While meeting with voters, the common theme of late has been property taxes. The fact is that people are being driven out of house and home because they simply can not afford to live in New Jersey anymore. In response Carmen Pio Costa, Republican Candidate for Assembly in District 36, issues the following statement:

“Too many times as I meet with voters the predominant issue is taxes; whether it is the business tax, sales tax increase, gas tax, and primarily property taxes. People want to know what all this money is going to. Why the average tax bill in Nutley is over $5,000, and still the state is in well over $30billion in debt. Why there is no real relief in site, only smoke and mirrors in the form of a bogus property tax rebates? What do I plan to do about alleviating this burden?

It starts with bringing a practical problem solving approach to Trenton. It involves someone realizing the problem is not just with the overwhelming spending spree the Democrats are on with our tax dollars, to fund entitlement programs and projects for their well connected associates. It requires someone who realizes that three things MUST occur in order to bring about property tax relief; a) economic stimulus in the private sector b) a new school funding formula c) reduction of our state government. Upon the implementation of those three things, the state government will have the resources available to properly fund all school districts equally.

A new school funding formula is necessary in order ease the burden on local residents. While theoretically the Abbott Districts are great for parity in our educational system, in reality they create disparity by forcing excess burden on the districts that don’t have Abbott status. The real solution is to stimulate the economy in Abbott districts. Tools to accomplish this are already in place for the municipalities by way of rezoning and offering substantial tax abatements for entrepreneurs to revitalize these areas.

One of my first priorities, if elected, would be to work tirelessly to create a new school funding formula. As we all know the system as it stands now is not working to anyone’s benefit. This issue needs to be tackled by someone that is not beholden to any person or entity. The solution will not come from stop gap hole plugging, rather a through comprehensive long-term plan.”