Petronko and Scrudato Have Returned Fiscal Sanity to South Plainfield's Budget
Council President Ray Petronko and his running mate Council member Joe Scrudato this week commented on the difference between last year’s municipal budget under the Republicans and this year under the Democrats. Ray Petronko said “I am really proud that we have kept our long held commitment to treat the borough budget just like our residents treat their family budget. This year’s budget cuts debt by almost $1million and reduces the amount needed to be raised by taxes by almost a half a million dollars. What a difference over what took place in 2008 when Matt Anesh and Rob Bengivenga controlled the borough’s finances.”
Joe Scrudato expanded on Ray’s comments “Most of our residents remember the mismanagement of last year. Within weeks of taking office the Republicans raised taxes, more than the combined total of the prior ten years under the Democrats. We promised that there would be no tax increase this year and we will keep that promise. That result didn’t happen by accident. It took hard work on behalf of Mayor Butrico and the Democratic majority on the council. We have worked with our employees to reduce costs. For example, we have reduced energy costs by $50,000.00 and will go a step further by implementing a green energy audit of all our borough buildings. We expect to save another $100,000 by incorporating clean, green energy in our infrastructure plan.”
Ray Petronko continued the discussion saying “In these difficult economic times we need to work extra hard to continue to improve services to our residents while at the same time increasing efficiency and reducing costs. We need to be innovative and think outside of the box. That is why we are changing to a calendar year budget cycle which even the Republicans on the council agree is a good idea. We will now be able to better align grants and other funding received from the state and federal government which will lead to a more efficient accounting of tax dollars.”
Joe Scrudato summed up the candidates position “In South Plainfield the Democrats have always been the party of fiscal responsibility. We can’t promise that there will never be another tax increase or that costs will never go up but we can assure you that we will never spend your hard earned tax dollars in an imprudent manner. If you honor Ray and me with reelection to the Borough Council we will work just as hard to keep spending and taxes under control.”