Princeton Council Reorganization: Incumbent, Newcomer Sworn In

PRINCETON, NJ — The Municipality recently held its reorganization meeting. Newcomer Leighton Newlin was welcomed to Council and incumbent Eve Niedergang returned for her second term in office.

The reorganization meeting was no less than a star-studded affair with Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman among others, making a quick appearance.

Zwicker made history in November by becoming the first Democrat to represent New Jersey's 16th District in the Senate. NJ 16 includes Princeton and South Brunswick. Read More: Andrew Zwicker Wins NJ 16 Senate Race

Watson Coleman wished Councilmembers and residents a Happy New Year and thanked them for all the work accomplished over the past year. “Thank you for the work you’ve done and I want to congratulate all of you on willing to serve in what is a really difficult, chaotic, and sometimes confusing time,” Watson Coleman said. “I’m so happy that at the end of the redistricting process I still belong to you. That’s my blessing.”

In December, the Garden State released its new redistricting map. The New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Commission adopted Democrats' proposed congressional map for 2022-2031, siding with them over a competing proposal from state Republicans. Watson Coleman got the keep NJ 12, which includes Mercer County. Read More: NJ Democrats Win Tug Of War Over Redistricting Map

Dwaine Willaimson administered the oath of office to Niedergang and Newlin.

“This is a very special day for me and another step in a life-long journey filled with accepting new challenges,” Newlin said. The 70-year-old said he never imagine being on Council, “but I am here now, and the most important truth I wish to share with you is that I am taking this journey seriously and will do the very best that I can to serve with honor the citizens of this historic, yet progressive town.”

Niedergang said it was an “honor” to embark on her second term as a councilwoman. “The Covid pandemic and continuing economic uncertainty has had an effect here as elsewhere. Throughout it all, the elected officials and staff have continued to do the work that our community needed and valued,” she said. “I know that there have been controversies along the way but I want all to know, and I believe that I speak for my colleagues on this point, that the well-being of our community, as we each understand it, is our single and solitary goal.”

During the meeting, Councilwoman Leticia Fraga was nominated by Niedergang to once again serve as Council president. She was elected unanimously.

Mayor Mark Freda and each Council member offered New Year's remarks to the public.

(In the coming days, Patch will highlight remarks made by each Council member)

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