May 8, 2002

WHEREAS, a basic tenet and founding principle of the United States of America holds that the "just powers" of a govermnent rest on "the consent of the governed;" and

WHEREAS, ours has, threfore, been called "a government of the people by the people and for the people;" and

WHEREAS, the people of this State have reserved to themselves, as part of their intrinsic sovereignty, the right to alter or reform the State Constitution and the statutes when the public good may require it; and

WHEREAS, the current system of property taxation in this State is regressive because it is not based on the ability to pay and is an inordinate burden on citizens and a disincentive to business investment; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to revise and amend the State Constitution and the statutes to lessen the dependence of local government on property taxes, reduce property taxes as a share of overall public revenue, and find alternative means of funding local government services; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature, when considering proposals for broad restructuring of revenue sources, recognizes that there is great political risk in making recommendations which the general public might perceive as increasing taxes; and

WHEREAS, it is, therefore, essential that the citizens of New Jersey are fully engaged in the effort to restructure taxes; and

WHEREAS, the most effective way to have maximum participation is a public vote on whether or not to proceed with a tax reform process and, if this question is approved, another vote by the public to ratify the recommendations for tax reform; and

WHEREAS, the convening of a constitutional convention for the purpose of recommending amendments to the New Jersey Constitution and changes to the statutes is the most appropriate method for building a consensus for, and implementing, reform.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Plainsboro supports the effort to place before the electorate the question of calling a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing property tax reform, as spelled out in S- 478, sponsored by Senators John Adier and Robert Martin, and its companion measure, A-540, sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Roberts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we do call on our fellow citizens to inform themselves about this issue, and to join in our efforts to advance the cause of property tax reform, through support for S-478 and A-540; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to our State Legislators and to Governor McGreevey, urging them to act favorably on the Legislation, so that the voters may be able to express their will on Election Day, November 5, 2002; and to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

I certify the above to be a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Plainsboro at a meeting held on May 8, 2002.

Patricia F. Hullfish
Township Clerk

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