Defeat budget to control spending

To the editor

By:
   A constant refrain in New Jersey life is "property tax relief."
   Like the weather, everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it. However, unlike every other tax in our lives, we all have direct control over property taxes.
   We do not need Trenton to come to our rescue, or even Washington. The solution is in our hands and within our grasp.
   Quite simply, the major portion of property taxes fund public school budgets. Holding the tax rate constant in growing communities such as Hillsborough still provides increased funding to schools, but forces more stringent fiscal responsibility on educational governing bodies.
   Despite voices to the contrary, voting down the proposed school budget will not force classes to be held in hallways, ketchup to be served as a lunch entree, or teachers to consider second jobs, or even summer jobs.
   Simply put, holding the current tax rate constant will adequately serve the needs of our school population and Hillsborough residents.
   So instead of looking to Trenton, or Washington, for property tax relief, New Jersey and Hillsborough property owners need only look in the mirror.

Roderick M. McNealy
Old Village Road