Scorched in Hudson

Teenagers and taxes (0.00 / 0)

I couldn't really care less about the Hudson primaries, because they were really lost once the ambitions of Brian Stack and Sandy Cunningham forced Bernie Kenny and Joe Doria out of the Senate.

But on the question of "How many teenagers actually pay either income tax or property tax in the state of New Jersey?" I would say a lot of them pay income taxes.  In fact, it only takes 140 hours at minimum wage to get about the State's $1,000 deduction before anyone in NJ has to pay state income taxes (the federal deduction is far greater, and that's why most teens don't pay a dime to Uncle Sam).  That's easy for anyone with a summer job or working retail on the weekends.

So yes, the SMART plan most likely will raise taxes on teens, as well as many other low-income individuals who don't pay property taxes, without giving them an offset in the property tax benefit.

---

by: PocketAces @ Mon Jun 04, 2007 at 20:29:04 PM UTC

MANZO - TWO-FACED OR JUST UNSURE OF HIS POSITIONS -- REITERATING OUR SUPPORT FOR SANDRA BOLDEN CUNNINGHAM (0.00 / 1)

MANZO ? TWO-FACED OR JUST UNSURE OF HIS POSITIONSREITERATING OUR SUPPORT FOR SANDRA BOLDEN CUNNINGHAM

In a May 3rd meeting with Hudson Diversity Action Council, Lou Manzo affirmed his willingness to fight in favor of same-sex marriage legislation if elected to the Sate Senate. 

In an article in today?s Jersey Journal, that position changed.  We find it extremely discouraging that, in an attempt to secure Hudson Diversity?s endorsement, Manzo was willing to express support for something within the safety of his office; however, is unwilling to stand by that commitment publicly. 

This begs us to ask: Where does Manzo REALLY stand?  Is his true position the one he issued privately, or the one he shares with reporters?  On how many other areas of policy will his stance change over the next four years?  Who can we trust?

?I don?t like negative campaigning?, begins Hudson Diversity?s president, Walt Boraczek, ?I think we should all spend more time focusing on the positive aspects of each candidate, but I can?t help but feel betrayed by today?s statements.  When I met with the assemblyman earlier this month, it was a good-faith effort to examine his positions on issues important to our constituency.  We felt more compelled by Sandra Bolden Cunningham which is why she won our endorsement.  This decision was difficult for us; however, we continue to see that we?ve made the correct choice.?

Citing Bolden Cunningham?s community connection and consistency, Boraczek also noted that the tipping point for Hudson Diversity?s decision-makers was ?Sandy?s tangible and heartfelt desire to participate in the process of bringing about advances in equality for all people.? 

Others across the state are more outraged.  Says Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality, ?The statewide LGBTI community is enraged at Lou Manzo for his continuous flip-flops over the years on marriage equality.  Just within the past month, one week he's said he?s for marriage equality, the next week he says he's not.  Lou ought to run a waffle house, not run for office.  His insensitivity on this issue is particularly outrageous given that his district has one of the highest percentages of LGBTI voters in the entire country.  Sandy Cunningham, in contrast, says what she believes and believes what she says.  She's the better candidate in this election by a mile.?

Barbra Casbar Siperstein, President of New Jersey Stonewall Democrats had this to say ?Until this point New Jersey Stonewall Democrats had been neutral on this race, Lou Manzo had a history and reputation of flip flopping on common sense civil rights issues, or in instances where he would act. it would be as the person who said he was going on the train, but who waited until the train had started moving, leaving the station, that he'd finally actually jump on. Mrs. Cunningham, as a newcomer, has here shown the ability to listen, learn come to her own conclusions and make strong decisions based on reality and, common sense justice. The difference is clear, we now  strongly endorse Bolden Cunningham!?

Boraczek concludes with this thought, ?It?s high-time we have someone who is a leader in Trenton, not someone asking others, such as the courts, to make decisions for them.  Hudson Diversity Action Council is fully committed to getting out there and supporting the leadership of Sandra Bolden Cunningham.?

Both Hudson Diversity Action Council and Garden State Equality have issued split-line endorsements in the 31st District Assembly race for L. Harvey Smith and Nicholas Chiavralloti. For more information on our endorsements, please see www.hudsondiversity.org.

---

by: waltb313 @ Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 17:58:57 PM UTC

Re (0.00 / 0)

I think you made your point in your original diary.  There's no need to spam the comments.

XT

---

by: Thurman Hart @ Wed Jun 06, 2007 at 00:34:37 AM UTC

[ Parent ]