LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Aug. 31
Club tax and reform
To the editor:
"Club’s tax case a symptom of need for reform," The Packet’s most recent editorial (Tuesday, August 28) was right on the money, and should be required reading for all voters in Mercer County, and beyond.
The editorial’s final paragraph warrents iteration. "Last year," the editorial informs us, "the Legislature made some bold promises about reforming New Jersey’s regressive property tax system. The Cottage Club case offers yet another vivid example of how little meaningful progress has been made toward this worthy goal."
Recall that a major plank of then Senator Corzine’s campaign for governor was property tax reform, and recall also that State Senator Cody was charged by Gov. Corzine with developing a plan for statewide property tax reform. Over the past year Senator Cody has indicated several times that his committee would have a plan in place, and presented to the public by November.
The first week in November is election time when every legislator is up for election or re-election, including Senator Cody. We need to see his plan before, not after the elections, and we must ask each candidate whether they will support property tax reform this year. They must be held accountable. The issue of property tax reform is too important to be allowed to die on the vine.
The people we send to Trenton must understand that they go with a popular mandate to change the fossilized over reliance on property tax to finance local governments. Doing so, will help bring New Jersey into the 21st century.
Melvin A. Benarde
Thorngate Court
West Windsor
Dog attacks in Princeton
To the editor:
A walk in the park might not be just a walk in the park any more.
News reports of unprovoked attacks by vicious dogs in Princeton have reached an unprecedented level. There are doubtless many other incidents that go unreported. These attacks are a serious danger not only to our pets, but to children and adults as well.
To their credit, both Princeton Borough Council and Princeton Township Committee are revisiting this issue in order to strengthen their ability to protect our families and our pets. The undersigned, dog lovers all, have experienced attacks of this nature. We encourage everyone to come to the following meetings to help build a safer Princeton.
Princeton Township Committee will meet on Monday, September 10 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Township Hall.
Princeton Borough Council will meet on Tuesday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall.
Ruth Randall
Gulick Road
Princeton
Sue Tillett
Jefferson Road
Princeton
Damian Utkiewicz
Ewing Street
Princeton
Carol Yam
Linden Lane
Princeton
Paper Mill worth saving
To the editor:
These days there are so many worthy causes that are worthy of our support that it is hard to choose which deserve our dollars and time. World events and human suffering at many levels demand our attention and we sometimes lose sight of other elements of our lives. We feel that it is important to recognize organizations that make New Jersey a better place to live, such as the Paper Mill Playhouse, a nearby venue that has been presenting wonderful shows for many years.
For over 20 years, we have enjoyed the many Broadway-level or better-than-Broadway musical and dramatic programs presented with the highest professionalism. As ticket subscribers to Paper Mill Playhouse, we can get much more, such as discounts on additional tickets for our children or friends. We have our own special seats for every performance and are invited to all sorts of interesting events, behind the scenes tours and other goodies reserved for subscribers and donors.
We subscribe to Paper Mill Playhouse, not only to enjoy great shows, but also to support the arts here in New Jersey. Their arts education program for young children and youth, special programs for seniors, and other special activities round out their contribution to the arts scene in New Jersey. Their beautiful theater in Millburn is an easy, pleasant one-hour drive from the Princeton area. We eagerly look forward to each performance we attend.
By continuing our long-term subscription and support of Paper Mill Playhouse, we are helping retain and nurture this precious asset of our region. We urge all theater lovers in this area to do the same. Paper Mill can be reached at (973) 379-3717 or at www.papermill.org.
Gerald and Anne Freedman
Riverside Drive East
Princeton

