September 19, 2018: "Back to the chalkboard: A look at school funding and property taxes"

Link to OP-ED by Sarah Neibart, Citizens for Accountable Taxation:

http://www.roi-nj.com/2018/09/17/opinion/back-to-the-chalkboard-a-look-at-school-funding-and-property-taxes/?linkId=57084849

From the OP-ED:

“Several previously-underfunded districts dedicated a portion of their respective newly-increased funding back to their residents to grant some property tax relief. Areas such as Lodi, Elmwood Park, Little Ferry and a number of others should be commended for doing so and for recognizing the sacrifices made by their residents.”


Prior to any outsiders joining the Lodi BOE, additional state aid was never used for tax relief.  Capizzi's teams always voted to raise taxes while receiving millions more in additional aid.  I am glad to have voted to give more tax relief to Lodi and also to have pushed the rest of the Board to give some relief (after they already voted for a 2.08% tax increase).  Without any outsiders and independent thinkers on the Board, taxes were going up regardless of how much additional aid Lodi was getting.   


Lodi needs more outsiders and independent thinkers and less Capizzi First politicians.  Without the career politicians, Lodi will see better performing schools and tax relief.


Side note: Lodi's school tax portion of your property tax bill is significantly higher than the state average of 53%.