| 04/27/2007 |
| Trotman, Pimley in first joint appearance |
| By: Courtney Gross , Staff Writer |
Primary candidates for borough mayor take part in university forum
Princeton Borough's incumbent mayor and her
Democratic primary challenger made their first joint appearance this
week in a Princeton University forum.Mayor Mildred Trotman and challenger Kim Pimley shared the podium at McCormick Hall on Wednesday in a session titled, "Uniting Town and Gown: Why Local Politics Matter," sponsored by the College Democrats. The two candidates outlined their positions on town-gown relations, specifically Princeton University's proposed expansion, as well as on government spending and property tax relief. With less than six weeks left before the June 5 primary, the discussion offered a preview of the contest between experience and new blood in Borough Hall. Moderated by Woodrow Wilson Professor of Public and International Affairs Stanley Katz, the candidates fielded questions from approximately 60 attendees who represented a wide range of interests within the borough — from students to university personnel to unaffiliated borough residents. For the most part, the candidates calmly agreed on several issues, including calling the relationship between the university and the borough a partnership. But when it came to the university's recently unveiled proposed arts neighborhood slated for the Alexander Street and University Place area, the candidates differed in both skepticism and praise. Although the move seems insignificant to some, Mayor Trotman said the university's proposal to move the Dinky station nearly 500 feet south would cause problems for some borough residents, like senior citizens. Overall, Mayor Trotman said, she had "mixed reviews" on the entire preliminary design, which includes a public plaza, additional arts and academic buildings as well as a roundabout at the intersection of Alexander Street and University Place. "Right now, there are many components to the proposal that need to be worked out," Mayor Trotman said. "In its aggregate it will make a different Princeton." In contrast, with proper planning and consensus, Ms. Pimley said, the design could become a "transportation hub" for the borough with additional and more accessible parking for Dinky riders and arts patrons. "I think it has enormous potential," Ms. Pimley said. "I don't know if I see it changing the composition that much. ... It's university land." When asked to identify one goal if elected to the four-year term, Ms. Pimley said she would conduct a top to bottom inventory of the borough's government, including whether it was operating efficiently and how the borough "customer" was satisfied. "I think as an outsider coming in it's a little bit easier to do that," said Ms. Pimley, a Library Place resident. On the other hand, Mayor Trotman said she would like to get some sort of long-standing financial agreement between the borough and Princeton University, referring to a voluntary $1 million tax contribution given to the borough from the university that is renegotiated every three years. Mayor Trotman, a resident of the borough since 1962 who has sat on the Borough Council since 1985 and took over as the first black mayor in 2005 following the death of Mayor Joseph O'Neill, headed her own property management company. During her tenure in borough government she has overseen most municipal services, from recreation to a stint as police and fire commissioner. If re-elected, it would be her first full term as mayor of the borough. Ms. Pimley, an 11-year resident of the borough, is co-founder of Pimley & Pimley Inc. and president of P&P Training Resources Inc., both consulting firms. She has served on the board of Princeton HealthCare System Foundation, as president of The Jewish Center of Princeton and as a board member of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. On property tax relief, Mayor Trotman said it was difficult, if not impossible to keep taxes from increasing as municipalities are confronted by state mandates and keeping up with municipal services. But, she said, proper planning, such as with road improvements and other borough infrastructure, can lessen the impact on taxpayers. "It would be negligent of us not to provide a fleet of fire trucks for our volunteer fire department to protect us," Mayor Trotman said as an example. If elected mayor, Ms. Pimley pledged to keep the borough's many mixed-use projects, such as the redevelopment at the University Medical Center at Princeton site, on track, to help maintain the municipal tax base. Both candidates affirmed the borough's responsibility to protect all of its citizens regardless of residency status, race or ethnicity. They also agreed that any future proposal for the consolidation of the borough and the township, a concept Mayor Trotman previously opposed, must get careful study and show clear financial benefits. Ms. Pimley said if elected she would concentrate on partnering with the university on their shared responsibilities. She said she hopes to steer at-risk youth away from gang violence and toward safety. "I produce results for clients on six continents, and given the chance, I can produce results for Princeton Borough," Ms. Pimley said. Mayor Trotman said she has maintained diversity in the borough and served with passion and dedication. "I have demonstrated that I'm a responsible, committed and dedicated leader," Mayor Trotman said. "Sound, sensitivity and sensitive government will determine that future and I hope very much to be a part of it."
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