Mayor Stephen Acropolis was in attendance for Governor Chris Christie’s press conference about his proposed reforms for New Jersey government and  applauds the Governor’s plans.

“New Jersey’s taxpayers can no longer afford the way government currently works in our state,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “These reforms that Governor Christie has proposed are much need and quite frankly long over-due.”

Governor Christie unveiled a package of 33 bills that are aimed at making New Jersey a more affordable place through systemic reforms.  These reforms include a 2.5% cap on tax levies, raising the retirement age, capping payouts for unused sick and vacation times and adjustment of civil service rules.

“Over the past two years, we have been working to reform the way Brick Township does business,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We have implemented reforms such as health care contributions, eliminating ‘Cadillac’ health plans, capping buyouts and reducing the size of government.  It is good to see the same changes taking place in Trenton.”

One of the most significant components of Governor Christie’s plan is Cap 2.5 which would eliminate the ability of towns, schools and counties to increase tax levies by more than 2.5%.  There would be no exemptions to the cap except for debt service.  The only way for the 2.5% cap to be exceeded would through a ballot question. Towns currently operate under a 4% tax levy cap that has numerous exemptions.

“When a government has to adhere to a hard cap, it is forced to trim fat from the budget and cut spending,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It makes us focus on what the core missions of government are.”

Another proposal is the reformation of the civil service system.  Towns would have the ability to opt out of the civil service system by ordinance or by petition by a percentage of voters.

“The civil service system is inherently flawed,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is an archaic system that seems to exist first and foremost to protect mediocre employees.  When we reduced staff in 2008, it was in accordance with civil service rules as opposed to performance.  It is not fair to our employees or our taxpayers to operate this way.”

Mayor Acropolis also supports the Governor’s proposal to cap buybacks of unused sick and vacation time.  “We have all heard about public employees retiring with a check for $100,000, $150,000 or even more when they retire,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This is unacceptable and unfair to taxpayers.  These payouts should be capped for all public employees.”

“The people of this state have had enough.  That was clear in April when the majority of school budgets across the state were defeated at the polls,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Governor Christie knows this and has developed a plan that will turn our state around.  It is my hope that the New Jersey Legislature follows the will of the people and enacts the Governor’s reforms."

# # #