Governor should focus on tax reform
Doris M. Weisberg, Lawrence
For the past several months newspaper articles have been headlined with the stories of municipalities cutting services including essential components to public safety by reducing police and fire personnel, contemplating layoffs, increasing fees for recreation and a host of other services in order to stay within the state mandated 2 percent cap on municipal spending.
Many letters to the editor are from senior citizens who fear loss of their homes, and the ability to maintain the modest lifestyle that they worked for and saved diligently to prepare for.
Many complaints are from younger families who are working to provide a home and education for their children while trying to save for their future.
Gov. Christie has fast tracked the entire middle class working population into extinction and/or exile while creating a new generation of impoverished senior citizens.
Both national and state statistics show 1 percent of the population controls 42 percent of the wealth. That 1 percent also shoulders the lion’s share of the tax burden. Yet a disproportionate tax burden falls on the middle class. Tax breaks from millionaires, homestead rebates for seniors and other gimmicks, Band-Aids and quick fix sweeteners are not the answer.
Until the governor stands up to his responsibilities and focuses on the real issue in New Jersey meaningful and comprehensive tax reform we are doomed to be stuck in the never ending quagmire of crippling property taxes.
It is time for the governor to stop grandstanding in order to enhance his national image and get down to work and service the propel of New Jersey. We deserve his undivided attention and comprehensive tax reform.

