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Politics & Government

Madison Republican Committee Co-Hosts Freeholder Meet and Greet

Primary hopefuls offer $24 million tax relief plan.

CHATHAM—The promise of a $25 million tax relief plan for Morris County residents was offered up by three Republicans vying to get their names on their party's ticket for the Morris County Board of Freeholders in the general election this fall.

The plan, announced by the team consisting of John Krickus of Washington Township, Ann Grossi of Parsippany and Tom Mastrangelo of Montville during a freeholder candidates' forum at the Chatham Municipal Township building on Thursday, May 20, includes a cut in the open space tax, taking money from the county's $40 million surplus account to give back to municipalities to make up for state aid cuts and a pledge to freeze the county tax levy to save $9 million.  Mastrangelo, who was not at the forum, was at an event in Parsippany.

Incumbent Freeholder Douglas Cabana of Boonton Township countered that the county's surplus is under $20 million.  He said that because of his team's effort, the county payroll decreased by 15 percent and the county led the state in shared services.  "We reduced the tax levy $2 million this year and $2 million last year.  We've reduced taxes.  Everyone wants a tax break but not a cut in services.  We're making government more efficient."  Incumbents Jack Schrier of Mendham Township and James Murray of Chester Township are part of Cabana's team. 

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The other candidates whose names will appear on the June 8 primary ballot for the three three-year seats are Gary Steele of Kinnelon and Jason Cullen of Riverdale who are running on the same slate, Charles Germershausen of Florham Park, Christine Myers of Mendham Township and Joseph Sirvent of Rockaway Township.  The primary winners will run against three Democrats on November 2.

Characterizing the $2 million reduction that the freeholders made in the budget this year as "creative accounting," Sirvent said that it only amounted to a .7% reduction that he called "not monumental."  He added that the operating budget goes up $7-8 million a year.

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Grossi said that county government, which "floats somewhere between state government and municipal government that no one really pays attention to," needs to reduce spending. 

Noting that 11 towns are interested in dispatch services once the capital expansion of the Morris County Public Safety Academy in Parsippany is completed, Cabana said, "Sometimes you have to spend to save."  He added that when the county's 39 towns have joined, for example, costs could be lowered.

Concerned about the county's coveted Triple A bond rating, which allows for money to be borrowed at a cheaper rate, an audience member said, "As soon as you spend, ratings go down."  The county has had a Triple A rating for 36 years.

Myers, who has 25 years of corporate experience, said that some of her focus would be on revenue growth and bringing businesses back to the county.

Schrier said that the current freeholders were "fighting to retain strong companies in the county, fighting to keep jobs here."  He added that while he could not disclose the company's name, "another pharmaceutical company is coming to the county that will bring 500 new jobs."

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