Need Public Review of How Leaders Spend Tax Dollars

To The Editor:
So much for our county and municipal leaders trying to follow Gov. Chris Christie’s popular plan for trying to limit spending for 2010 and beyond.
As I reviewed my new tax bill, I noted:
• Local municipal tax rate up 13.9 percent
• County tax rate up 18.0 percent
• County Library tax rate up 3.6 percent
• District School tax rate up 7.5 percent
• Fire District tax rate up 3.5 percent
• County Open Space tax rate — only rate not increased
Thus a Middle Township resident will pay 9.9 percent more in taxes than last year.
Most residents are living on reduced incomes this year. (As an example, no property tax rebates) while it seems our leaders find ways to spend more, not less.
Many New Jersey towns and counties have developed plans to reduce spending resulting in minimal tax increases this year and next year. Where are ours?
We need some mechanism for public review for all planned spending for this year and next year, so that all residents are aware of how our leaders spend our tax dollars.
Finally, are most citizens aware that if taxes are increased 10 percent per year our taxes will double in eight years?
JOHN OELKERS
Court House