Princeton Primary Election Profile: Mark Freda

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. Mark Freda, 63, a Democrat, is the only candidate running for Mayor.

Current Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert is not seeking re-election.

Freda has worked as President of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad for the past two years as a paid position. Freda had previously served on the Princeton Boro Council for 13 years and Chair of the Joint Boro — Township Transition Task Force.

His family includes his wife Beth, daughter Rebecca, and son Alex.

Freda has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Administration from the College of New Jersey.

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Campaign website

markfredaformayor.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Being an elected official is something I actually enjoy doing. The work is interesting and meaningful. What can be better than having a positive impact on your own community? My entire adult life has prepared me for holding the position of mayor of Princeton. I have the experience and knowledge to address issues and needs day one. I am not in this for any personal reason or to get my picture in the news. My goals are pretty simple. Represent everyone in our community. Be open and honest at all times. Listen to others, encourage others to participate in the decision processes. Seek out those that know more than I do. I hold myself to a pretty high standard, and I will hold all of those that work for the town to that same standard. people that know me will agree, I will bluntly share my opinion; you will easily find out what I think on any issue. I will push for an open process; but I will also push for us to make decisions and to implement those decisions. I prefer that we accomplish things and not just talk about them.

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

We have a number of important and pressing issues. Many are the same level of importance as others. But I would say the ability to look at all issues, and each issue separately, from a big picture perspective is the key to our future success. To have too narrow a focus on any one issue can create unintended outcomes. Being able to step back and to see how so many of our issues relate and impact each other is important. And related to all issues would be communication; increasing how and where we communicate is a high priority for me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

• Housing is an issue on a number of levels. We as a town need to work to provide housing to people at many different income levels. The diversity of our population is a key part of why Princeton is so special, we need to foster and continue that diversity through our planning, zoning and housing decisions.
• We have an under-served population, people that work in many of our businesses who face challenges and whose personal situations make it hard for them to speak out and use our services. Having our staff communicate regularly to explain their rights and what services are available to them is one way to help. A number of organizations exist that help people in our community with food, financial support, and other issues. Working with them, coordinating as much as possible our municipal efforts and their efforts will work to everyone’s benefit. Current efforts related to COVID-19 relief show how well this can work.
• The well-being of our business community and further economic development are important issues that impact all of our residents. This impacts jobs, it impacts taxes, it is another key element of what makes Princeton, Princeton. We need to develop plans to grow commercial/business areas of our town to expand that percentage of our tax base. Our business district along Nassau Street and nearby streets needs to be kept clean and well maintained.
• Efforts to expand the working relationship between the Princeton School Board and school staff with the Council and town staff would continue and hopefully continue to grow.
• Working more with the Mercer County Executive, County Administrator and the County Freeholders is a goal of mine. Are we leveraging County services to the degree we can? Improving and building this relationship further is important to me. • Another relationship to continue to build is between the town and the University. This needs to evolve into more of a partnership. A world class institution like Princeton University needs to be partnered with a town that has successful business districts, that provides quality schools, that provides quality housing at all income levels to attract staff, administrators and professors. Many of the needs and plans of the town and the University are tied to each other. Working together in ways that help each with both the common and individual goals of each is the direction I want to grow.
• Continuing and growing our community efforts in the areas of climate control and sustainability are important to me. It is impressive what we have accomplished so far; but continuing to support and grow these efforts is important. It helps all of us; but it also sends a message to others.
• Transportation overall. Bus routes. Bicycle and pedestrian routes and safety.
• There are many other issues and challenges to address. Overall, I would strive to have a process that invites any and all ideas on how to address them.

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

My accomplishments are built around the efforts of many people, not just myself. Having a track record of being in leadership positions in most of the organizations I have been involved in professionally and civically is reflective of my abilities. Building teams and not being one to continually say "see what I did". Providing leadership when needed and staying out of people's way when it is not needed. From a political perspective my time on the former Boro Council and as Chair of the Transition Task Force highlighted the ability to bring people together to work towards a common goal.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Several "words of wisdom" that I tend to group together. The top two, treat everyone the same, everyone the way I want to be treated. And be honest, it is easier and just the right thing to do. A third would be the goal is more important than who gets credit for it.

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

Serving as mayor of Princeton is about providing leadership. Leadership is about communicating, it is about truly listening to others, it is finding the balance between exploring an issue and then acting on that issue. I’m the first to admit that I am not an expert on every topic, and listening to people that know more than me is an important part of my leadership style. Residents that are frustrated or passionate about an issue may come on strongly, that is to be expected. Part of my role is to make sure that we all get to share our thoughts in a respectful atmosphere. We can disagree during a meeting or discussion and still be friendly afterwards. Neither I or the town, can be all things to all people. We need to act in the best interest of the overall community. We do not have unlimited resources, so we have to use what we do have as wisely and effectively as possible. Being mayor is about representing Princeton and doing what is best for my community. I have lived here all my life and I’m fully invested in helping our community. I look forward to meeting and talking with others who are just as invested in making Princeton a place we are all happy to call home. For more information or to reach out to me please visit my website markfredaformayor.com. I truly value speaking to all our residents.