BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER

HACKENSACK – Webster’s dictionary defines ‘albatross’ as:

 “1 : any of a family (Diomedeidae) of large web-footed seabirds that have long slender wings, are excellent gliders, and include the largest seabirds
2 a : something that causes persistent deep concern or anxiety b : something that greatly hinders accomplishment”

Given the trajectory of this year’s Bergen County Freeholder race, Webster’s may be poised to add two new definitions: Rob Hermansen and John Driscoll. Both have come under fire in recent days for their previous records on taxes. Hermansen voted to increase taxes on Mahwah’s working families by a whopping 21.8% in just the last three years while Driscoll opposes the property tax rebates that have become essential for many families to remain in their homes during this economic downturn. Even worse, Hermansen has taken criticism for authoring the ordinance which hiked water rates on Mahwah residents by 62% annually.

Despite the fact that both are fond of portraying themselves as vocal tax advocates they have met the current criticism with a deafening silence.

“Driscoll and Hermansen owe the voters an explanation,” said Freeholder Vernon Walton. “Residents are right to worry about what their future would hold under Driscoll and Hermansen when their past is so checkered.”

“They say ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone’. If that’s the case then I’d advise Hermansen and Driscoll to keep their hands in their pockets,” Freeholder Julie O’Brien said.