This is getting tiresome but I always try to represent as many sides as possible on this blog ....
If you overpaid your phone bill would you ask for your money back? What about your tax bill?
Two years ago Hoboken’s municipal taxes went up 84%, and the city has been overtaxing you ever since. This resulted in a $20 million tax surplus, but the politicians in City Hall don’t want to give your money back.
They want to keep it.
And worse yet they want to spend it.
Hoboken Business Administrator Arch Liston is on record saying that the upcoming budget will not provide any real tax relief. Liston says returning your money would be “totally irresponsible”. Instead he and Mayor Zimmer plan to continue to overtax you and spend your money on labor contracts in 2011.Instead he and Mayor Zimmer plan to continue to overtax you and spend your money on labor contracts in 2011 rather than make good on their promise to provide a 25% tax cut.
I urge you to make your voice heard at the next Hoboken City Council meeting on September 1st when the City Council will vote to introduce Mayor Zimmer’s budget.
Tell City Hall to give your money back and cut your taxes immediately.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (201)-916-8244 or Beth@MasonCityCouncil.org. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Thank you for your time.
- Beth Mason
My Commnent: The available surplus amount is actually $12 million by many accounts. I think it is fine for us all have a debate on what the number should be. I for one think that maybe giving a little bit back might be good but I don't know the whole picture yet. The budget has not been presented until it is I don't think anyone in good conciense really gauge what the appropriate surplus should be.
Reader email response to Beth Mason (damn, that was quick):
From: Hoboken Journal Reader "LincolnLogger"
Date: August 25, 2010
To: Beth@MasonCityCouncil.org
Subject: We're tired of your lies
Really?
Yes, we are.
Your latest announcement is yet another transparent ploy to rile up anyone against the Mayor and her forthcoming budget. False pronouncements of a "$20 million" surplus that is really $12 million are too thinly veiled to deceive any but the most unintelligent voter. Also considering that the city owes well more than $12 in bonds for the upcoming park repairs and other outstanding debts, it's really a poor financial position.
Basically, your "give back the money to the taxpayer" is a one-time budget scam, the likes of which David Roberts used to employ.
In a time when we need to exercise fiscal responsibility and restraint, you advocate doing the opposite. Please keep it up, it'll be nice to see the second ward regain their senses and elect someone new.
Sincerely,
"LincolnLogger" (real name witheld) ◦
