Letter to the Editor: Budget Debate 'a Question of Right and Wrong'

To the Editor:

Over the last several years, West Deptford Township meetings have been referred to as a “dog and pony show” by Committeewoman Syzmborski. A local resident stated “this is like high school girls” and the press has highlighted that “tempers/emotions flare and run high.”

I would applaud the recognition of the “temperature.”  After twenty-plus years of Democratic control, we have seen taxes skyrocket, spending (including payroll) flare out of control, our debt has soared, and property values have declined.

Thankfully, with a new majority that trend is changing. Look no further than the introduction of a zero increase/ flat tax budget. 

The reason why emotions are high is simple: the way of life for those benefitting from reckless spending by the government is being threatened. 

If you benefit from the tax dollars of residents, and those tax dollars are being asked to stay in the residents’ wallets and not yours, tempers will flare. That is what is taking place in West Deptford, and it is about time!

There are two sides: those elected leaders who benefit from tax dollars and those residents who want to keep their tax dollars. For more than twenty years, no one represented the residents who want to keep their own money.

Now that this representation is present, those who benefit from our tax dollars are protesting. Finally, those who want to keep their hard-earned money are speaking out too. 

Having an engaged community is good, and witnessing change is good. A healthy debate on taxes in local, state, and federal government bodies across this country is, and should be, the norm. 

West Deptford Democrats have made it clear they want to continue to spend more tax dollars. West Deptford Republicans want taxpayers to keep more of their money.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It is a matter of right or wrong.

Shirley Vallee
West Deptford