Media Hopes Financial Problems in New Jersey Spur Change
The New York Times is reporting that the financial difficulties experienced by the State of New Jersey are causing the Legislature to re-evaluate the way taxes are assessed and collected. The article suggests that this may mean a reduction or redistribution of property taxes, and consolidation of local government services.
Although changes like these are sought by many New Jerseyans across the political spectrum, we don't see the necessary political courage in Trenton at the moment. Both parties are notorious for maintaining the status quo. As we suggested in an article last November, New Jersey's best hope for meaningful government reform would be for continued political stalemate resulting in a substantial change in the composition of the Legislature in the next election. Another possible solution would be the election of a third party governor who would force the Legislature out of its tendency to vote along party lines at every opportunity.