, Not Hate aims to open people’s eyes about what others are experiencing. Things one may not know about, or recognize to be threatening or hateful.

There are also others in our community that need assistance. The article Supporting Our Latino Neighbors and Their Path to American Citizenship and Assimilation shares the experiences of many in the area that are working hard to have a better and more productive life here.

To make things better, we sometimes have to reach out. This month’s Perspectives Revisited shows how locals are doing just that, not just in our local area, but as far away as North Carolina, too.

As we all keep the community in mind, we wish those who celebrate a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa. Since our next issue will not be out before the new year, we wish you all a safe and Happy New Year as well! We thank you for another year of reading Princeton Perspectives, and sharing it with family, friends and neighbors. If there is something we’re not covering that you’d like to see in 2025, please reach out here and let us know!

Pulse of Princeton: What is something you do that keeps the community in mind?

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Princeton Public Schools January Referendum and its Impacts on Our Communities

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On January 28, 2025, Princeton voters will be invited to the polls (or can have the opportunity to return Mail-in ballots) to cast their vote for the latest Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Facilities Bond Referendum. This direct vote by the electorate could authorize the district to raise up to $89.1M for expansions and renovations at PPS facilities. The vote could have a major impact on both Princeton Public Schools and the greater community. What are the impacts? We’ll break it all down for you here.

WHAT DOES EACH QUESTION OFFER?

The full $89.1M is a large sum, and PPS knows that. So, it has broken its desired goals down into three questions, giving voters a greater role in deciding in how much and which projects the district will pursue.

To understand the impact of the referendum approvals on the district, it is important to gain insight as to what each question will provide for.

It is essential to understand that Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 passes, and Question 3 can only pass if voters approve Questions 1 & 2.

Question 1 ($37.9M) will allow for expansion at Community Park Elementary School with creation of additional classrooms, a multipurpose room and enhancements to the cafeteria, library and music room. It would also replace and rehab Princeton High School HVAC systems.

Question 2 ($38.3M) provides for expansion of the vocal music and bands rooms at Princeton Middle School (PMS) as well as the addition of a multipurpose room and new science classrooms. The PMS cafeteria would also be renovated and expanded, and district technology offices would relocate to that school. At Princeton High School, the Numina Art Gallery would be updated as well.

Questions 3 ($12.9M) would cover costs for Littlebrook Elementary School expansion to include new classrooms and a vocal music room, as well as renovations to the student support services and small-group instruction areas.

(for the full scope, details are on the PPS Referendum website.)

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND IMPACTS

If the full referendum request is approved by voters, approximately $19.9M will be covered by the state of NJ in Debt Service Aid. That leaves $69.2M to be purchased by the district as bonds, ultimately paid off over time through municipal taxing (projects in Question 1 will be funded over 25 years, while those in Questions 2 & 3 will be funded over 27 years). The tax impact, based on the average Princeton assessed home value of $853,136, would be an additional $532/year if all three questions pass. It would be $447/year if just Questions 1 & 2 pass, and $222/year if just Question 1 is approved.

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Princeton Public Schools, like all schools in NJ, can only fund infrastructure projects through referendum or via money allocated to Capital Reserves. Most recently, Princeton voters have approved PPS referendums in 2023 ($13M), 2022 ($17.5M) and 2018 ($26.9M). The averaged assessed homeowner today is currently paying $375/year towards debt service from previous referendums.

In a few larger school districts around New Jersey, such as West Windsor-Plainsboro, they have been able to put aside money in Capital Reserves to accumulate larger sums (the district had in excess of $20M last year, and as much as $28M in recent years). Such large fund balances can be used to cover the costs for major projects, without the need for a public bond referendum. This would mean money not spent from the operating budget gets moved into and builds through the years in Capital Reserves, which some suggest is rarely feasible. Others wonder why PPS doesn’t try harder to do this.

“With the huge amount of money we send to the schools via our taxes, why pass yet another referendum?” local Warren Land questions. “And this one will increase my taxes another $600 or $700 dollars a year!”

“I would like the board and superintendent to set out how they have tried to control costs to reduce the impact of the property tax increase based on issuing new bonds. How have they addressed health insurance costs? How have they addressed the number of administrators?” another resident, William Hare suggests, “While asking for a tax increase on the one hand to pay for capital improvements, it would be helpful to see that they have tried to reduce the annual tax increase by creative thinking to reduce or at least control other costs.”

