def #90

def # 90 05/23/11

OCEAN COUNTY FREEHOLDERS PRAISE GOVERNOR’S EFFORTS TO PROTECT BAY AND OCEAN COUNTY TAXPAYERS

TOMS RIVER - Ocean County Freeholders today applauded Governor Christie for his firm commitment to revitalize Barnegat Bay and praised his actions to veto proposed legislation that would have increased taxes solely for Ocean County’s property owners.

"Governor Christie has been a strong guardian of Barnegat Bay," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "By vetoing S-1856, the Governor has demonstrated that he is a prudent steward of tax dollars without sacrificing his pledge to protect Barnegat Bay. This legislation was oversimplified, redundant, and an attack on all property taxpayers in Ocean County.

"The legislation would have had the county assess more taxes on new housing and businesses which would be passed on to our residents and business owners," Vicari said. "We already assess the full cost of stormwater control and management on development that has an impact on county stormwater management facilities."

The vetoed legislation, S-1856, duplicates many ongoing projects directed at preserving and protecting Barnegat Bay that are currently under way in Ocean County. In addition, Ocean County taxpayers have invested in excess of $1 billion to protect Barnegat Bay through a host of programs including the preservation of natural lands, five pumpout boats, and the creation of the Ocean County Utilities Authority just to name a few.

"The Barnegat Bay is a recreational and environmental treasure that is enjoyed by visitors from across the state of New Jersey and throughout the U.S." Vicari said. "Protecting it needs to be the combined efforts of us all. I am glad to see Governor Christie recognized that need and vetoed the legislation that would have placed the burden solely on the shoulders of Ocean County residents. We are thankful for the Governor’s ongoing support to protect the bay and look forward to a continuing partnership with the state in making certain the bay continues to be cared for with vigilance and diligence."

Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, who was a staunch opponent to the proposed legislation noted that "it was not only redundant and a tax hike on our residents, but was also an attempt to bypass a 1999 constitutional amendment that demands state mandates be fully funded by the state.

"Governor Christie is fulfilling his pledge to protect Barnegat Bay, Ocean County tax payers, and his promise to uphold the constitution of the State of New Jersey," Little said. "We applaud these efforts and thank the Governor for his actions."