“Taxpayers First?” Really?

Another election. The same slogan: “Taxpayers First.” Middletown Republicans recycle it year after year, as if repeating it will make it true. But a campaign slogan doesn’t pay our property tax bills. And taxpayers have every right to ask what, exactly, they’re getting for their money.

Families and longtime residents are working hard to keep up with the cost of living here. Meanwhile, the people running our town continue congratulating themselves on their “sound fiscal management.” This year’s municipal budget presentation acknowledged an increased tax levy while explaining a lower tax rate. Bottom line for us, taxes went up.

And while we’re paying more, we deserve answers about how our money is being spent. Consider the years of litigation over affordable housing and the former Circus Liquors property. After fighting the developer and unsuccessfully attempting to pursue condemnation, the Township has reached a settlement allowing up to 450 homes. This “settlement” is a loss in a fight we never should have been in, that we knew was coming, and no anyone who tries to sell it as a good addition to our Town is simply lying.

Look also at our infrastructure. Residents want neighborhood roads maintained, dangerous intersections addressed, and sidewalks that are safe and passable. They want development decisions that account for traffic, public services, and the character of surrounding neighborhoods. These are the basics of local government. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to keep asking whether their street or their neighborhood will finally become a priority.

Our schools, the bedrock of our community, remain another painful example. Even if your own children have long since graduated, strong schools help sustain Middletown’s stability, appeal, and property values. The Board of Education controls the school budget, and the Township Committee cannot dictate its decisions. But that does not excuse the Committee from pursuing practical cooperation, shared services, and responsible planning. Residents pay both bills. They deserve public officials who work together to solve problems.

It’s time to ask the same simple question we asked last year: What has “Taxpayers First” actually done for you?

Vote for Jeremy Seideman and Shawn Wallach for Township Committee. Replace the rubber stamps with independent voices who will examine the spending, challenge the assumptions, and put residents’ interests first.

It’s time to make “Taxpayers First” a standard our government lives up to.