For Immediate Release:                                                                                       Contact:

July 9, 2010                                                                                                         John Brigandi

                                                                                                                           609-481-1490

Northfield – Freeholder Candidates Art Schenker, Jim Gorman, and Charles Garret announced their support for the two percent property tax cap legislation passed in the State Senate yesterday and urged for county shared services to help local budgets stay within the cap without sacrificing services.

“Yesterday's vote in the State Senate is indeed some much needed good news for Atlantic County taxpayers who are struggling to pay basic bills, let alone the nation's highest property taxes,” said Art Schenker of Hamilton Township, who is running for an at-large freeholder position. “This new two percent cap represents voters' best hope for property tax relief as quickly as possible.”

“The public is demanding better control of local and county property taxes and this strict cap will certainly mean doing more with less,” said Jim Gorman, who is running in the Fourth Freeholder District, which encompasses Absecon, Brigantine, Galloway Township, and Port Republic. “The only way to do more with less, so that we do not see our local recreation programs disappear or fewer first responders, is to consolidate and share some services.”

Freeholder Charles Garrett had a prime example of an area where the public should not sacrifice services, citing the recent violence in Pleasantville.

“I have always believed that times of crisis can yield to times of opportunity,” said Freeholder Charles Garrett who is seeking his second term on the Board of Chosen Freeholders as a representative of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, and part of Egg Harbor Township. “I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to seek greater shared services and collaboration around our county, particularly in the areas of police and emergency services. I don't think anyone would disagree that this is exactly the wrong time to be cutting police in Pleasantville.”

While the Democrat Team does have concerns that a rigid cap will prevent much needed investments in job creation, workforce preparation as well as police protection, they are pleased with the compromise allowing voter input to allow such investments to be made. 

The bill, S-29, now goes to the State Assembly, where it is expected to garner the necessary 41 votes.

###