Local mayors didn’t create state mess

Local mayors did not vote to make sweetheart deals on state employee pensions. We did not ignore pension obligations to teachers. We did not approve new state programs that would guarantee our re-elections. So why should we help pay for the mess that Springfield is in — on the backs of our local budgets?

The May 26 Saturday Soapbox suggests that the state keeping any increase in our LGDF is an acceptable “sacrifice” for municipalities because ”Budgets must be balanced and it will hurt.” That statement assumes local government has been free and clear of the downturn in the economy. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Day after day the Daily Herald publishes stories of cuts made by local governments in an effort to balance our budgets and be responsible — something the state has not done for years. The Herald suggests that cuts must come from somewhere. I suggest it begins with state patronage programs. As I was taught, you have to take responsibility for your actions, not to foist them off on others.

I believe my residents would prefer to see the local share of the LGDF money kept intact, to help pay for public safety and public works — not to fund the sweetheart pensions of former governors and state legislators.

I am disappointed in the Herald’s position on this issue.

Gayle Smolinski

Mayor of Roselle