Burlco Times smacks down 8th District Legislators

by: Jason Springer

Wed Apr 08, 2009 at 02:00:00 PM EDT

People who work in glass statehouses shouldn't throw rocks.

Eighth District Republican state lawmakers, Sen. Phil Haines of Springfield, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego of Evesham and Assemblyman Scott Rudder of Medford recently called for the head of Lester Richens, Burlington County's executive superintendent of schools, in the wake of his decision to veto Pemberton Borough's proposed school budget.

The town's school officials sought a waiver to the state-required minimum tax levy in order to make a $93,000 reduction in the school's tax budget, which would have lowered residents' property tax bills by a substantial $293.

If he had waived the minimum requirement, Richens would have had to break the law.

"The law is the law and I believe it's set to protect districts so that there is a minimum amount for education," Richens said.

The Republicans called that logic "twisted" and "convoluted." What's twisted and convoluted about upholding the law?

"Richens' message to property taxpayers is: You don't matter. You can't have lower property taxes. It's appalling," said Addiego in the lawmaker's news release.

What's appalling to us is that the elected officials who are in the best position to lower property taxes have chosen instead to make a scapegoat out of a Democratic appointee.

If we were cynical types, we would say that this smacks of political opportunism on the part of the legislators since they are all up for re-election this November.

Lawmakers Sen. Haines, Assemblywoman Addiego and Assemblyman Rudder have not announced any plans to change the law that requires districts to maintain a minimum tax levy even if it prevents districts from lowering taxes, which is what we elected them to do.

If they're not happy with the state law requiring a mandatory state minimum tax levy for school budgets and really want to help lower property taxes, Sen. Haines, Assemblywoman Addiego and Assemblyman Rudder are certainly in a position to do something about it.

We're anxious to hear how they plan to lower property taxes. Are you? Call them at 609-654-1498.