PPS says most of its budget goes towards teachers and support staff. Funding decisions can also have limited flexibility due to inflation, requiring the need for buffer monies. Operating budgets also need enough funding to cover mandates, such as through agreements it makes with the unions when it comes to health insurance and other needs. While the reality is that non-general operating expenses are not required to be funded through referendum – there are other reasons why it is sometimes more feasible or sensible for a district to do so. When it comes to school district budgeting in smaller districts like Princeton, cutting other spending and accumulating in Capital Reserves for future projects is further limited due to the state’s 2% tax cap increase. PPS tells Princeton Perspectives it often uses Capital Reserve savings for HVAC projects and other needs, likely not exceeding $1-2M in costs. Allocating money into Capital Reserves can be complicated and some argue that structure would lead to overtaxing for a period of time; but it can sometimes be done through prudent fiscal management.

“The failure in leadership of the Board to have selected an appropriate superintendent and the firing of the high school principal makes me hesitate to vote for this large expansion,” a Princeton taxpayer shared anonymously, as she ponders the decision. “I have been a long supporter of the Princeton Public Schools, but the lack of good decision making on the part of the school and Planning Board makes me lack confidence in their ability to manage such a large project. However, the students will pay the price.”

Another financial concern that has been raised by members of the community is why the referendum vote is taking place as a special election, at additional cost to the district, rather than paired with the General Election held back in November. Turnout is also a concern. The 2024 General election had votes cast by 55.6% of registered voters compared to recent special referendum elections such as in 2018 (18.67% turnout) and 2022 (17.66% turnout). As we shared in the Perspectives Revisited section in September, PPS BOE President Dafna Kendal said there was no intentional delay, but once submissions were made to the state and responded to, turnaround time was not sufficient for a November vote. Despite the skepticism, there are those in the community not bothered by the timing and feel the referendum is a prudent way to benefit PPS, where the state kicks in aid to reduce the overall impact of the cost.

“I’ve been following the referendum planning pretty closely, and I’ve been really impressed by how carefully the district has planned this referendum to provide essential additional space in a way that maximizes state aid,” says Princeton resident Jane Manners. “I’ve got three kids, one in Littlebrook, one at Princeton Middle School, and one at Princeton High School, and I can tell you the schools are already bursting at the seams— and we’re expecting big enrollment increases in the years ahead. This referendum is an extremely well-planned solution to the challenges posed by our town’s growing population, and it will preserve both our schools’ excellent quality and high home values for all Princeton homeowners.”

Tara Oakman also has children in Princeton Public Schools. She adds, “In Princeton, we pride ourselves on our public schools and the quality of education they provide.  But excellence requires sustained investment. I am highly supportive of this bond referendum because it provides some of the critical and baseline support that our school facilities need to keep up with modern educational standards and population growth in town. But even setting aside those changes, these investments are overdue — they were necessary years ago and are absolutely critical now.”

OTHER IMPACTS AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

PPS says there will be substantial redistricting and increases to class sizes if the referendums do not pass. It says one reason the referendum is needed is due to 1,000 additional units of housing garnered through the multi-unit developments recently built, such as at Avalon Princeton Circle, The Alice Princeton and Avalon Princeton on Harrison.

“The town should pay for some of this as they created the issue with so many apartments coming online with no money going to the schools,” a frustrated Princeton homeowner shared with Princeton Perspectives. “It would be great if we could vote on individual items and priority. Also, on a spending limit. So, we would need to know how much each aspect of this plan is expected to cost and we could hold people accountable.”

Some cite that several of the referendum items have been on the docket in different ways for years, before those apartment complexes were a reality. Others questions how the slow turnover in Princeton’s housing market might be countering the narrative of the new student impact. Former BOE member Daniel Dart does not believe the PPS population will feel the brunt that’s being feared.

“Princeton Public Schools is shrinking due to aging populations and declining birthrates. PPS reported that a recent peak in enrollment occurred in 2019 with 3,855 students and has shrunk to 3,669 students, a net reduction of 186 students,” Dart states.

Should there still be needs for expansion, others feel the funding should come by way of the PILOT agreements (payment in lieu of taxes) made between the municipal government and those large development contractors.

