Mayoral candidates talk shop in Princeton

PRINCETON BOROUGH -- Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman and Kim Pimley, her challenger in the June 5 Democratic primary for mayor, squared off this week on a wide range of issues in their first debate at Princeton University.

Trotman said borough residents, businesses and visitors are in good hands under the current leadership and that, all in all, borough government operates effi ciently and handles its finances responsibly.

The borough, in her 23 years as part of its elected governance, has grown and changed for the better, said Trotman, who served on the council for 21 years before becom ing the borough's first black mayor in late 2005 as a result of former Mayor Joe O'Neill's death with two years left in his four-year term.

"I am fortunate enough to have been on the inside of change ... change that was inevitable, but change that has resulted in what we have felt all along was balanced and fair to the merchants, to residents, and, we hope, inviting ... to visitors," Trotman said.

Pimley, an investment and credit consultant who is treasurer of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization and referred to Trotman as her friend, said the borough's current leadership -- all Democrats -- needs fresh blood at the helm.

Among her priorities would be working intensely to bring tax-base boosting but long-unfinished projects like Palmer Square's Hulfish North and the borough's Spring Street complex to fruition and calling for a thorough top-to-bottom independent review of borough operations in case there are untapped opportunities for savings, Pimley said.

Trotman said one of her priorities would be to continue working with Princeton University to develop a longer-term financial and, where possible, service-partnering commitment from the school.

"I think Princeton Borough needs the kind of representation that will continue to recognize that leadership that (offers) good quality services, leadership that will continue to seek input from its residents, leadership that will continue to listen with an open mind (and) maintain a viable downtown," Trotman said.

"That is the kind of leadership I have given, that is the kind of leadership I will continue to give," she said.

Pimley touted her professional experience as a strength that would translate well into her ability to lead the borough government.

"I have run my own financial- training business for the last 15 years, where it is my responsibility to listen carefully, to set strategy, create structure, marshal resources and execute tactical operations. I have produced results for clients on six continents. If given the chance, I will produce results for Princeton Borough."

The debate was sponsored by the Princeton University College Democrats.