To the Editor:

The role of a Council member is to understand the needs of the taxpayer and to be a fiduciary for the community. To do this, the Council member must prioritize issues, strive to build consensus, and work towards realistic solutions.

Today, the most important priority facing Princeton is to reduce property taxes and debt through improved fiscal management.

Residents have seen their tax bills multiply over the years. After consolidation, Princeton has $135 million in debt and spends 18 percent of its annual budget on debt service. Because of the current high interest expenses, Princeton cannot afford to make additional capital expenditures for the next six years. As a result, Princeton must forgo needed long-term projects or push these expenses into the current budget, which will drive taxes higher.

Council decisions are often made behind closed doors. Relations with Princeton University are strained. The police department is in flux.

As a Council member, I will strive to open Council meetings, improve dialogue with the University, and work to reduce conflicts in the police department.

As the first Latina in Princeton Council history, I will be committed to preserving Princeton for Princetonians — new and old.

Let’s make Princeton affordable for everyone: seniors, local businesses, the middle-class, and newcomers.

Please vote for me on November 5.

Fausta Rodriguez Wertz

Snowden Lane