Why aren’t monies from the PILOTs immediately offsetting the increased enrollment and limiting the need for referendum? Of the three major developments recently built, much of the money from the PILOT agreements has been redirected, as part of the agreement to build. For example, at Avalon Princeton Circle, PILOT monies funded Thanet Development – Princeton Senior Living affordable senior housing. At The Alice, remediation, sustainability elements and the addition of public pedestrian/bike paths are some uses of those funds.

Where a valuable amount of money may become available is from the PILOT made with Avalon Princeton on Harrison, but that would not be available until the units are filled (likely bringing in up to $1M in 2026). Once that money starts coming in, the municipality will have leverage to decide how to use those funds. Some possibilities include adding it to the general tax base to bring everyone’s taxes down or it could be given directly to the schools for facilities expenditures as done in other NJ districts. Should the municipality soon become owners of the Westminster property, and the school district decide it wants to use part of it for expanded school structures, perhaps PILOT funds could be used to defray those costs.

“As an empty nester I think nothing should be done until we know what the future holds for the Westminster college property. If the municipality is contemplating this purchase, the entire district-wide plans need to consider what this offers in facilities,” says longtime taxpayer, Ken Verbeyst.

While home values in Princeton remain higher than some neighboring communities, in part, because of its strong schools, other longtime members of the community suggest the impact of another referendum that creates a deeper tax burden is making their homes unaffordable.

“While it is understandable that facilities, classrooms, etc. need maintenance and expansion, the current system of raising taxes to pay for what is needed is unsustainable for longtime residents. Increasing real estate taxes every year or so is easily absorbed by persons in the work force with increasing income, but many residents are absorbing the real estate tax increases by cutting back in other expenses, sacrificing their standard of living,” another Princeton resident anonymously explains. “There is so much emphasis on affordable housing by the socially conscious town council, but very little consideration for the affordability of staying in Princeton as a long-time homeowner.”

THE NEED FOR CHANGE AT PPS

Though many are feeling the pressure of additional taxation, PPS says some changes are needed. The additions of students from the current apartment units and those expected to be built in the near future are expected to be added primarily in the Community Park area as well as in Littlebrook. That is why additions are specifically recommended at those schools, as well as at Princeton Middle School and Princeton High School. The construction timeline for the referendum items would likely run into 2028, when an expected fuller impact of additional students will be here.

“We are really excited about the referendum. We believe that it is a very cost-effective way to add classroom spaces to our buildings to ensure that we are able continue the high level of teaching and learning that is the hallmark of the Princeton Public Schools,” notes Princeton BOE President Kendal. “If all 3 questions are approved, we will receive more than $19 million in state aid. However, we also understand that the tax impact of all three questions might be too big a lift for the community, so we’ve prioritized the questions in order of our most critical needs. We will have many opportunities for engagement over the next two months and we’re excited to share our plans to address student enrollment growth in our schools with the community.”

If you have further questions you want answered, or simply want to learn more about the schools and student-body impacts, there will be a Public Community forum Saturday, January 11th, 9-11am at Princeton Middle School. You can also signup here to tour the school buildings that would be most impacted by the referendum.

HOW CAN YOU VOTE?

Whatever your view of the referendum questions, you should be prepared to weigh in at the polls.

To vote on the referendum, you must be a registered Princeton voter by January 7th.

If you have previously registered to vote by mail for the general election, the vote by mail ballot will be automatically sent to you. If you have not, and prefer or need to vote by mail, you can access an application here.

Mail-in ballots can be returned a few ways:

  • if mailing it in, it needs to be postmarked by the 28th; or
  • it needs to be deposited in a drop box by 8 pm on the 28th; or
  • hand delivered to the county clerk’s office by 8 pm on the 28th

Should you choose in-person voting, there will be four locations to vote at on January 28th (locations soon to be announced), and residents can cast their votes at any of the locations, regardless of your voting district.

Choose to Spread Feelings of Joy, Not Hate

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As the end of the year approaches, we are surrounded by positive vibes. First of Thanksgiving and then the winter holidays. We tend to be inundated with music, lights and uplifting spirits of the season. The idea is to spread joy and to ensure that those around you, despite what they’re going through, are also feeling that joy. Many assume all others are feeling joyous, too.

In Princeton, where there should be joy, some in our community have been feeling threats and hate instead. Have you seen the messages? Have you heard about them? To further spread joy, one must first be informed of the troubling realities that some in our community have encountered and are facing, for being who they are.

