1/30/2009:
Hoboken411 received this letter yesterday from a “Concerned Citizen.”
What are your thoughts?
Raising taxes is NOT an answer!
“Hoboken Reformers,
I would like to thank you so much for all the information you have brought to light on so many areas in Hoboken. For attending council meetings and trying to get answers and bring about change. I wish I thought what you have done was enough but I think its time to take your findings to the next level.
Every media outlet is running story after story about the economy and the effects on everyday people, about the layoffs, and cutbacks being made in both the private and public sectors across the country. They love pointing to Wall St and bonuses and the effects that will have on everyone. I think now more than ever you have an opportunity to get the major networks to run a story on Hoboken and what you have found.
Hoboken is home to Governor Corzine and Senator Menendez two of the states highest government officials yet we have heard nothing from them. Why are they not outraged that they have had to pay 48% increase in taxes out of there own pockets, why are they not outraged raises are being handed out, why are they not outraged that we have 35 fire captains, why are they not outraged at the exuberant health care and vacation payouts being given, why are they not outraged at the per pupil cost in our schools, why are they not outraged the town they live in has such disregard for its citizens in this troubling economic time? I know its not there place to meddle in local government but as these two announce/vote on their state cutbacks and national bailouts Hoboken has made no changes other than 7 retirements and closing the cross town shuttle. Hoboken helped vote these two men into office, do they not owe it to us to use there political power to help its everyday citizens fight an uphill battle?
We have had this budget issue for over a year and no major cutbacks have been made even with the state involved. This is not just an issue of the economy, Hoboken has the economy and the bloated budget Roberts created over the past 8 years to deal with. Ask why Hoboken has not IMMEDIATELY made changes and followed Union City’s lead and demand all employees contribute to health care cost, North Bergen’s lead of a max of 10k for any accrued vacation/sick days, joined the North Hudson Regional Fire Dept, a X% reduction in workforce in all areas and so many other huge savings options. We are told time and time again by our World leaders and by CEO’s that there is no time to wait that action must be taken immediately to avoid dangerous consequences in the future, yet Hoboken in a years time has made no major policy changes to address our financial situation. Raising taxes on citizens who are already struggling is not an answer.
It’s time to have your impressive information of blatant over spending, possible illegal corruption and the lack of response from Corzine and Menendez brought to a bigger stage for all residents of Hoboken and statewide supporters of Corzine and Menendez to hear. This type of exposure for our two biggest government officials and our current administration will have a major impact on the speed and amount of reform you wish to bring and all residents hope to have.
Thank you,
Concerned Citizen“
Technorati Tags: Economy, Hoboken411, Letter to reformers, Letter to the Editor, politics, Property Taxes
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