Denis Cummings of Montgomery
I read with great interest “The State We’re In” column in the Jan. 27 issue of The Princeton Packet. While I do not disagree with author Michele Byers that we need and derive value from open space, this seems an odd time to urge additional spending on open space. We are in the middle of the most significant recession since the Great Depression and we have spent heavily on open space over the past forty plus years, including $200 million approved in 2007 that has been spent.
There is no argument that buying development rights on land is likely to be less expensive when real estate prices are plummeting, but the income of many here, if they are still employed, is also in decline. If there is to be any hope of reducing the tax burden of New Jersey residents, who are the most heavily taxed in the country, this would be a good time to defer new spending programs. The idea that this is an appropriate time to “forge ahead on a permanent source of preservation funding” appears ill timed at best and foolish at worst.
Further, the assertion that “Open space contributes to economic development” stretches credulity when the funds could be better spent to create jobs and create wealth that will result in greater tax funds available for non-productive spending in the years ahead.
I urge Packet readers to do the reverse of what Ms. Byers suggests. Contact Governor Corzine through www.nj.gov/governor to let him know this is a good time to defer additional spending on open space and postpone the creation of long term funding for land preservation, contrary to his indicated support for additional spending.
Denis Cummings
Montgomery

