DiVincenzo Replies To Caldwell Councilman's ‘Zoo & Taxes’ Letter

CALDWELL, NJ — “If you really wanted to have a meaningful discussion, why not contact me directly? Instead, you posted a letter to your Facebook page, which I do not follow.”

This was the political jab that Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. had for Caldwell Councilman Jonathan Lace, who recently criticized the county’s spending on the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.

Earlier this month, Lace – a fellow Democratic party member – told DiVincenzo that it’s time for the county to pump the brakes on spending at an “already-superb zoo.”

Recently, the county-managed zoo has seen vocal pushback – and support – for several proposed expansion projects within its borders, including an amphitheater/stage with a 150,000-gallon pool and a new bear exhibit with an estimated price tag of $16 million.

• See related article: Fight Continues Over Expansion At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ
• See related article: Amphitheater At Turtle Back Zoo: 'Education' Or 'Overspending?'

Supporters of the expansion, including DiVincenzo, have insisted the additions are needed to help the zoo continue its mission of education and conservation. An online petition started by docents at the zoo has gained more than 1,400 signatures in favor of building the new amphitheater.

But opponents have questioned the need for more spending at the zoo, especially as property taxes continue to slam local homeowners still reeling from the recent federal changes to their SALT deductions.

• See related article: Caldwell Councilman To County: Focus On Tax Relief, Not Zoo

Lace began his letter to DiVincenzo with a thank-you for a “much-needed crosswalk across Central Avenue.” But the tone of his correspondence soon took a turn, with the councilman asking DiVincenzo to place the proposed amphitheater development at the Turtle Back Zoo on hold until SALT deductions can be restored and state aid can be secured.

Read his full letter below.

On Aug. 13, DiVincenzo fired back with his own letter. Here’s the text of the county executive’s response to Lace:

“I would like to thank you for your kind words about the partnership between Essex County and Caldwell to install a crosswalk on Central Avenue. The results demonstrate the cooperation and openness that the county regularly exhibits with our municipal partners to enhance public safety and address local concerns.

“I am, however, dismayed at the tone of the second half of your letter when you write about the proposed Turtle Back Zoo amphitheater and suggest that the expenditure for an educational enhancement is an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers of Caldwell. Let's get the facts straight: Over the last eight years, the average county tax increase has been 1.5 percent, which is well below the 2 percent property tax cap imposed by the state, and our 2019 budget was introduced with just a 0.5 percent increase.

“I am proud of our financial record, especially the fact that we inherited a government that was one step above junk bonds and transformed it into a Aaa rated county! That's the highest rating and it's the first time it was achieved by Essex. If Caldwell has a difficult time balancing its budget and is proposing a 4.8 percent tax increase, take responsibility for the decisions you make. Don't cloak your shortcomings by casting dispersions at Essex County. It is more productive for our constituents if we work as a team; I am available to share with you the process and strategies we followed to place Essex County on solid financial ground.

“A hallmark of my administration has been pursuing projects that enhance our residents' quality of life, promote economic development and improve property values. A vast majority of the improvements we have made at the zoo, throughout our Parks System and to our infrastructure has been funded with grants, contributions and donations. For the amphitheater, we received a special appropriation from Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate President Stephen Sweeney. This appropriation has no impact on property taxes and, if it becomes no longer available to us, we will find an alternative funding solution.

“My job as county executive is to advocate for our county and find grants and other alternatives to lessen the burden on our taxpayers. I have a successful track record in doing that. If we did not ask the state for funding, some other county or municipality would have the benefit of this money instead of Essex.

“Let me finish by saying this: If you really wanted to have a meaningful discussion, why not contact me directly? I have always made myself and my directors available to each of our municipalities. Instead, you posted a letter to your Facebook page, which I do not follow, did not tag me in your post and did not fax or email the letter, which we did not receive until Monday, August 12. It was evident you wanted to grandstand to the public and provide them with access to the letter even before it was received at my office.

“My slogan has always been ‘Putting Essex County First.’ It is something in which I take great pride and will continue to do.”

LACE TO DIVINCENZO: NO ‘SUPLERFLOUS TAXES’

Here’s what Lace wrote to DiVincenzo earlier this month:

"I trust this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer weather. I am writing to express my thanks to you for allowing the borough to place a much-needed crosswalk across Central Avenue to connect the municipal streets of Wakefield Place and Central Place in Caldwell. This will greatly improve pedestrian safety in our borough.

"I'm also writing to express my concern over the proposed $8,000,000 amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo. Governor Phil Murphy has suspended the $4,000,000 in state aid that was to be used to offset the projected cost in response to the FY 2019-2020 state budget. Taxpayers in New Jersey have been particularly impacted by the loss of the SALT deductions on their federal tax returns. For many residents in Caldwell, this change has increased their taxable income, raising their tax rates significantly. In our FY 2019-2020 budget, the Borough of Caldwell raised taxes by 4.8% out of necessity to improve our infrastructure, provide adequate staffing, and maintain responsible savings.

"These were necessities. No resident that has spoken to me about the proposed amphitheater believes it to be a necessity, and many are distressed over what they consider to be superfluous taxes to improve an already-amazing Turtle Back Zoo experience for Essex County residents. At a time when federal government has limited our ability to deduct our state and local taxes, and when the latter have been raised out of necessity, I do not believe that the timing is right to proceed on the construction of a new amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo, however worthwhile such an endeavor certainly is for educational purposes.

"I am requesting that you place the proposed amphitheater development at the Turtle Back Zoo on hold until both our SALT deductions can be restored and until the state aid can be secured.

"Thank you for your consideration in this matter."

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