HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET AMONG NATION'S HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES - THANKS TO LINDA STENDER

For Immediate Release:  September 25, 2008

Contact: Amanda Woloshen, 908-267-1613

HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET AMONG NATION'S HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES - THANKS TO LINDA STENDER

GREEN BROOK, NJ - A new U.S. Census Bureau study released this week shows that homeowners in Hunterdon and Somerset counties pay the second and fifth most property taxes in the country.  This dubious distinction is in large part to the voting record of Assemblywoman Linda Stender.   

"This federal study may be new but it really isn't news to homeowners in Hunterdon, Somerset and the rest of the Seventh District," said Leonard Lance.  "The fact is my opponent Linda Stender has made a career in Trenton and Fanwood of voting for more spending and higher taxes.  I have a proven record in the Legislature of lowering taxes and fighting wasteful spending.  The choice for voters couldn't be clearer."

According to the Census Bureau study, Hunterdon County homeowners paid a whopping median $8,224 in taxes last year - good for number two in the country.  Somerset homeowners didn't fare much better with a $7,597 median tax bill - fifth highest in the nation.

Rather than solving New Jersey's property tax crisis, Linda Stender is part of the problem. Stender voted to raise property taxes over and over again.

Stender Votes Three Times On Fanwood Council To Raise Property Taxes

• ü In 1988, Stender voted to raise property taxes by 15 percent. (Source: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times, 4/7/88)
• ü In 1989, Stender voted to raise property taxes by 21 percent. (Source: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times, 3/30/89)
• ü In 1990, Stender voted to raise property taxes by 4.5 percent. (Source: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times, 4/12/90)

As Fanwood Mayor, Stender Presided Over More Property Tax Increases

• ü Stender as mayor presided over budgets that increased property taxes in 1992 and 1993. (Sources: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times. 5/7/92 and 4/22/93; and Office of the Clerk of the Borough of Fanwood)

As A Union County Freeholder, Stender Voted To Raise Property Taxes Again and Again

While Stender was councilwoman and mayor, property taxes in Fanwood increase 62 percent.  (Sources: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times 4/7/88, 3/30/89 and 4/12/90; and Office of the Clerk of the Borough of Fanwood)

As A Union County Freeholder, Stender Voted To Raise Property Taxes Again and Again

• ü In 2000, Stender voted to raise property taxes. (Sources: Union County Abstract of Ratables and Exemptions; and Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Resolution 637-2000, 5/11/00) 


• ü In 2001, Stender voted to raise property taxes. (Sources: Union County Abstract of Ratables and Exemptions; and Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Resolution 568-01, 5/31/01)
• ü In 2001, Stender voted to raise property taxes. (Source: Ordinance 524-2001, 1/18/01)

"Now more than ever, Central Jersey families need elected officials who will lower taxes, cut wasteful spending and bring fiscal responsibility to Washington, DC," said Lance for Congress campaign manager Amanda Woloshen.  "Homeowners in New Jersey pay some of the highest property taxes in the country as a direct result of Linda Stender tax-and-spend policies.  If Stender votes for higher taxes in New Jersey, you can bet she'll vote for highest taxes in Washington."

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Paid for by Lance for Congress