Tax hike is proof of ill management

LEDGER FORUM

   The economy is weak. Belts have been tightened. Plans have been deferred. Confidence has been shaken. We even think twice about opening the mail.
   But soon, when we go to our mailboxes, we will find a stiff bill from the Lawrence Township council and the township manager for higher payrolls and fancier living quarters. Trash collection is down, but our taxes are rising. Indeed, the much touted financial surplus is disappearing into debt service, compensation increases and payroll additions.
   Almost sounds like some kind of funny Enron accounting.
   At a time like this, you might think our township manager would consider deferring his raise until prospects are brighter and our wallets are heavier.
   Short of deferring his raise, perhaps he can add new-building maintenance to his already-crowded job description so we can save a full time employee.
   And the next time he approaches our mayor and the town council with that snappy rhetoric, "I would be making more in another town or in the private sector," I hope they have the sense to react the way the private sector would. By calling his bluff.
   Bill Guhl threatening to leave Lawrence Township is like George Steinbrenner threatening to take the Yankees out of New York. Neither is as valuable anywhere else.

John A. Heffern
Toftrees Court