Vote NJ Republican? Why bother?

It's gotta be frustrating to be a Republican legislator in Trenton, for the same reason it's frustrating to elect Republicans to the New Jersey legislature; as the minority party, they are largely ignored anyway. But I always vote to elect Republican state assemblymen/women and senators for two reasons: one, I know their first solution to a problem won't be "tax somebody!" And two, they won't bend over for labor every chance they get. At least someone will be there to be the voice of reason.

If you won't hold the line on taxes - especially property taxes - and you become beholden to the NJEA, you can't be a Republican in New Jersey. You may as well be a Democrat. So, here's my problem.

I've been a school board member since 2000 - with about a three-year break during that time - on four different Morris County boards of education. In all that time, and for 10 years before, one of the NJEA's big goals has been to end districts' ability to subcontract support services (mostly non-instruction) - naturally, because it reduces their membership and income. Also during that time, board members have born the brunt of anger over property taxes. And, of course during this time, like you, every campaign season my mailbox is full of promises from Republican candidates for legislature that they're the ones who will reduce your property taxes.

So imagine my surprise to find that this year's iteration of the subcontracting law actually passed! Surprised, because in the past even enough Democrats recognized that paying more for support services would have an adverse effect on property taxes. But surprise turned to shock when I found out that Assembly bill A-4140 and its Senate version S-2303 both passed by margins indicating bi-partisan support!

Here's a partial list of the groups lined-up against this bill: NJ School Boards Association, the Garden State Coalition of Schools, the N.J. Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools, the N.J. Association of School Administrators, the N.J. Association of School Business Officials, the N.J. Business and Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, the N.J. State Chamber of Commerce, the N.J. State League of Municipalities, the N.J. Association of Counties, and the N.J. Council of County Colleges (also impacted).  

But that's not the worst part.

Our Republican Assemblywoman Aura Dunn voted for the bill in the Assembly.

Our Republican Senator Anthony Bucco sponsored the bill in the Senate.

Not remotely possible, said this Republican. Then, a quick search reveals:

Bucco and Dunn earn endorsement of the NJEA in District 25 special election

Oh, look - the Labor sector is by far the largest industry contributor to Assemblymember Dunn! 

Note: Brian Bergen - a principled Republican - voted against this bill in the Assembly.

My, how times have changed. Turns out my reasons for voting Republican are a bit out-of-date; even Republicans can now be bought by labor.

If salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out.

I'm proud that our school board has kept property tax increases within the 2% cap. But I know that the economics say that won't last forever. Will this bill, signed into law early this month, result directly in a property tax increase? Probably not. But it's like death by 1,000 paper cuts. A protection against cost increases that we've used to good measure has been taken away. And by Republicans, no less. Republicans who will continue to brag that they never voted to increase your taxes!

I am a member of the Wharton Board of Education, but I am speaking only for myself. If you were going to vote Republican for NJ state legislature, why bother?