Princeton Mayoral Candidate: Liz Lempert

Name: Liz Lempert

Street of Residence: Meadowbrook Drive

Occupation: Deputy Mayor, Princeton Township; former journalist, National Public Radio’s Living On Earth

Previous Government Experience:

• Township Committee, Dec. 2008-present
• Liaison to Joint Township-Borough Finance Committee, Environmental Commission, Traffic Safety Committee, Joint Sidewalk and Bikeways Committee, Citizen’s Finance Advisory Committee, Human Services Commission, and Regional Planning Board
• Central Jersey Forum of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) representative

Other Civic Experience:

Founding member, Save Our Schools-NJ; Executive Board, Friends of the Princeton Public Library; Co-chair, Mercer4Obama ‘08

Why do you want to be Mayor of Princeton?

I worked hard to see consolidation pass, and I am committed to making sure it is a success – from delivering on tax savings to creating a more responsive government. As Deputy Mayor and member of Township Committee I’ve learned how to forge effective collaborations. As mayor, I would strive to be a unifying figure to lead Princeton through this time of tremendous challenge and opportunity. I want to help create a sustainable Princeton where neighborhoods retain their character and have a strong voice in decision-making.


What differentiates you from your opponent?

1. I voted in favor of the new CP pool.
2. I do not support a Special Improvement District tax on local businesses against their will.
3. I am the only candidate running for mayor to have the support of both Township Committeemembers and Borough Councilmembers, which I believe speaks to my ability to build successful partnerships.

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

1. Ensuring consolidation is a success.
   1. Carefully track new expenditures and savings to make sure we are meeting or exceeding targets laid out by the Consolidation Commission
   2. Work with staff to develop mission statements for each department to maintain and improve services
   3. Restart professional, productive relationship with Princeton University, and explore money saving collaborations with the school district.
2. Creating a more sustainable community where neighborhoods have a strong voice.
   1. Establish a Parks Commission to work with staff and local nonprofits to improve maintenance of our parks and trail system
   2. Develop a bike plan and clearly mark routes. Create easy to use maps of bike and hiking trails.
   3. Form advisory planning districts to give neighborhood groups standing in front of the planning board, and involve neighborhoods in updating of the Master Plan and other planning decisions.