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| Hard Drivin': Council Hopeful, Frank Becker |
As I've noted before, Pohatcongers are becoming increasingly interested and involved with matters of local governance
and blog posts on these topics tend to attract quite a bit of
interest. Along these lines, recent council elections have become more
competitive and turnout has been increasing. There is a good chance that
this years council election could see a real surge in voter
participation. One of the candidates running for the vacating council
seat is Frank Becker, who has become somewhat of a regular at council
meetings over the last couple of years. Time for some Q&A with
our candidate...
Pohatcong Blog : Good
morning Frank. One of the things I've remarked on in my past comments is
that we have a contracting economy out there and that statistically,
family incomes are in decline. However, against this backdrop, we are
still seeing municipalities in New Jersey, Pohatcong included, with
annual budgets that are increasing and fueling a seemingly never ending
tax spiral for local tax payers. I've noticed that this is an issue that
very much concerns you and you have come up with some ideas that can
potentially reverse this process . Care to expand?...
Frank Becker: Property taxes in NJ
are the highest in the nation and Pohatcong property taxes are among the
highest in NJ. I started attending township council meetings to find
out why. Amazingly, The township borrowed over $3 million - about
$2,500 per household - to pay for an expansion of the municipal
building. Going forward I requested that the township get approval from
residents and taxpayers before borrowing and spending on large
projects. Mayor Kern followed up on the idea and introduced an
ordinance requiring voter approval through referendum before borrowing
and spending more than $400,000.
Since running
for council I have been knocking on doors and introducing myself to
residents. People tell me that they can no longer afford the high taxes
in Pohatcong. As a councilman and former Chief Financial Officer of a
business, I will continue to find ways to save taxpayer dollars.
Pohatcong Blog: It doesn't surprise me that people are finding that Pohatcong has become an increasingly unaffordable place to live and it
is really sad that alongside our sagging economy, many people are
seeing the value of their homes getting crushed. Speaking of the
economy, I have frequently felt that not enough has been done to develop
and promote our local economy here in Pohatcong. We have some
wonderful small business' here in town that are quite unique e.g. our
vineyards. What do you think could be done to change and improve that?
Frank Becker: We can do more to support our current local small businesses and to promote the start of new business.
Pohatcong Township has been very successful in promoting big box stores,
fast food restaurants and gas stations along Route 22. These businesses
often require more police protection and other township resources than
can be supported by the taxes paid by the
establishments. Yet there are other businesses which require little
support and pay proportionately higher taxes. Warren Glen Market is the
kind of small business that is an asset to the community and needs to be
supported. The market is a very light user of
township resources. Yet when the market wanted to put up a sign, the
township placed roadblocks in the way. The township needs reasonable
zoning rules which are applied consistently.
Whenever possible and competitive, local contractors should be used by
the township. For example, a local architect wasn't even invited to bid
on the municipal building expansion even though he lives on Municipal
Drive. Now the expansion is not only extravagant
at a cost of $3 million but it is also behind schedule. My wife, Trish
and I moved here seven years ago, drawn to the historic and natural
beauty of the township. When we added a carriage house to our home we
used the skills of that local architect as well
as a local surveyor and two local excavators. We also purchase our
driveway stone from the local quarry. We value local businesses.
Our vineyards and our farms are integral to the rural atmosphere we all
enjoy. Wherever and whenever possible we need to support our vintners
and farmers. For example, if a vintner needs a new building, the
township needs to expedite the approval process. The
township also needs to support the farmers' right to farm.
Pohatcong
Blog: As readers of this blog may have noted, one of my recurring
themes has been on the need for local communities and especially
individuals to develop strategies that can make them more self-reliant, i.e.
resilient in the face of increasing global economic uncertainty. As I
peer down the road, there is nothing to dissuade me from my argument
that harder times lie ahead, certainly not the deteriorating situation
we have with global energy resources which feed our industrial
economy in every way. If you believe, as I do, that our world is about
to get a whole lot smaller, then it all comes back to our local
communities: our families, friends and neighbors helping each other-and
less reliance upon government redistribution programs as the people's
savior. I have urged people to get involved with local government,
insist on better information flow, support local food banks, do
practical stuff like plant vegetable gardens instead of lawns, take some
responsibility for their personal safety, etc. If elected to town
council would you support these type of activities / initiatives and do
you see anyway that from your newly elected position that they can be
enhanced and/or expanded upon?
Frank Becker:In general I believe in less
government rather than more government. I also believe in local control
rather than state mandates. The municipal building expansion is an
example of abusive state mandates. The state mandated a separate
bathroom for the
judge, a separate office for a part time prosecutor which is only
occupied a few hours per week and a separate locker room for female
police officers even though there are none on the force.
It has been proposed that Pohatcong contract with a single garbage
collector and include the cost in our taxes. I oppose this idea because
it moves control from the individual to the township and limits
competition.
I also believe more in self reliance than government entitlements.
On a personal level, I volunteer my time and talent for the greater
good and encourage others to do the same. I feel better when I give
willingly rather than having my income taxed and
forcibly redistributed. I am seeking a seat on Pohatcong Township
Council because I have the time, talent and energy to serve my
community.
Pohatcong Blog: Well thank-you Frank for taking the time out answer some questions and for your well-detailed responses. You have certainly run a very energized campaign for what I've heard and I wish you the best for Election Day on Tuesday, November 6th.
