West Windsor Council members Bryan Maher and Linda Geevers spent many hours analyzing the proposed West Windsor budget in order to save taxpayers money. Both believed it was possible to achieve a meaningful reduction in the budget — and subsequently an actual decline in taxes — which would have gone a long way to make up for many years of increasing taxes in West Windsor under the current administration and thereby helping those families that have been hit hard by the economic downturn.
Unfortunately, when it became clear that their Democratic councilmen and women would not support an actual tax decrease, they offered a zero percent increase budget as a reasonable compromise. Instead of receiving praise for their efforts they were criticized and their ideas were disparaged by the Mayor who accused them of engaging in partisan politics. Protecting the public from unwarranted increases in government spending is not partisan it is simply good government.
While democracy does not require that we all agree, democracy is best served when we encourage — not stifle — debate and discussion. Council members Geevers and Maher should be congratulated on their dedication to the citizens of West Windsor.
Christine Bator
