2002-RI06
RESOLUTION

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

WHEREAS, ours has, therefore, been called "a govermnent 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 governing body of the West Windsor Township 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 Adler and Robert Martin, and its companion measure, A-540, sponsored by Assemblymen Joe Roberts and George Geist, and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, properly updated so the process starts in November, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we do all 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 8-478 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 neighboring Municipalities and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

Adopted: May 6, 2002
I hereby certify that the above resolution was adopted by the West Windsor Township Council at its meeting held on the 6th day of May 2002.

Sharon L. Young
Acting Towship Clerk
West Windsor Township

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