In Case You Missed It: Mountain Lakes Councilman George Jackson – “…I’m starting to come to the conclusion that part of the problem with New Jersey is the legislators.”
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – November 18, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Frustration boiled over at the League of Municipalities conference this morning, as local officials had a chance to address state lawmakers and a cabinet official on Gov. Chris Christie’s “tool kit” measures meant to help them curtail property taxes.
During a question and answer session with five lawmakers and Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, some officials cast blame on Democrats for stalling on the two most important measures: arbitration and civil service reform.
“Quite frankly, I’m starting to come to the conclusion that part of the problem with New Jersey is the legislators. They are not willing to make the hard decisions,” said George Jackson, a councilman from Mountain Lakes. “What I hear is the legislative process that’s going to do its best to delay and water down the tool kits.”
…
Tenafly Mayor Peter Rustin said…that the state government should make cuts the same way they’re asking towns to. He also bristled at the rhetoric on forcing towns to share services when he can stand on a corner in his town and see police from several different state and county-level forces.
…
“I know that you want to provide more services. The state of New Jersey is simply not going to be there to help you pay for them,” Grifa told the officials. “I’m not a baker, so I don’t ice cakes. I have no sweet message from Trenton for you.”
Contact:
Michael Drewniak
Kevin Roberts
609-777-2600
