Incompetence or corruption
The Freeholders and the County Manager must explain if their actions are predicated on incompetence or corruption. There are too many statements that are made in the press and at the board meetings that contradict the truth. Even when faced with the facts our county officials continue to make statements that make no sense. They must explain if they really believe what they say is true or if they are lying deliberately. If they believe what they are saying is true even if it is contrary to the facts then they are incompetent. If they are lying deliberately then they are corrupt. Incompetence is easy to deal with but corruption is an evil force and must be met with righteous indignation.
The government of Union County is steep in both incompetence and corruption. The design is for both to coexist. It is really a brilliant plan which is why the corruption aspect of the situation is dominant. The best way for the corruption to flourish is to set up incompetent officials in leadership positions. Corruption is more difficult if a person of integrity is given a position of responsibility. The incompetence displayed by our Freeholders and County Manager is not only on a technical basis when it comes to administration but also on a humanistic basis when it comes to knowing right from wrong. The leadership's lack of values have caused them to be ethically and morally corrupt.
The system of corruption permeates throughout the entire county government. It even infects the municipalities and other public service organizations.The county government operates almost invisibly and so the effects are not readily recognizable. The issues that will be addressed during this campaign season will illustrate tactics used by the county which is run by nine freeholders all of which are Democrats. The control stems from the party power brokers who have managed to manipulate the county leadership into a tool used to extract tax dollars from the public and use it for their own benefit.
The county is broken. One party rule for ten years has resulted in a autocratic government that has worked counter to the good work done by the rank and file employee. Employees must first serve the party interest before the people. Good programs are eliminated or their effects are nullified because resources are diverted from their purpose in order to accommodate political desires.
Keep in mind as you read about the issues the motives for the actions taken. You will see that by following the money trail the purpose for all decisions are tied into retaining power, raising more money and directing it to their own coffers.
Victims of this corruption are the people of Union County, about 500,000 strong. It is costing them about 25% of the property taxes they pay along with their mortgage or through their rent. It is costing them their homes. There are people who are on fixed incomes and can not afford to stay in their homes because their taxes are out of control. It is hurting our municipalities and schools. The county property tax takes the financial resources from both the board of education and the local government. Education and safety are compromised by the county's uncontrolled taxation. Most importantly the health and well-being of our neighbors in need are neglected. Not only those that are materially poor but those who are sick and elderly. Every dollar that is wasted causes a pain in someone's life.
I am very passionate about ending the evil. The only way is
through the democratic system. I am running for Union County Freeholder
on the Republican ticket. Without any watchdog on the freeholder
board the cycle of tax and steal will continue. Please make a
difference in the future of the county. Please vote for a change
and give the people back their dignity.
Thank you,
Joe Renna