We have all known for quite some time that New Jersey is in financial difficulty. The causes are many and the list of those who contributed to placing us in this situation long. I acknowledge that Governor Corzine must make some very difficult decisions, however, I must strongly object to his efforts to solve the State's problems by penalizing many small municipalities. There seems to be a sentiment that small municipalities no longer have a right to exist. Small communities have been threatened with loss of all or a portion of their State Aid. This can only be seen as a step toward forced consolidation. Spotswood has operated efficiently for many years. We executed numerous shared services agreements, trimmed our workforce,and learned to do more with less. Our 2008 budget is under the 2.5% CAP and under the 4% Levy Cap and we were able to maintain all municipal programs,services,and we required no personnel reductions. After approximately 20 years in the Discretionary and Extraordinary Aid Programs, 2008 was to be the year that we no longer qualified for the program. We are proud of these accomplishments. Now it seems that we are to be punished for solid management and good government. We must wait until we see the actual reduced aid numbers, but we already know it will not be good news. It is truly sad that we will be punished for sound government. I know there will be much debate on these proposals before we arrive at a final decision. It is essential that the burden for solving New Jersey's financial problems be broadly shared and not placed on the backs of New Jersey property taxpayers. I urge the Governor and our Legislators to reconsider
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