Dear Editor:
Glenn Cunningham was wrong to take Jersey City out of New Jersey’s “Distressed Cities” aid program. Every dollar that Jersey City no longer receives from the state is a dollar that Jersey City will now have to take from local homeowners to pay its bills.
Additionally, Glenn Cunningham is being dishonest when he suggests that he has improved Jersey City’s financial situation. While I was mayor, we increased non-property tax revenues from new development at a rapid pace, while limiting spending and debt growth to an average of only about 1 percent a year.
But a review of Glenn Cunningham’s record shows that at the same time as development has slowed and he is turning down state aid, he is proposing to massively increase city and agency borrowing, and use the money to pay for big increases in city and agency spending. This will push up Jersey City’s future property tax and water rates dramatically.
“Distressed cities” money comes with a lot of state financial controls. But it is not right for Glenn to pile debt upon the backs of Jersey City residents simply so he can increase the salaries of political supporters without having to ask the state for permission.
Glenn should slow his spending and borrowing and fight for more state aid for Jersey City, not give up what little state aid Jersey City is getting now. The people of Jersey City have put their trust in him. He should not hurt them with huge future property tax and water rate hikes!
Sincerely,
Bret Schundler
Former Mayor of Jersey City