Dear Editor:
Mayor Healy’s recent letter to property tax owners, enclosed with their second quarter bill, is quite amusing. Mayor Healy tells us good citizens of Jersey City that the City is in the midst of a “New Great Depression.” He does not know how right he is. After watching my real estate taxes increase by 11 per cent and then a whopping 25 per cent in just a few short months, I certainly have become greatly depressed. If you are a property tax payer, I am sure that you are also suffering from this new malady. Isn’t it wonderful that our city government can have such an effect on the mental health of its citizens?
But wait, Mayor Healy’s letter goes on. His administration now warns that the City will be conducting a property revaluation of all properties in the city. Mayor Healy informs us that one third of us will likely see a tax decrease, one third will see little or no change, and one third of you will see a tax increase. So, this revaluation is thus likely to make one third of you who are now greatly depressed, because of Mayor Healy’s tax increases, even worse. Perhaps some of you will become catatonic or maybe even suicidal. Mayor Healy’s stated purpose for the revaluation is to “ensure a fair and equitable distribution” of the City’s tax burden. Apparently, Mayor Healy’s idea of equity and fairness is that when all people are hurting because of an economic downturn, it is fair to raise people’s taxes over 35 per cent, and an additional one third of you should suffer even more.
There is a helpful little pamphlet also enclosed with your tax bill explaining how the revaluation will occur. City inspectors will come into our homes and look for improvements. They are interested in such items as: (1) how many baths the property contains, (2) the age of the heating system, (3) the age of the fixtures, and (4) the condition of the property. The revaluation will take place over the next 18 months. So, if you have been contemplating making any improvements to your property, don’t do so until the inspectors have cleared out. Don’t hire any local contractors, plumbers, or electricians. Don’t buy any building supply or home improvement materials from Jersey City stores. Won’t this be great for our local economy? Simply let your property deteriorate lest you risk yet another tax increase. Or you can decide to move out of Jersey City now before it is too late.
It is clear that the Healy administration must be removed and replaced with an administration that slashes city government spending and lowers property taxes. Many of us love this town; it is time to act and save it.
The corporate seal of the City of Jersey is inscribed with the motto: “Let Jersey Prosper.” Mayor Healy and his administration obviously don’t agree with this motto. Mayor Healy’s motto apparently is: “Let City Government Prosper, The Hell With The People.”
Thomas Swartz