POLITICAL PAIN

Back in early November, as the General Election was approaching, people wanted their candidates to win. Some went to all ends to make that happen. But, at what costs?

When a candidate throws their hat into the ring, they know that will mean unearthing of anything and everything they may have said or done. Though sometimes difficult, they open themselves up to that scrutiny. What is harder to swallow is when the accusations are not election-focused, or appear targeted and hate filled. Were you aware this happened in Princeton?

“I have never felt discriminated against since arriving here in 2000, so those attacks really did not bother me,” shares 2024 Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) candidate, Shenwei Zhao. “However, my experience during this Board of Education election in Princeton felt more like an ideological attack. Unfortunately, it seems that some people believe labeling others as racists simply for holding different opinions is an effective way to silence opposition and win the debate.”

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Zhao is referring to a comment he made public, allegedly made from one Princeton resident to another via text about him and another BOE candidate, Z. Lisa Potter, that urged a need to prevent the two candidates from joining the BOE due to a “history of racist provocations.”  Zhao publicly questioned what they had done that could be deemed racist.

For weeks, Zhao’s question was a launching pad for members of Princeton High School and Princeton Public School Facebook groups, speakers at Board of Education meetings and others to go on a public rampage, where instead of getting answers, both Zhao and Potter felt bullied and attacked. They felt a barrage of often twisted truths, made to seem relevant, or situations misinterpreted to send a political message. Often lacking a desire to understand the candidates and what they may have actually said or done, the attacks felt hate-filled against the only two Asian candidates.

“I haven’t experienced this level of discrimination since I first moved to the U.S. in the mid-1980s. During my time in West Windsor, I didn’t encounter anything like this, so facing such hostility here in Princeton was shocking. However, I don’t believe that this reflects the views of the majority of residents,” former BOE candidate Z. Lisa Potter explains. “Some groups resort to targeting others and framing them as ‘the enemy.’ Identity politics becomes the easiest, albeit lazy, way to do this—especially when there are no concrete facts or behaviors to substantiate their positions. This approach undermines genuine progress and fosters division, which is the opposite of what our community should stand for.”

The judgements often used stereotypes to cast a negative light. Zhao was, on several occasions, misidentified for other Asian men in Princeton and attacked for comments or actions they had made. He also had rumors spread about his response to questions, framing him negatively as an extreme Conservative. Potter was wrongly accused of aligning with others in the Asian community on things some had issue with. She was also called out as being unfit for the BOE role after her campaign lawn signs were found on properties that also hosted signs for Republican political candidates.

In an email to prospective voters during the campaign, Potter responded to the attacks.

“Moreover, the false narrative that Shenwei Zhao and I—the two minority candidates, both Asian—are ‘anti-DEI’ not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes, but also undermines the important conversations we need to have about inclusion and equity. If these remarks were made by Princeton Public Schools students about their peers, they undoubtedly would violate the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy. As adults, we have a responsibility to model respectful and inclusive behavior, especially for the younger generation watching us.”

Asians make up more than a quarter of the Princeton population but have not won an election here. Many are here as first-generation Americans, where they desire a more open debate on ideas. Since Princeton Perspectives began covering elections in 2020, we have seen Lisa Wu and Jeffrey Laio also run unsuccessfully.

“Neighboring towns (West Windsor, Montgomery, Bridgewater, to name just a few), all have already elected Asians, including first-generation immigrants, to their governing bodies. Yet Princeton seems to struggle with accepting that people from different backgrounds might not align with its so-called ‘progressive’ ideals,” Zhao says.

In America, voters get to decide what candidates they want to put into office (Potter lost by 277 votes, Zhao by 1,627). It has left some pondering the costs.

FROM POLITICS TO RELIGIOUS HATE

Just one week after the election, others became the target of local hate. Though Donald Trump lost in Princeton 5:1, he won the national election to become the next President of the United States. Some locals took that reality so hard they found a population to blame: the Jews.

While going for his morning run on November 12th, Princeton resident Oleg Bleyman came upon a sticker attached to a light pole on Harrison Street. The sticker contained an image of Donald Trump, wearing a top hat with a Jewish star on it and the words “I want YOU to die for Israel” followed by “because I’m owned by Jews.” A small sign, it was a subtle way to spread not just a political attack, but Jew-hatred.

