TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025 • 10
Democratic Candidates continued from page one
“What we’re trying to do is give this community a chance to hear directly from them about how their visions differ and how they distinguish themselves, so that people can make an informed choice in the June primary.” Oakman noted that he hopes that Gottheimer and Sherrill will change their minds and decide to join the forum. “It’s a hugely missed opportunity for them as there are over 200 registrants thus far and the livestream will reach many, many more voters,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance and send in questions for the candidates through the PCDO Facebook page or the PCDO website at princetondemsit.wixsite.com. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. Sunday for those registered, and non-registered entry begins at 6:40 p.m., first come, first served. The six candidates debated earlier in the month in a forum at Rider University during which they presented their ideas on a wide range of issues including Trump administration policies, immigration, education, property
taxes, government transparency, New Jersey Transit and the New York City congestion tax, housing, and state aid to schools. Those concerns are also likely to dominate the February 16 debate. The PCDO has been collecting a range of questions from its members, and Oakman considered what might be the biggest issue in the upcoming debate. “I think a lot of what’s happening on a daily basis in D.C. is really impacting New Jersey,” he said. “We have a question in front of us about whether we want a leader who pushes back against that or whether we want somebody who essentially goes along with it,” he continued. Noting that Trump fared better than expected in New Jersey last November, Oakman anticipates an interesting battle between Democrats and Republicans in the fall of 2025. “I think it will be a referendum in some ways on the MAGA movement and Donald Trump and how we see New Jersey’s future in that context,” said Oakman. He suggested some of the questions voters will be asking themselves and the candidates, like ‘To what extent are they continuing things that have been happening in the past eight years? Do they think things should be changed? Are there policy issues that haven’t gotten enough attention during the Murphy period? What is your vision for the future in the context of the Democratic race and who do you think reflects that best? Why do you want to be governor and how do you plan to use the apparatus of the state to either work with or oppose aspects
A VALENTINE'S EVENT YOU CAN’T MISS! XOX O
XOX O
LOVE IS IN THE SQUARE XOX O
of federal policy that you do or don’t agree with?’” PCDO Program Manager Jean Durbin added, “We want to get at how the candidates think about certain things, what moves them, why they’re running, what they think they can do to actually help the state, and why they think they can beat the Republican opponent.” She went on to discuss the role of the PCDO. “Essentially we view ourselves as a purveyor of information for the voters. We bring people together to think about and talk through the issues, to inform the debate,” she said. “We really think it’s important to bring people together as a community, to talk about the issues, and to hear from the candidates how they think they can make the lives of New Jerseyans better.” In commenting on what’s at stake in the 2025 race for governor, Oakman looked back to the 2016 election of Trump as president followed by Murphy’s election as New Jersey Governor a year later. “Murphy spent a lot of time and effort helping make sure that New Jersey’s values were sustained in a time when at the national level a lot of people were dissatisfied with what happened,” he said. “We went through the COVID experience and the state was critical in making sure that New Jersey came through that with the economy and the public health intact.” He went on, “We’ve experienced already the importance of having leadership in the state that can respond to what’s happening in D.C. and reflect the values of New Jersey. We’re back in the same boat eight years later, and we have to pick a new leader.” Oakman noted that the Candidate Forum is being held earlier than usual this year and there would not be a vote to endorse candidates at this time. The PCDO cited the need “to spend as much time as possible bringing the candidates and their platforms to the community to let the community hear from the candidates and facilitate an open, democratic process.” The Mercer County Democratic Convention will follow the PCDO Candidate Forum and will take place on Wednesday, February 19. —Donald Gilpin
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Darkside After Dark Night Market Awaits
Darkside After Dark “Til Death Do Us Part” Night Market is coming to Bensalem, Pa., on Saturday, February 15, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Broken Goblet Brewing, 2500 State Road, Bensalem. Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Expo is owned and produced by The New Jersey (Trenton) Punk Rock Flea Market. T he organizers say to “prepare for a Valentine’s Day revelry of the macabre steeped in darkness with event highlights including dozens of highly-curated vendors showcasing eerie ar t, oddities and more ; thrilling dark arts, sideshow and live music performances to stir your soul.” Also featured will be tarot readings, craft beers, dark spirits, food trucks, and other food options (including vegan options). While limited tickets will be available at the door, advance tickets can be secured at Njisodd.com.
Talk on Stonemasons At Dorothea’s House
O n S u n d ay, M a r c h 2 from 5 -7 p.m., architect Michael Mills will speak at Dorothea’s House, 120 John Street, about the Italian stonemasons who settled in Princeton in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Many buildings on the Princeton University campus were constructed by stonemasons who came from Pettoranello and other places in Italy. These men worked on stone used in many of the Collegiate Gothic University buildings. Mills, an architect who has worked extensively at the University, will show various stone masonry projects on the campus, and focus on the contributions of Italian stone craftsmanship. A Princeton alumnus, Mills has devoted his career to the preservation and adaptive use design of some of the region’s most significant historic structures. He has lectured at the University’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and at the Association for Preservation Technology’s international conference. He serves as as s o c iate g r ad u ate fac ulty in the Rutgers University Cultural Heritage and
Preservation Studies program, and is past president of Preservation New Jersey. The events is free. Participants are encouraged to bring refreshments to share at a post-program reception. Visit dorotheashouse.org for more information.
Lunch and Learn Workshop For National Caregivers’ Day
The Center for Modern Aging Princeton ( CMAP) will hold a special “Lunch & L ear n : Long-Distance Caregivers” event on Friday, February 21, from 12-1 p.m. This free event, held both in-person at CMAP’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning location and via Zoom, honors National Caregivers’ Day by providing essential support and resources for those caring for loved ones from afar. Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges, of ten leav ing caregivers feeling overwhelmed with concerns about their loved ones’ well-being, coupled with feelings of guilt and helplessness. This workshop, led by Chris Kellogg of NightengaleNJ, will explore practical tools, local resources, and proven strategies to help caregivers maintain their loved ones’ dignity and independence while finding peace of mind for themselves. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and join the conversation. Whether supporting an aging parent, relative, or family friend, this program offers an oppor tunity to connect with others facing similar experiences and gain actionable insights to make caregiving less daunting. National Caregivers’ Day, observed annually on the third Friday in February, is a time to celebrate and honor caregivers who selflessly provide vital support to those in need. From professional caregivers to family members, these unsung heroes make a tremendous difference in the lives of the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Registration is required for this free event at engage. cmaprinceton.org/component/events/event/897.
a Princeton tradition!
The Program in Creative Writing and Labyrinth Books present
THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH
Althea Ward Clark W’21
1PM - 4:30PM
TICKETS INCLUDE XOX A SPECIAL SERENADE by a talented cellist XOXO O
Romantic BALLET PERFORMANCES to set the mood Exclusive SHOPPING & DINING offers SWEETHEART SWAG BAGS filled with surprises!
SCAN FOR TICKETS
XOX O
FEBRUARY 18
Hanif Abdurraqib & Douglas Stuart Award-winning poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib (There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension) and New York Times bestselling author Douglas Stuart (Shuggie Bain) read from their work. XOX O
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
arts.princeton.edu
6 P.M.
Labyrinth Books 122 Nassau St.