Isn’t the newly painted Keyport water tower, off exit 117 on the GSP, spiffy? Fresh paint, free of indiscriminate commercial graffiti (advertising) saying to the viewer: this is Keyport and Keyport is American. And, Americans espouse democracy. So what more needs to be said?
In light of past and pending political scandals, a few words need repeating. It seems candidates for municipal office begin their quest in lily white suits, proclaiming bright and transparent virtues of leadership. The populace – inspired by such lofty idealism – is rightly persuaded to cast their votes accordingly. But white suits tend to smudge more than others.
Case in point: the newly elected board of the Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) recently agreed with Council to reduce the taxation on the business owners from 25¢ per $100 to 22¢. The board received the backing of 94 percent of the businesses on this issue. For reasons of its own, the council then rescinded the recommendation and insisted on the full taxation. Since this new board is not likely to spend this portion on KBA activities, $33,000 is enticingly unattended, but in “might” be rebated to the business owners, promised the council. Hmm?
Glitches and tweaks in the handling of municipal monies causes fast-track smudging of white suits. Why is the council insisting on collecting money which the KBA has no intention of using? We’ll hold our breath while the council decides. Return it or “tweak” it?
Another point: citizen Jack Jeandron paced nearly every block of Keyport earlier this year and accumulated 1,300+ signatures. Signers were of one mind. They wanted a complete halt to further condo or townhouse construction. The myth that more housing means more ratables and less taxation is fully exposed. People know the real liability – congested streets, more dollars for police and fire protection, and eventual complete loss of “small, quaint town” status. This November we will all witness whether this proposition is sterling or not. Then we will all witness how the mayor and council deal with this example of the voice of the people.
Being American is great. Exercising the hard-earned privilege of voting one’s conviction is greater.
Sidney Becnel
Keyport