Princeton Primary Election Profile: Dina Shaw

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's preliminary election on July 7 has three candidates running for two open seats on the Town Council and one candidate running unopposed for mayor. Dina Shaw, 56, is one of three Democratic candidates running.

Shaw currently works as Vice President of Finance at Overbrook Capital Corp. She has previously served as a member of the Economic Development Committee.

Her family includes her husband Michael, and three children ages 18 and 15, and 15.

Shaw has a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University.

Are you running for office in Princeton? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Princeton Patch.

Campaign website

www.dinaforprinceton.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

When it comes to Princeton, I’ve always been deeply involved, inclusive, and action-oriented in everything I do. I’ve been working for our community as a business owner and an active volunteer in our schools, nonprofit, and political organizations. I accomplish goals by working to understand issues, identifying options, building constituencies, and driving the best results for the community at large. I’m ready to apply my energy and skills as a member of Princeton Council.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is the rebuilding of the economic vitality of our town. Our merchants were struggling prior to the pandemic, and now, after being closed for months, our local businesses have suffered terrible losses; they will need help to survive. We can begin by creating an economic development plan that includes all businesses throughout Princeton. My plan would include creating an economic development office within the municipal government. Main Street USA has a base plan for this type of function and we could use their model as a road map. That office would highlight the great parts of our town in a coordinated effort to advocate, market and grow all small businesses while at the same time promoting Princeton to attract new businesses. This would be done with a dynamic board of community leaders, small businesses and landlords to create a long term plan for Princeton. This entity could organize events, arrange support for website development, navigate the process of opening a business, and have a goal of having a 50/50 partnership with the municipality, just to name a few possibilities.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a businesswoman, a volunteer and strong believer in our democracy. I have a proven track record of success in building organizations, improving communication, transparency and accountability. I have built two businesses, one that we sold. I know what our merchants need and I know I can have an impact on our community that is much more than the other candidates. I know how to get things done, and done in a timely manner. I have lived in Princeton for 17 years and have effected positive change at many organizations. What we need now is my sense of urgency, to make sure things get done and in a timely manner. The other candidates talk about how they are working on things. I will make things happen.

My candidacy is built on a proven track record of success in business and volunteerism. I get things done by working to understand the multiple angles of issues, identifying options, building constituencies and driving the best results for the community at large.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I entered this election because the level of communication in our town is abysmal. There are a small group of people who keep control over things but do not involve our community. But with 880 new homes coming to our town, and faltering downtown merchant community, what we need now is someone who is more proactive when addressing issues. The lack of communication, transparency, and accountability has been a failure. I will change that to an open, big tent approach. I will make sure we address our schools, free WIFI, economic development and much more.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I plan to work closely with our Board of Education. The schools are a huge reason families move to Princeton, and it’s one of the draws that corporations and the university have over competitors for top talent. It is very important that our schools know that the Council supports them through conscientious planning and resources, and will responsibly manage our town’s growth so PPS can focus on maintaining and improving the level of education for which Princeton is known. This could include active participation by the Board of Education during the renegotiation of the voluntary payment given by Princeton University to direct some of the payment directly to our schools. As we continue to plan our affordable housing build outs, we need to be creative to make sure our schools have the funding to manage the imminent growth they will experience, so that they do not get even more over crowded. We need to make economic decisions with the schools in mind.

As our town grows, we will need a robust public transit system so that all of new residents are able to get around town more efficiently. I would like to see a bus system throughout our community that affords residents a regular and frequent schedule.

Lastly, the pandemic has shown that it’s time for free WiFi throughout our town. We must ensure that all residents have access to high speed internet. We can do this by working with Princeton University which already supports campus wide WiFi. Hotspots could be added around town, so that Princeton Public Schools’ families can have better access to remote learning, and it would make online ordering easier for local merchants.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I tackle problems head on. The business we built out of home grew over an 8 year period into one that was sold to a multi national company. At each turn, I was faced with challenges of how to create an entity that was profitable, added employees, managed staff and grew overall. I studied and learned along the way. That is what I do. I educate myself.

My projects always took sustainability, inclusivity and longevity into consideration and included taking Littlebrook paperless; creation of after school programs that were accessible to all children; reviving the finances of John Witherspoon Middle School PTO by creating a voluntary dues system supported by those who could donate, which increased the PTO endowment sevenfold; having all communication translated into multiple languages; revitalizing Super Saturday with sponsorships from community partners that ensured all proceeds went directly to supporting school programs. Essential to all of my PTO work was collaboration with teachers, families, administrators, the Board of Education, public and private community partners, and Princeton Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Don't bring me complaints, bring me solutions"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My life mantra is "Life is not a spectator sport, you have to jump in" and I do that in every aspect of my life. I have had the great fortune of living in this wonderful and vibrant community that inspires people to pursue achievement. I have enjoyed building amazing friendships and partnering to solve problems.

I am now ready to bring all these skills and energy to our town as a member of Princeton Council.