“I grew up in a country where antisemitism was part of life,” explains Bleyman, who was raised and lived his early adult life in Russia. “I can’t say I saw this coming, but I saw antisemitism growing with what’s been going in the cultural world. I’ve seen antisemitism shifting from right wing to left wing. I’m not surprised to see it in Princeton.”

Bleyman went on to explain that he left Russia because he thought America was great and would give him a chance (and he still does). He doesn’t fear yet that it is reaching the levels of antisemitism seen in Europe in the 1930s but does see antisemitism becoming part of a dangerous pervasive ideology.

OTHER CONCERNS OF HATE

Donald Trump’s election as President also immediately led to another group of people feeling threatened. Fear and anxiety began to spread amongst the Queer community almost overnight, including right here in Princeton.

“What we’ve noticed most is an overwhelming feeling of despair, a lack of hope, and a true fear for physical and emotional safety, the ability for people to continue existing as they are, being respected for who they are, being able to love who they want,” notes Dr. Sara Wasserman, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) Queer Educator & Local Community Organizer.

Concerns of access to gender affirming healthcare, marriage equality and community support have become overwhelming for many. The day after the election, an influx of people went to BRCSJ, seeking a safe place to feel their fears, make sense of what happened and feel support in a safe community. One young man arrived that day feeling desperate.

“He spent the day with our Safe-Space Hosts where he found a queer mentor of sorts with whom he continues to draw strength from and be in contact with to this day. Having a Safe-Space to not only talk with others but truly be heard, was in fact lifesaving for him and so many other folks. We have all now truly become essential workers, and here at BRCSJ Headquarters, we hold our service across the spectrum that much more sacrosanct. Now more than ever, we need to gather together in community, camaraderie, and co-conspiracy,” BRCSJ shared with Princeton Perspectives.  

To be there for any member of the community, BRCSJ now has its LGBTQIA+ Safe-Space open seven days a week. It will also remain open on Christmas Day from 11am-3pm for those who need or want to celebrate.

PEOPLE ARE FINDING HATE IN OUR TOWN

Throughout the year, there has been many-a-discussion about ‘Free Speech” and when that speech can cross the line to be antisemitic. Is it actionable? Is it posing imminent harm? Does it damage property? Such was the case in recent weeks along the sidewalks of the Ettl Farm neighborhood in Princeton, where the expressions started to feel too close to home.

The concrete was left wet overnight as crews poured new sidewalks at the entrance to the neighborhood. On the morning of November 16th, local residents woke up to find “Death 2 Zionists” had been etched into it. Jewish parents shared numerous concerns that such words go beyond evoking concern for Palestinians, with death threats to those that believe in the right to the Jewish historic homeland.

“We have been barraged with antisemitism since the October 7th attack on Israel. It is everywhere, we can’t ignore it. When I saw this in my own neighborhood, I realized that this is as close to home as it has been. It is frankly scary to think that my neighbors are calling for the death of my family and numerous other families in Ettl Farm,” shares Julie Ramirez, 21-year Ettl Farm resident.

That sidewalk was promptly removed, and clean concrete poured to cover up the message, only for more to come. On November 26th, newly poured sidewalks in Ettl Farm had new graffiti, this time with the words “Free Palestine” and “Gaza Rise.” The culprit added to the words an image of an upside-down triangle, defined by American Jewish Committee as a symbol meant “to identify, harass, and target Israelis and Jews.”

The next day, on November 27th, “Free Palestine” was carved in large letters across four sections of newly poured sidewalk, also at Ettl Farm. Princeton Police Detective Bureau has been working with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office to actively pursue all leads and investigate these acts of criminal mischief.

“These incidents made me wonder why there is so much tolerance for this hate in our town, country and around the world.  So much silence. It also made me fearful. What if the hate comes even closer to my house?” worried Ramirez. “I can’t rationalize the hatred on the streets of New York City where I grew up, the Princeton campus where my sons went to school and now on the sidewalks of my own neighborhood. It is clearly not about Israel and Gaza anymore.”

PRINCETON LOVES

If you leave Ettl Farm, and travel across Princeton, you will see signs like “Hate has no home here” and “No hate in the Garden State.” But, in situations like those mentioned above, some feel that hate has been welcomed.

As the music and lights of the holiday season spark a spirit of joy for you, remember that not everyone is feeling it. This is the time of year that you may feel encouraged to make an extra effort to ensure your neighbors know hate has no place near your home, too.