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Post by admin on Jul 26, 2006 15:58:42 GMT -5
Publius, my friend, you know I am with you when it comes to outrage over the robbery this state calls taxes. On that note, I have to take issue with you on some points. The first, your neighbor sounds far more like an exception than the rule as to what he pays in property taxes. I can only assume that your house is bigger and nicer than mine. I live in a cracker box. I pay about what you do. What we both pay is fairly normal through out New Jersey. When I speak to co workers etc., I also understand that my taxes are not as painful as others. That is sick! I will not comment on the schools, but I have always liked the services this town provides. Compared to other places I have lived, and again, feedback from friends and co workers, we have it good. As far as getting ahead by selling my property, that will never happen in New Jersey. Property taxes and home values have exceeded what we can afford. If we care to maintain the standard of living we have now, we will have to move out of state. As far as resale on your property, take a look around. There are many houses going on the market and not selling. I have talked to Realtors and they have confirmed that the market is slowing down. The window to get out ahead may have passed . My area of the boro has always had the homes sell quick, and that is not happening now. p.s. I did get my tax bill today  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jul 26, 2006 18:28:04 GMT -5
Guys, this is something really want to help with. It would be wonderful to be able to find a way to roll back taxes and put more money back in our pockets. The problem is that is is so complicated and so many levels of government are involved along with the businesses, who keep increasing our fixed costs for insurance, fuel, etc. We must work on this across the board and we will.
Much of the answer (to lower taxes) lies with the state and its ability to come up with new funding formulas. I also think we are seeing the end of home rule and we need to start merging our small towns with the larger ones. A recent study showed that most New Jerseyans are ready for this - finally! We just have to find towns that will link up with one another - at least for sharing a majority of services and doing it fairly, so that no one gets second class status.
As an interesting aside... You know, with all the philanthropists around - giving huge endowments to schools and such, it would be great to hear of some wealthy "home grown" folks that might contribute their money to cut the tax burdens of residents of their current or former towns. Just think, one year of no or low taxes resulting from donations. Hmmm. Wouldn't that get some of our fellow residents back on their feet. A novel approach. Maybe someone will read this and give it a thought.
Marc L.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 27, 2006 7:50:55 GMT -5
Mark:
When I sat on the school Facilities Committee ten years ago -- I wrote one such person about such an idea. Unfortunately -- that excellent target did not respond.
Perhaps you can formulate a citizens group with elected official and push the idea.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jul 27, 2006 8:41:10 GMT -5
Rich:
Thanks. This is exactly why I floated the thought. I was glad that someone that I truly admire for his intellect and professional recognition embraced the idea. When can we expect to receive your check? (Just Kidding!)
I'm sure we can all guess whom you wrote to request financial aid for your school facilities committee. Unfortunately, Freehold Borough hasn't produced too many exceedingly wealthy progeny. At least, very few with the kind of wealth to consider offsetting our taxes for a year.
Coincidentally, this morning, I was reading the sad story about Brook Astor, the now 104 year old heir to the John Jacob Astor fortune. She is beloved in NYC for her huge philanthropic efforts, over the years. Not only did she give away significant endowments to so many needy charities in NY, but hand delivered the funding. She never wanted to give her foundation money away, blindly. She wanted to see where it was going and to whom.
Apparently, a few years ago, she shut down her foundation due to her advancing age and declining health. It seems that her 82 year old son felt the foundation should have been turned over to him and has been punishing his mother by cutting off her most basic needs and forcing her to live in squalor. It is written that she now sleeps in torn nightgowns on a filthy couch in a degraded apartment that lacks heat and air conditioning.
Her grandson, his son, is now taking the issue to court. What a terrible way for such a wonderful and caring lady to end her days.
In any case, I doubt Freehold Borough has anyone like Brook Astor in its background. I hope whomever reads her tragic story realizes that her charity to others really benefitted the lives of so many - and according to the NY city papers, people fondly remember and appreciate her contributions. What a legacy she will leave behind! The articles I read were full of love and sympathy for her. Such would be the case if benefactors shared their wealth with the people of our own town.
Being a cancer survivor and living each day as if it were my last - I know that if I had amassed great wealth, I certainly would be sharing it with the needy. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have the same idea, to their credit. They know they can't take it with them.
A citizen's group to look into this for Freehold Borough? If others thought it might fly, I'd be glad to pursue this with them. These are financially trying times for all of us and, perhaps, ideas such as this are worth considering. Anything we can do to improve the human condition is worth engaging our minds and hearts in.
Marc L.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jul 27, 2006 11:43:11 GMT -5
Publius:
We hear you and Brian responded directly to your original post. True, I may have only alluded to some of your comments in a subsequent post, prior to going off on a bit different tangent, but some of your points are well taken and should be discussed in detail, out in the open.
I'll leave the topic of fixing the schools to the board of education, though we all acknowledge what their present challenges are. Sorry, I can't help you with your neighbor (unless he is violating ordinances) nor can I improve the current real estate climate, which is being felt similarly everywhere. But, I would like to know what better services you would like to see in Freehold Borough. This is the kind of stuff this message board is all about.
Without revealing your true identity, I already know that you are very active in many issues in the Borough and are a very worthwhile critic of the ways some things get done. Your advice is valued by many! This is why I, especially, want to hear from YOU how you think the town can offer better services?
Let's see if your ideas/thoughts make sense and if others agree or disagree with you. Then, we can look at what things may be do-able and, at least, explain why some things may not be easily accomplished.
Marc L.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jul 28, 2006 11:29:37 GMT -5
Publius:
This is a good suggestion for our Rental Committee to address in its dealings with Hank Stryker and his staff. I share your concerns about the need for better public relations throughout the town and, especially, with our Code Enforcement department. They do not have an easy job and catch alot of flack from the residents. Often, they deal with confidential matters that frustrate those making complaints. Many aren't aware that some of the people we are after can escape prosecution on a tip or from some legal technicality, resulting from errant communications with the public.
It should also be noted that there efforts are partially impacted by the quality of the judge we have on the bench. We now realize that our courts are in much better shape with Scott Basen, as judge. The best way to tell is by looking at the increased fines collected and the buzz around town that he doesn't let folks off, easily. He was a good choice, as was our prosecutor, Kathy Sheedy.
Code Enforcement also just began conducting 100% inspections of rental properties, using existing staff. This should net some good results for the town. The rental committee may recommend some additional changes that will give them even more tools to use against ordinance violators.
I will take all this up on your behalf at future rental committee meetings. Thank you.
Marc L.
By the way, people will have an opportunity to discuss police activity with our police department at National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1st in the Hall of Records Annex parking lot between the hours of 6:30pm - 9pm.
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