Princeton Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros has launched her bid for a third term on the six-member Princeton Council.
Pirone Lambros, who is a Democrat, made her announcement Feb. 4. The term is for three years.
The seat held by Pirone Lambros is one of two seats that are up for grabs. The second seat is held by Princeton Councilwoman Mia Sacks, who is serving as the council president.
The deadline for filing to run in the June 10 Democratic Party and Republican Party primaries is March 24.
“As we continue to make progress in Princeton, I am proud of the work we have accomplished,” Pirone Lambros said. “I remain committed to the challenges ahead.”
As the town continues to grow, its policies need to reflect the needs of the residents, she said. The town has made great strides in economic development, sustainability and affordability.
On a personal note, Pirone Lambros said she is a second-generation Italian American whose roots in Princeton span more than 100 years. Her grandparents emigrated from Pettornanello, Italy, and worked as stone masons and gardeners to help build the Princeton University campus.
“Being the daughter of immigrants, it is tantamount to me to do all I can to find ways to help those less fortunate so they may have the same opportunities that my parents and grandparents sacrificed for,” she said.
Before entering politics, Pirone Lambros was an entrepreneur who built several small businesses. Some of those businesses were started while she was living abroad. It has proven to be good training for service on the Princeton Council.
“I am no stranger to finding solutions that bring together multiple stakeholders and finding common ground between competing agendas,” Pirone Lambros said.
“Being an experienced entrepreneur, my skill set was immediately impactful on the Princeton Council,” she said.
During her tenure, Pirone Lambros said she helped to create the town’s special improvement district to benefit its commercial centers. She was also involved in establishing Experience Princeton, which promotes the town and its business community.
Pirone Lambros serves on the Princeton Council’s Affordable Housing, Planning and Redevelopment Committee, which ensures the town’s compliance with its affordable housing obligations.
She also serves on the Finance Committee, and was a member of the Princeton University Negotiating Committee that secured a five-year, $50 million voluntary payment agreement with Princeton University.
Pirone Lambros is the Princeton Council’s liaison to the Pedestrian and Bike Advisory Committee, which focuses on bike mobility and adding more bicycle lanes and shared-use paths.
She is also the liaison to the Recreation Committee, which is helping the town in its revitalization efforts at Community Park South.
“Together, let’s build on our successes and continue striving for a stronger, more vibrant Princeton,” Pirone Lambros said. “I look forward to the work ahead.”
