DeCROCE, DOHERTY ANNOUNCE SCHEDULE FOR REPUBLICAN TASK FORCE PUBLIC MEETINGS ON TOLL HIKES

N.J. TAXPAYERS INVITED TO ATTEND TO OFFER INPUT

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce and Assemblyman Michael Doherty today announced the dates of a series of town meetings to be held throughout New Jersey to seek public input on Governor Jon Corzine’s massive toll hike plan.

“It is quite apparent that taxpayers are frustrated and angry not only with the 800 percent road tax Governor Corzine is attempting to ram through the Legislature, but also with his refusal to listen to what residents are saying,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “Assembly Republicans hear and share their frustration and anger and that is precisely why we will be holding a number of our own town hall meetings to allow the voice of taxpayers to be heard.”

The meetings will take place in several locations around the state through March with the first one scheduled for Monday, February 11, 2008, 7 to 9 p.m. in Warren County. No advance registration is required and the public is encouraged to attend.

“The goal of our meetings is to give the public a forum to express their opinions on the Corzine proposal and gather ideas for better ways to address the state’s poor fiscal condition,” explained Doherty, R-Warren and Hunterdon. “Based on a number of polls and the hostile reactions the governor has been receiving at his town meetings, we know the vast majority of taxpayers strongly oppose the Corzine plan.”

“The governor asked for alternatives and many have been presented,” added DeCroce. “Unfortunately, Governor Corzine has no interest in listening to what people have to say. Assembly Republicans, on the other hand, welcome public input. We want to hear what residents have to say.”

In addition to DeCroce and Doherty, the Republican Task Force for Fiscal Responsibility is headed by Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris, and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, R-Monmouth and Mercer.

Below is a list of scheduled meetings all of which will run for two hours:

Location                  

Warren Hills High School       Feb. 11, 2008     7 to 9 p.m.           

41 Jackson Valley Road     

Washington, NJ  07882                       

Westwood Community Center  Feb. 18, 2008    7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

55 Jefferson Avenue

Westwood, NJ  07675

Wayne Municipal Building        Feb. 19, 2008    7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

475 Valley Rd

Wayne, NJ 07470                                               

Hunterdon Central High School  Feb. 20, 2008    7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

84 Route 31

Flemington, NJ 08822 

Egg Harbor High School            Feb. 21, 2008    7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

7 Swift Drive

Egg Harbor, NJ  08234 

Freehold Senior Center             March 4, 2008   7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

116 Jackson Mills Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Cheesequake Vol. Fire Co.       March 5, 2008   7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

113 Highway 34

Matawan, NJ  07747                              

Ocean Township Mun. Bldg.    March 6, 2008   7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

399 Monmouth Road

Oakhurst, NJ  07755

Additional meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.

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