Vic Kaplan: Here's Why I Should Be NJ Governor (In 500 Words)

Cut property taxes. Invest in clean natural gas, nuclear power and solar energy. Responsibly reduce the size of government – and its cost. These are some of the plans that Vic Kaplan of the Libertarian Party has for New Jersey if elected governor.

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission recently released “position statements” from Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, and Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee. Each candidate was limited to 500 words or less.

Third-party candidates appearing on the ballot include Kaplan (Libertarian Party) and Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party). Candidates running write-in campaigns include Lily Benavides (Green Party).

Kaplan’s statement – which wasn’t available on the NJELEC website as of Monday – follows below:

“The most important issue facing New Jersey is affordability. Millions of people are struggling to make their ends meet. I support making housing more affordable by removing the impact fees (taxes) on smaller size-houses. I support changing the zoning laws to allow affordable housing, such as tiny homes and RVs, as well as the use of abandoned commercial and residential buildings to reduce homelessness. I support making healthcare more affordable by ending the certificate of need (CON) laws that increase the cost of medical services and reduce the number of hospital beds.

“I support gradually repealing the State Income Tax, which would save thousands of dollars for every worker, and allow for a significant reduction in property taxes, which are the highest in the nation. The State Income Tax (nine states do not have it) is to be replaced with user fees, with toll roads being the example. On top of reducing their property taxes, local governments could also use the saved money for other purposes, such as to boost the school funding. Finally, I support lowering the energy prices, by letting people choose their own company, just like with auto insurance.

“I support enforcing the US Constitution on New Jersey soil by making the presence of ICE null and void (Article I, Section VIII of the US Constitution only mentions ‘naturalization’ (citizenship) as a federal power). Federal immigration restrictions make it nearly impossible to legally come to the US. Starting with President Clinton on a bipartisan basis, the federal government has incentivized undocumented immigrants to remain in the US by banning legalization through employers and family members. About 93% of the people arrested by ICE had no violent convictions and 71% had no convictions. Let the local police deal with law enforcement. Let employers fund the travel/training of immigrants. Individuals who pass the background checks, have a right to come to the state on their own or with their families to seek work.”

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