A s the Board of Education and town council begin to prepare next year’s budgets, they need to keep in mind a number if things. Taxes need to be lowered. People must come before unnecessary programs. Those on fixed incomes and lower incomes must be considered. On top of this, South Brunswick was one of 23 towns and cities in New Jersey that were downgraded by Moody’s from Aa1 to Aa2, with $75.1 million debt affected. The township officials must be doing something wrong and thus must be made accountable for the error of their ways.
I am not only speaking for myself but, I am sure, for all senior citizens and those on fixed incomes. Property taxes have increased 60 percent since 2000 while my pension has increased only 24 percent in the past 10 years. Also, those on Social Security have not seen increases in the past two years. The township cannot balance its budget by continually imposing furloughs on its dedicated staff. Every time there is an increase in taxes, that money comes out of the residents’ pockets. The board and council must examine each and every item in their budgets and eliminate those that are not cost-productive. They must ask themselves, Did the schools and township run smoothly and efficiently before the introduction of these programs? If the answer is yes, then why retain these programs. Do all services need to be provided as often? Should those who partake of those services need to contribute or should some fee based upon household income be implemented? It does not seem right that property owners should pay 10, 20 or more percent of their income for property taxes. Salary increases need to be based upon the inflation rate until this economic mess is straightened out. If Social Security recipients must abide by this axiom, then why shouldn’t public employees? Most of those employed by the Board of Education (unless on the top step) automatically receive an increment or increase based upon longevity.
All residents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay property taxes but yet find it difficult to move to lower-taxed states due to job or family commitments and the sluggish housing market. The taxpayers are in revolt, and governments are not immune to the wishes of the voters, as can be seen by the election of Gov. Chris Christie and the turnover in Congress. This revolt was caused because the political playmakers have for too long not listened to the wishes of the people. They need to remember that they are not using their money but our money.
WilliamAxelrod Kendall Park section of South Brunswick