Thank you to the thousands of Westfield citizens who voted for me as Councilor At Large in the last election. I hope as I repeat my unrelenting support for Homeowners and Tenants, by my continued “STOP THE SHIFT OF TAXES ONTO THE HOMEOWNER”message, that you’ll vote for me again this Fall—- and that more voters will join our strong message and vote for me.
As a Gold Star Daughter (my father died in service in the Korean War), I will always support our Veterans and those currently serving our Country. Here are some facts on real estate tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients.
In 1974 the real estate tax exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans was $318 in Westfield on a bill that averaged $743 dollars per fiscal year— 43% of the bill was tax exempt. Today on a bill that averages $4272, the exemption amount of $1000 dollars is 23% of the bill. The exemption has not caught up with tax increases. A similar situation exists for the 10% Disabled Group and Purple Heart Recipients who receive a $400 dollar exemption.
As a result Councilor Figy and I have asked Rep. Velis and Sen. Humason to intervene on behalf of the affected Veterans. A large part of the exempted taxes are reimbursable by the State.
It is unfortunate that an unnamed person wrote into the Pulseline implying that I shouldn’t mention that I am a Gold Star Daughter, criticizing my sincerity in wanting to help Veterans. That unnamed person obviously can’t understand how a Father’s ultimate sacrifice to our Country naturally bonds you to Veterans—and to all those who served and are now serving.
This anonymous person also used tax figures which were quite misleading (not taking Property Revaluations into account) to say homeowners have been getting a great deal over the last 17 years. I DON’T THINK SO AND HOMEOWNERS DON’T THINK SO EITHER! As a former Assistant Assessor before my many years as a Human Resource Consultant, I understand property values real well!
It is unfortunate that as an election year starts, an unidentifiable attack, based on misleading, incomplete and distorted information is published.
Cindy Harris Councilor At Large
