To the editor:
With all four Democrats and no Republican voting in favor of Hopewell Township’s risky 2017 budget, which increases spending by close to 6 percent, over twice the inflation rate; uses close to 34 percent of our Emergency Fund; and violates the state’s rule of thumb on Emergency Fund usage by over 110 percent, let’s compare the previously-spoken words of those Democrats to their recent budget action.
On March 26, 2015, in a letter to the HVN editor entitled, “We need to find a different way,” Deputy Mayor Blake wrote that raising our taxes and tapping into our surplus hurt us in the long run, and that she and her fellow Democrats reject that approach. Apparently not this time.
On August 20, 2015, in a letter to the HVN editor entitled, “Make township more affordable,” Mayor Kuchinsky wrote that spending increases should be one percent or less. Apparently not this time.
On October 21, 2016, in a letter to the HVN editor entitled, “Committed to ensuring township stays affordable,” Committee Member McGlaughlin wrote that spending increases equal extra burden on taxpayers and we must keep spending under control. Apparently not this time.
Every year, Committee Member Sandom complains about the need to have a conversation regarding discretionary services, but every year does nothing to cause that needed conversation to happen. Apparently not this time either.
As the votes were cast, the hypocrisy in the room was breathtaking.
Harvey Lester
Titusville
