Scharfenberger Announces Buy Middletown Program To Boost Economy, Reduce Property Taxes
In his inaugural address upon becoming mayor of Middletown yesterday, Dr. Gerry Scharfenberger, PhD, announced that the Township will be rolling out a “Buy Middletown Property Tax Benefit Card” program that will enable resident to save a percentage of the amount they spend at participating businesses on their property taxes.”This is a win/win all around,” said Scharfenberger, “businesses benefit from increased sales volume and foot traffic, taxpayers benefit in that they have a simple, effective way to lower their property taxes, and the town benefits by stimulating the local economy. We also feel that this program will make Middletown more attractive to businesses looking to open in the area.”
The program will start after it passes legal review.
Upon taking the helm of Middletown, Scharfenberger lavished praise on outgoing Mayor Tony Fiore:
“No amount of hyperbole can capture the spectacular job done by Tony Fiore these past two years as mayor. Anyone who sits in this chair knows the enormous responsibility you take on. Mayor Fiore was strong-willed, outspoken and a tireless fighter on Middletown’s behalf, regardless of the issue. His leadership during Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath was phenomenal and made all the difference to Middletown coming through the disaster as well as it did.
Under his watch, the Middletown Township Committee was able to save the swim club at no cost to the taxpayers, bring a world class ice rink to town, institute single stream recycling, which doubled the number of pickups while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, renew Middletown Day with 100% private donations, and secure significant increases in employee benefit contributions, saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, just to name a few.
As I have said in the past, anyone who says this is a part time position is sadly mistaken, and Mayor Fiore is living proof of a person who devoted himself 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the job. As a fellow member of the committee feel fortunate to have him as a friend and colleague and grateful for what he has taught me about leadership and dedication to public service.”
Fiore remains a member of the Township Committee.
Scharfenberger’s prepared remarks can be downloaded here.
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Thank God for the Conservative Council in Middletown—an oasis in this cesspool of a Blue State led by a Buffoon…….
Scharfenberger hasn’t thought this through: a legal review before going public with his proposal to reduce property taxes based on how much you buy from Middletown only business would have been prudent. But, Gerry isn’t known for smart decisions, just the self serving kind — think cell tower revenue stream sale.
The more money you make allows you to spend more: greater benefit for the wealthy — probably already benefiting from “gentleman farmer” tax break — from what appears to be a proposed illegal tax break. Find real ways to reduce taxes by less spending, reducing health care costs, planning projects that don’t require bonding, truly competitive bidding, eliminating patronage appointments, reorganizing TOMSA.
Buy Middletown is little more than a logo and an online directory. A legitimate marketing effort might bring some life to it.
Will they be accepting the Buy Middletown card at the new methadone clinic (brought to you by the negligence of the good folks on the Conservative Council of Middletown)?
That was a rhetorical question “Maureen”.
@ 6:24 – Just curious, how were they negligent? What would you have done?
Art, so funny to watch the hapless loser Democrats try and find fault with everything the town council comes up with. In the meantime, their pathetic party keeps cranking out loser crack addicts, thieves and liars for candidates. Why the unions keep pumping money into these people is beyond me.
This idea was stolen from the Marlboro (Democratic) council who has had this same program in place for months.
So much for thanking “God’s will” for the Conservative Council in Middletown.
Lily Bee – are they going to press charges?
Don’t sweat it Lily Bee- virtually every successful endeavor in Middletown originated with Democrats. Now that Middletown’s Township Committee has been Democrat -free for awhile, they have to look to other towns for new ideas. But don’t worry, if this latest “brainstorm” is fraught with problems, they will be first to “credit” the Marlboro Democrats.
I have to say it’s never boring with the divergent sides in our largest town. Whatever, because we sure do appreciate the consistent large pluralities we get out of there! Bless yer pea-pickin’ little hearts!