December 17, 2017
Fair Lawn, Glen Rock Participate in Gottheimer Mayors Summit To Regain Tax Dollars
Westwood – Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) gathered bipartisan mayors from Bergen County for a Mayors Summit focused on regaining area tax dollars to Fifth District municipalities, therefore improving the return on investment and saving taxpayers dollars.
On Dec. 16, the Summit discussed the impact that the Tax Hike Bill will have on New Jersey towns and steps that can be taken to blunt the impact as “Moocher States steal our tax dollars,” according to Gottheimer.
Attending, in addition to Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer and Fair Lawn Councilwoman Lisa Swain, were Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko, Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz, Dumont Councilman Carl Manna, Emerson Mayor Lou Lamatina, Franklin Lakes Mayor Frank Bivona, Hackensack Mayor John LaBrosse, Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoeschler, Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali, Oakland Mayor Linda Schwager, Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, Ramsey Mayor Deirdre Dillon, River Edge Councilman Thomas Papaleo, Rochelle Park Committeeman Michael Warren, Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin, Westwood Mayor John Birkner, Wyckoff Mayor Rudy Boonstra, and Wyckoff Administrator Bob Shannon.
“North Jersey mayors are working hard to save their residents property tax dollars to help their school and first responders get what they need,” Gottheimer said. “I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Fifth District Mayors to do just that.
“We are paying far too much in federal taxes and the Tax Hike Bill is only going make that worse — eliminating our state and local tax deductions, increasing our taxes and lowering our property values. My District pays some of the highest federal taxes in the nation, and historically has only gotten back 33 cents on the dollar for what is sent to Washington.
“That’s compared to Mississippi which gets $4.38. For the dollars that we already sent to Washington, we need to claw back as much as possible and boost our return on our investment by fighting for federal grants. We’ve already seen record successes this year to support our cops, firefighters, and towns. Today’s about fighting for North Jersey. I’m leaving no stone unturned and hope that by sharing these best practices, our mayors can build on this success and save more money for their towns and taxpayers. There is nothing partisan about this; it’s just good for Jersey.”
