Middletown Democrats

Short takes the lead in Middletown Tax Revolt

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short has vowed that he will take the fight for township tax relief to the governing body when elected.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 24, 2006

POC: Patrick Short, Middletown Democrat for Committee,
Tel: (732) 796-9574

Short takes the lead in Middletown Tax Revolt

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short has vowed that he will take the fight for township tax relief to the governing body when elected.

"On the first day in office, I will introduce three ordinances, which I call 'Delay,' 'End' and 'Ban,'" Short said.

He explained that he intends on delaying the planned property revaluation in Middletown. He will also end pensions for elected and appointed officials who work part-time. And, he will ban any contractor who works for the town from holding an appointed or elected office.

"It is time for us to get serious and I am willing to take the necessary action to control our out of control spending here in Middletown," Short said.

Short, 52, is a retired lieutenant colonel from the United States Army. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1977. In addition, he holds three master's degrees in management and human relations, contract management and strategic studies and decision-making, respectively.

"I am a highly sought after project manager who manages multi-million dollar projects to cost and schedule. That is how I make my living and that is what I am bringing to Town Hall in my hometown," Short said.

According to Short, his 30-day plan when he is elected includes: restricting the amount of credit debt that the committee can authorize; elimination of health benefits for elected and appointed officials who work part-time; elimination of "tacking," where officials hold multiple positions to boost their retirement packages; and implement best business practices to pare down government and fully implement shared services with other agencies.

Short said he also intends on fighting for fair and equitable distribution of state funding for school and community grants.

"It has been time for change," Short said, "our community has been dealing with a need to re-look how Middletown is spending money, where it is spent and what course we will collectively chart for the future."

Short concludes that the time for change to finally take place in Middletown is this year, this election and in this race. "This tax revolt is not some public relations stunt, nor some campaign trick...this is about bringing sound management principles to this town this year and every year in the future," he said. "This is sorely needed and it is time."

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