Advance Robbinsville
JANUARY 2026 FREE
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Legacy of innovation
Fried exits mayor’s office after shaping modern Robbinsville BY BILL SANSERVINO
Mayor Dave Fried will step down Jan. 15, closing a public service career that spanned more than two decades and was defined by an unusually consistent willingness to pursue unconventional solutions to municipal challenges. The ranged from affordable housing and open space preservation to shared services, fiscal policy and public facilities. Throughout his tenure, Fried often opted for approaches that departed from
the traditional playbooks used elsewhere in Mercer County, favoring long-term planning, collaboration and what he frequently described as “thinking differently” to address the evolving needs of a fast-growing township. Fried’s legacy is tied to several defining accomplishments: maintaining flat or reduced municipal tax rates for most of his tenure including: expanding preserved open space to nearly 2,000 acres; keeping the town in compliance with state affordable housing mandates through innovative strategies; and advancing a shared-services municipal complex centered on the former Roma Bank building in Town Center. One of his proudest accomplishSee FRIED, Page 5
RHS tech interns gain Messinger targets next step real-world experience Lucas Messinger wrestles an opponent from Lawrence High School.(Photo by Julie Lawandy)
after breakout season BY RICH FISHER
Lucas Messinger has an interesting goal this wrestling season. After 21 pins, three technical falls and a major decision comprised his 25 victories last year, the Robbinsville High junior wants win more matches by less points. “It may sound weird,” he said. “I didn’t have a single match where I didn’t win by bonus points. Every other match that there were no bonus points I lost, so I want to get better at going the distance and winning
those close matches.” Make no mistake, the two-time region qualifier still wants to put his opponent to the mat, but he would also like to reverse most of those 13 defeats that he lost by an average of six points (he also suffered three pins and a t-fall). Dan Hughes feels it can happen. “His goal is to make states,” the Ravens coach said. “I think that’s a very appropriate goal for him and we’re looking forward to him chasing it down.” See MESSINGER, Page 13
For John Legere, Director of Technology at Robbinsville Public Schools, the most rewarding part of his job isn’t found in servers or software—it’s in watching young professionals discover their potential. Since taking the helm in 2021, Legere has transformed the district’s technology department into more than just a support operation. It’s become a training ground where college students gain real-world experience and launch meaningful careers in technology. “It is an honor to be able to help the
next generation prepare for careers in this exciting and constantly evolving field,” Legere said. “Our interns are a tremendous asset to our team, and it is my hope all of them come out of their time here with the skills to excel in their own career.” Under Legere’s guidance, the department has expanded its internship program to include college students yearround, providing them with hands-on experience across the district’s numerous buildings. The program gives interns exposure See LEGERE, Page 4
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