2008 budget: costly mismanagement
The Edison Township Council members who voted in favor of this budget, plus an administration who set the stage for this disaster, cannot claim innocence. A final hearing on the increased budget, which was ramrodded through in six hours, is just plain irresponsible. The chagrin of all who are concerned about the dollars that Edison taxpayers will have to fork out for this action has been set.

Good solid professional help was volunteered, but to no avail. The fact that you failed to use it is unconscionable. Budget details, which by state law should have been available to the prior council, were not forthcoming for months. It was not for lack of trying. Letters were sent to both the N.J. Department of Community Affairs and the N.J. Attorney General's Office requesting details to accompany the budget. The response was the same in both cases: "No jurisdiction."

The result of this action is a gigantic increase that all taxpayers will receive. Last year, Edison had six full newspaper pages of foreclosures. I believe that not only the taxpayers but everyone in town hall who relies on the budget will be impacted.

Still outstanding questions remain about $24 million in refinancing of bonds and also many trust funds. Promises have been made that the information shall be provided. Hopefully it will.

I believe that the above-stated objections are a prime example of what should not happen to a municipal budget. More oversight by state agencies, as well as more open public access, is desperately needed.

Jane Tousman

Edison