Big spending, higher taxes -Asbury Park Press 2/7/05

The new year brought greetings in the form of a substantial tax increase for residents of Dover Township. For seniors on fixed incomes, it will exceed the increase from Social Security.

Prior to the last local election, many residents signed petitions to elect a mayor, rather than have one appointed. Most never realized they were also endorsing a change to a more expensive form of government. That portion of the proposed change was deliberately downplayed.

The ballot for mayor consisted of a Democrat, a Republican who was, in reality, a Democrat, and Paul Brush, who claimed to be independent. Most residents wanted an independent candidate because of squabbling between the major parties.

As soon as Brush was in office, he discarded the independent label and exposed his true colors. He was a liberal Democrat who epitomized the party's infatuation with higher spending and taxation. One of his first priorities was to seek a raise for himself, even though he knew what the position paid while seeking election. The request was rejected.

Exorbitant salaries for his political appointees guaranteed the need for a huge property tax increase. Hardest hit are seniors already strapped by fixed incomes and higher utility and medical costs. Dover residents were deceived and fleeced. One can only hope they will remember this if Brush seeks re-election.

Lawrence S. Katz

DOVER TOWNSHIP