A Call for Balance and Truth in Princeton’s Final Week of Voting
Lisa Potter 
With only a few days left until Election Day, the stakes are high for Princeton. Early voting remains open through this weekend at the Princeton Municipal Building, and I encourage everyone to take part. Princeton deserves balanced, thoughtful leadership in the Board of Education (BOE), and each vote brings us closer to building a BOE that reflects our community’s values and needs.
Disappointed but Determined: Setting the Record Straight
Recently, I sat down with a Princeton University journalist. As a fellow Asian and as someone who once considered a career in journalism, I felt a connection and saw an opportunity to support diverse voices in media—a field I once dreamed of pursuing. But as an immigrant still learning English at the time, I found the pace of journalism too challenging. I also realized that the need for strict neutrality would be difficult for me; my inclination is to understand an issue fully and take action to solve the challenge. Supporting these students felt like a way to uplift the next generation of voices in media.
Unfortunately, the resulting article left me disappointed. Among the many topics we discussed, the focus landed on the LGBTQ+ curriculum, painting a narrow picture of my priorities and portraying me as anti-LGBTQ—a misrepresentation of who I am and what I stand for. Like many parents, I believe in a curriculum that supports and includes all students, but I’m equally focused on broader educational issues, from improving test scores to creating a welcoming environment for every child. Journalism today often reflects bias, which I find disappointing, and I sense that even the young journalist missed her own blind spots in this regard.
The Role of Media and Critical Thinking in Education
This experience highlights the profound influence that both education and media have on young minds. From elementary school through college, the ideas students encounter shape their views. I often tell my kids, “An Ivy League education doesn’t teach common sense; that’s something you build yourself.” We must encourage our children to question perspectives, research thoroughly, and seek out the truth, which often lies somewhere in the middle.
The BOE Needs Balance, Not Partisanship
Princeton’s Board of Education is meant to be nonpartisan, focused solely on the well-being of our students and our schools. However, in recent years, it has aligned increasingly with a single political ideology, reflecting the views of a select few rather than the diversity of the entire community. Princeton’s schools need leaders who can bring balance to these influences, providing a counterpoint where needed. I am committed to restoring that balance and ensuring that the BOE serves all students without bias or partisanship.
Focusing on What Matters
Throughout this election, I’ve faced misinformation and even fabricated quotes meant to harm my reputation. Some even have used BOE meetings as platforms for these attacks. The fact that the current board members allow the same offenders to speak is a violation of their code of conduct. While I could spend time defending against each rumor, my focus remains on positive actions. Just this past week, as president of the football booster club, I organized 130 treat bags for our hardworking football players, cheerleaders, and coaches. Our team made it to the playoffs, and I’m proud to celebrate and support them. Rather than engaging in negativity, I choose to spread encouragement and focus on achievements that bring our community together.
Make Your Voice Heard
Early voting ends this weekend, and I urge you to take part if you haven’t yet voted. Princeton deserves a BOE grounded in balance, inclusivity, and educational excellence—not divisive rhetoric or partisan agendas. This is our chance to shape the Board of Education in a way that serves all our children. I would be honored to represent this vision of balance and progress, but it starts with your vote. Let’s build a Princeton that supports the next generation and brings our community together.
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