Support for Democratic challengers

Jim Cann of Bordentown Township
Recently, John Moynihan, Republican candidate for Bordentown Township Committee, wrote a letter to several local papers providing some misguided and false information.  I would like to set the record straight.
Mr. Moynihan asserts that Stephen Benowitz raised taxes during his previous term.  That term was 1978 to 1981, when interest rates and inflation were in the high double digits, which means those tax increases would have just kept pace with the inflation rate at that time. 
Now, compare that to the last three years of Republican control when the inflation rate ran 2 to 3 percent and the municipal tax increases soared over 24 percent.  Making matters worse, this effective tax increase is compounded by a substantial increase in township debt, including the $1.65 million bond to pay off tax appeals for the Republicans’ ill- advised property revaluation. 
Mr. Moynihan also provided misinformation about the Economic Development Advisory Committee.  While it is true that Jason Medina smartly spearheaded the formation of the EDAC, it is not true that he handpicked the members of this committee. It is comprised of volunteer business men and women in our community who Mr. Moynihan has offended by insinuating that they are not doing their jobs. This committee has a very limited role and their first year attempt to create a more pro-active EDAC committee was refused by the Township Committee. 
The fact that this committee does not even have a budget is evidence of the lack of support provided.  Rather than folding their tents and going away, the members developed a plan of action to publicize the businesses that exist in the township.  Two of their three proposals were approved, but were not funded.  The members of this committee are very concerned about future growth and businesses operating in this Township, and given the obstacles they have encountered, have an admirable track record. 
Mr. Benowitz is right— we do need a stronger EDAC Committee, one that has monetary and full- committee backing, not just  lip service.  Mr. Moynihan would understand this had he ever bothered to attend an EDAC meeting.
Mr. Moynihan also disparages the public service of both Mr. Benowitz and his running mate, Kershaw Weston as “taxpayer funded jobs.” 
Mr. Benowitz, who holds advanced degrees, devoted his career to working with children with special needs, both as a teacher and an administrator, supervising countless employees and overseeing substantial budgets. Mr. Weston is a retired US Air Force Lt. Colonel who holds several business degrees, has decades of management experience, and served tours of duty in warzones in the Middle East. 
How disrespectful and ungrateful is it for Mr. Moynihan to suggest that our veterans are living off of the taxpayers?
Like Mr. Moynihan, I also work in the private sector.  I have been a partner in my own business for nearly 25 years and I do not know of two men more qualified to serve Bordentown Township than Steven Benowitz and Kershaw Weston.
Jim Cann
Bordentown Township
The writer is a member of the Bordentown Township Committee.