March 5th, 20089, Subject: Short, Byrnes applauded for their work on budget
In our current economic crisis, it is safe to say that everyone is
suffering right now with tens of thousands of job losses and pay
freezes nationwide. When times are tough, our elected representatives
must make difficult decisions by taking the finances of our town
seriously and helping those that need the most help — the
taxpayer. What better way to lead in these trying times than by setting
a good example and taking charge of what they were elected to do?
Therefore, I would like to applaud the Middletown Township Committee
for deciding to forgo their pay. They should go one step further by
eliminating the stipend and health benefits of all committee
appointees, namely the sewer authority. A request should go out to ask
the appointed professionals — like lawyers and engineers —
to accept a reduction in the contracts that were negotiated in
December. This is the example that should be set and is being suggested
by Committeemen Patrick Short and Sean Byrnes.
There are some that report that Committeemen Short and Byrnes criticize
insignificant savings, when in reality, they are looking to find
significant savings in items that are not self-funded so that those
that need the most help are not subject to the town helping themselves
to your hard earned dollars.
As homeowners and taxpayers, we deserve a Township Committee that is
going to set the tone for a township budget. This is not what is
happening, and over 20 percent of this year's budget has already been
spent. Committeemen Short and Byrnes are the kind of positive and
creative thinkers that are required to lead our town. They are putting
the taxpayer first by looking for ways to allow the taxpayer to keep
more of what they earn.
I applaud the work that Committeemen Short and Byrnes are doing to
drive this budget process. Even the other committee members recognize
the effort and have adopted some of their ideas. Hopefully, our town
can come out of this process on a positive note
Paul J. Jansen
Middletown