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Scharfenberger Announces Buy Middletown Program To Boost Economy, Reduce Property Taxes
In his inaugural address upon becoming mayor of Middletown yesterday, Dr. Gerry Scharfenberger, PhD, announced that the Township will be rolling out a “Buy Middletown Property Tax Benefit Card” program that will enable resident to save a percentage of the amount they spend at participating businesses on their property taxes.”This is a win/win all around,” said Scharfenberger, ”businesses benefit from increased sales volume and foot traffic, taxpayers benefit in that they have a simple, effective way to lower their property taxes, and the town benefits by stimulating the local economy. We also feel that this program will make Middletown more attractive to businesses looking to open in the area.”
The program will start after it passes legal review.
Upon taking the helm of Middletown, Scharfenberger lavished praise on outgoing Mayor Tony Fiore:
“No amount of hyperbole can capture the spectacular job done by Tony Fiore these past two years as mayor. Anyone who sits in this chair knows the enormous responsibility you take on. Mayor Fiore was strong-willed, outspoken and a tireless fighter on Middletown’s behalf, regardless of the issue. His leadership during Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath was phenomenal and made all the difference to Middletown coming through the disaster as well as it did.
Under his watch, the Middletown Township Committee was able to save the swim club at no cost to the taxpayers, bring a world class ice rink to town, institute single stream recycling, which doubled the number of pickups while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, renew Middletown Day with 100% private donations, and secure significant increases in employee benefit contributions, saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, just to name a few.
As I have said in the past, anyone who says this is a part time position is sadly mistaken, and Mayor Fiore is living proof of a person who devoted himself 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the job. As a fellow member of the committee feel fortunate to have him as a friend and colleague and grateful for what he has taught me about leadership and dedication to public service.”
Fiore remains a member of the Township Committee.
Scharfenberger’s prepared remarks can be downloaded here.
2013-01-07 06:45:09
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