Accomplishments verifiable, based on facts

Deputy Mayor Michael Dauber of Bordentown Township
Democratic candidate Stephen Benowitz’s letter of in the Oct. 25 issue of the Register-News makes unsubstantiated and incorrect statements. He should know that, the Township Committee was not under Republican control in 2009. Most importantly, the information in our campaign handout regarding the committee’s accomplishments is fact based and verifiable.
On taxes, due to some extraordinary circumstances, the local tax levy did increase the last three years. The nearly $3 million paid out in tax appeals and related lost assessment value and revenue were the main issues.
However, we have mitigated the issues related to tax appeals, have new rateables being added, and have debt retiring that will offer future relief.
Considering our increases in operating expenses, we have preserved services and controlled spending. Our conservative 1.7 percent budget growth over the same period supports that; furthermore, the 2012 budget passed with bipartisan support.
Mr. Benowitz served on the committee from 1979 to 1981, and has not mentioned one accomplishment. In fact, our local taxes increased more than 53 percent during his term.
We are making progress and putting Bordentown back on the right track. This is not the time to go back to the past, but to look to the future. We will keep Bordentown moving in the right direction.
Michael Dauber
Bordentown Township
The writer is a Republican candidate for the Bordentown Township Committee and serves today as deputy mayor.