Dickson: Disproportionate Increase in Short Sales, Foreclosures

Editor's note: This piece was written by Ellen Dickson, Republican candidate for the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It has not been edited. If you'd like to submit a letter to the editor, email michelle@patch.com.

Letter to the Editor:

  The  western suburbs of Union County could get a nasty surprise this year in their  tax bill. Every year an equalization formula is applied to the tax bill for  each municipality to adjust for  differences in assessed value.  The  eastern end of the County, Elizabeth , Linden, Hillside etc. have had a  disproportionate increase in foreclosures and short sales, and a larger  decline in property values.

Our County taxes are increasing  approximately 4.5%. To equalize and raise the needed revenue the western  suburbs could be apportioned much more than a 4.5% increase.  Many of  these municipalities had most of their municipal aid cut and some had ALL of  their school aid cut. This will be another punch to the gut that makes us  realize the cost of our government is just too expensive.

To quote  Peter Lijoi, Republican  candidate for County Sherriff, "Growth in the  County budget must be eliminated. We must stop funding programs that are not  mandated and just fund essential services." Let's elect leaders that are  committed to lowering the crushing cost of government.

Thanks for your  time, I can be reached at 908-598-1221 or www.ellendickson.com.

Ellen  Dickson, Republican candidate for Freeholder.