Bret Schundler Holds "Meet & Greet" Campaign Meeting

Story and Photos by Joseph A. Lypowy 3/7/05

   New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary candidate, Bret Schundler, held a "Meet & Greet" campaign public appearance at Capones Restaurant located in Downtown Toms River. The former mayor of Jersey City spoke to a crowd of about 100 people about how there has been a 36% increase in State Spending under Democrat control in the last three years, far greater than the rate of inflation. 20% of the increases has been in the last year alone. He stated that the State is "out of wack" and proposes to put limits on State spending. Schundler said he proposes to accomplish this by proposing a permanent property tax reduction amendment through public referendum. Schundler stated that the State could have offered a 12% reduction in property taxes this year if it did not increase spending by 20%.

   According to Schundler, Democrats are shifting the burden of taxes onto the property tax payers by reducing state aid to municipalities while increasing the state government. Schundler also explained that victory can be achieved by elected officials who deliver their promises of keeping the lid on taxes, not broken promises and platitudes. He also said he would like to create an Independent Corruption Inspector position to investigate and punish pay-to-play. He supports a strong state-wide anti play-to-play laws which also excluded "wheeling". If elected governor, he would reduce the State payroll, which has had a 8,000 job increase this year, mostly Democrat cronies according to Schundler. He pointed out that as the former mayor of Jersey City, he cut the payroll by 27%.

   During a question period he state that he is still in favor of eliminating all the tolls on the Parkway and repealing the Bed & Breakfast Tax which is hurting New Jersey's resort industry. He also stated he would use his position as governor to try to encourage the Federal Government to stop illegal immigration.