Emergency Aid for Ewing Must Be Provided

By Dave Glass

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emergency aid for Ewing must be provided

Bob Martin calls on Governor Corzine to provide emergency aid for Ewing

Ewing (August 9, 2007) -- Bob Martin, State Senate candidate in the 15th district, today called on Governor Corzine to provide emergency funding for Ewing Township. Ewing faces an $8 million budget shortfall, due to increased expenses and lost revenues. The increased funding will in part provide funding for five additional police officers. The $4 million asked for by Ewing Mayor Jack Ball, will help offset about half of the 43 cent projected property tax increase.

"Governor Corzine needs to provide the same level of funding Ewing has received in the past to help the taxpayers of this town. He needs cut through what appears to be partisan politics and assist a town that is working very hard to fix its financial situation,” Martin stated. “I am also calling on the Governor to establish a formal process and criteria by which cities and towns get municipal aid.”

Ewing continues to request aid from the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Based on news reports, the DCA says that there are no funds available and admitted there is no formal application process.

“I am disappointed with the state legislators in our district, because it appears they are not working hard enough for the taxpayers of Ewing. At a time when Trenton can easily receive millions in critical aid, the residents of Ewing deserve to have their $4 million request addressed.” Martin said. “This funding is of critical importance for Ewing, as it will provide more law enforcement in a town that is at the crossroads of rising gang violence.”

In 2006, under Democratic leadership, Ewing received $4.5 million in municipal aid. In 2007, Republican Mayor Jack Ball is experiencing resistance in his request.

In addition, Martin stated, “Unfortunately it appears that Ewing taxpayers are being cut-off from the state aid they are entitled to because of a change in mayor. A year after receiving $4.5 million, it is questionable that there is no money for Ewing this year. We need a formal process and criteria for deciding who and how much cities and towns are eligible for in state aid. Decisions on funding must be made on real need, not on partisan politics.”