Commentary: A budget message from Bruce Sisler, Morris Township committeeman

By Bruce Sisler, Morris Township committee

Congressman Abraham Lincoln said in 1847, “If there is anything that links the human to the divine, it is the courage to stand by a principle when everyone else rejects it.”

I have worked hard for Morris Township over the past six years to take a principled yet practical approach to our budgeting process.  Balancing taxes and services is a very difficult job.  I believe that because of our historically strong fiscally conservative predecessors, Morris Township remains a fantastic place to live, raise a family and retire.

However, in the aftermath of the 2016 revaluation, this year’s budget cycle is not only important, it is critical to the future of our seniors, families and singles.  We saw many of our resident’s properties “increase” in value– that means their tax rate will increase.  It might be you.

Because of that increase, the Township must work even harder to control taxes this year. Reducing taxes wherever possible will help you to balance your budget and adjust to the revaluation.  I want you to know that I will be laser focused on budget cuts in order to ensure that you do not have an undue burden on your wallet.

My approach is simple– reduce taxes to ensure the municipal portion of your tax dollar is not increased at all.  I call on the Board of Education as well as the County to join with me in this resolve, as there are other towns in Morris County that have had revaluations completed recently.

The methodology is not one that will be like a farmer with a sickle but rather a doctor with a scalpel.  I encourage our finance committee to do the same. It is time to fund the most critical services and stop bloating those amenities that only place financial burden on the backs of those with a fixed income in the name of “quality of life.”

I have and will continue to spend countless hours working for you to make sure your taxes are kept in check.  I have read, debated, and thought about you and your tax dollars for the last six years because whether you are a senior citizen, a young family or a single person, keeping Morris Township affordable is my #1 priority.

Fellow taxpayers, we are in a unique place in Morris Township history.  The Township Committee can choose to make the tough decisions now to preserve the future of Morris Township or choose a politically expedient way.  I will heed Congressman Lincoln’s words, no matter what the political consequences are for me.  Standing on principle is key.

Morris Township is the best place to live and raise a family and my goal is to keep it that way.