Politics & Government

Gov. Christie Praises Princeton Consolidation

He touts consolidation as another tool municipalities can use to save costs.

 

Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday touted Princeton’s consolidation vote as an example of how New Jersey towns can cut costs.

“The Princetons have shown less than two weeks ago that they are putting practicality ahead of parochialism, that they’re putting the community’s interests ahead of anyone’s personal interests,” Christie told a packed crowd at Princeton Public Library. I came here today because they set an example for the type of government that I’m trying to bring to Trenton.”

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In Princeton, there have been efforts to consolidate since 1953, but it wasn’t until Nov. 8, 2011 that Princeton Borough and Princeton Township voters approved a measure to merge.

Best guess estimates show Princeton consolidation will cost $1.7 million in one-time expenses, but save nearly $3.2 million a year.  

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Princeton Borough Council President Kevin Wilkes and Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner appeared with the Governor on Tuesday. Christie also publically thanked Anton Lahnston, chair of Princeton’s Consolidation Commission, for his hard work.  

Christie hopes the rest of the state will look to Princeton’s example and share municipal services or consolidate where it makes sense.

“I think locally-driven decisions like this are the only way to do it, though” Christie said. “I am not someone who favors DCA (NJ Department of Community Affairs) or the Governor’s office coming in and telling municipalities they have to merge.”

Christie supported consolidation in Princeton. In September, he announced the state would pay for 20 percent of one-time consolidation transition costs. He also supports legislation to capitalize one-time transition costs over five years.

New Jersey towns are under increasing pressure to maintain service levels while keeping property taxes in check.

Christie said his administration is trying to help through pension and benefit reforms, capping arbitration awards and is now looking into the high cost of employee sick payouts upon retirement.

“The only way to control property taxes is to start paying less money,” he said. 

He said pension reforms alone this year have saved the state $267 million- and more than $500,000 for Princeton Township and Borough. 


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