Residents hold anti-tax rally outside convention center
BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer

EDISON - While Edison Mayor Jun Choi prepared to launch into his annual State of the Township address outside the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center on Jan. 29, former Councilman Bill Stephens was handing out tax appeal forms.

Billed as "the equivalent of a local Boston Tea Party" by a flier advertising the event, the rally was held about an hour before the State of the Township address inside. Set up behind a card table, Stephens, wearing the black leather jacket he is often seen in, handed out the forms to a gathering crowd, of which senior citizens made up a large part.

"It's primarily senior citizens, and they have been the hardest hit," said Zoning Board member Anthony Russomano, who was assisting Stevens during the event.

The event served as a general rally for those who were not happy with Choi's management of the township over the past two years. In addition to the tax appeal forms, information fliers were handed out stating that the mayor is looking for a 14 percent tax increase this year and a 10 percent increase next year.

"There are a lot of people here that are fed up with the taxes. Choi and his council promised us that he would cut taxes, and what we see is increasing - increasing consultants, hiring, across the board. The legal budget, it was doubled, so we're just upset he didn't do what he said he was going to do, and we're going to provide for the citizens some appeal forms, and we're hoping they can seek some relief," said Russomanno.

Mike Barfield, Choi's political director, stridently disagreed with the information presented on the flier, particularly what was said to be the tax increase.

"Their letter was full of lies and misinformation. There is no 14 percent tax increase; that is a lie. Next year's budget does not project a 10 percent increase; that is a lie.…It is a shame that Mr. Stephens would deliberately mislead Edison residents … to score cheap political points against Mayor Choi," said Barfield.

Russomanno said that the exact tax rate is still up in the air, but said that Choi promised that it could be up to 14 percent.

"They promised up to 14 percent. They don't know exactly what the rate is at this point. … I think we need a little time - let the council finish the budget process and see where the rate stands," said Russomanno.

Barfield also objected to the use of the township seal on some of the fliers being handed out, and he said it was a criminal offense with a fine of up to $1,000 for each instance.

Generally, people attending the rally reacted positively to the event, saying they were concerned about the rate at which taxes could go up.

"I think this is a good idea. I hope it works out," said resident Jack Mafus.

Stephens stated that speaking out against the mayor would be the only way to get attention on the tax issue.

"Unless you start complaining, [taxes are] just going to keep going up.…I'm not saying taxes shouldn't go up, I'm just saying taxes shouldn't go up 10 or 14 percent," said Stephens.