Reader Submitted
To the editor:
Entering office, “believe me,” said the man in the White House.
Seven years earlier, “I’m full of hope for the future” said the man soon departing the New Jersey Statehouse.
Both promised to fix government finances, but promises don’t make a real plan. The federal deficit is $100 billion higher than a year ago and is expected to nearly double. Over seven years, credit agencies pummeled New Jersey state debt, reducing our rating 11 times. Once rated AAA, the gold standard, Moody’s graded recently-issued state bonds Baa1 and warned they “may include speculative characteristics.”
Now, Hopewell Township Republicans want their turn. The Republicans running for township committee promise “conservative fiscal principles.” They promise to “make Hopewell affordable for all.” No plan, no specifics, just promises. Echoing the men in the White House and the Statehouse, they make it sound easy.
It is not easy. I served on the Hopewell Township Committee for five years, in the White House Office of Management and Budget for six years, and on a state budget oversight panel for four years.
Local budget decisions are between the things that people need and want, the requirements of federal and state law, and how to pay for it all. Good choices need careful study, listening to the public, full debate, and tough votes.
Democrats Kevin Kuchinski and Michael Ruger helped Hopewell Township make the hard choices to earn our current AAA debt rating, the demonstrated application of conservative fiscal principles. Both are well-informed and dedicated to the work of public service. On November 7, vote for proven performance over promises. Vote for Kuchinski and Ruger.
David Sandahl
Hopewell Township
