June 4, 2005 [Schundler] Platform supports "pay-to-play" limits
by Staff Writer
CHERRY HILL COURIER-POST
# Taxes and spending: Schundler has framed his campaign as a "property tax revolution." He has proposed amending the state constitution to force slower growth of state spending, which would make more tax money available to send to local governments that control their own spending. Voter approval would be needed for schools, towns, counties or the state to increase per capita operational spending by more than 1.3 times the rate of inflation, or a minimum of 3.5 percent each year. Local governments that follow that "speed limit" on spending growth get extra aid as a reward.
# Government reform: Supports enhancing "pay-to-play" contracting limits by making them apply to donations across all levels of government. Would limit the transfer of campaign funds between county political parties. Wants to create a statewide elected inspector of public corruption to make the person independent from the governor. Supports term limits for politicians.
# Transportation: Opposes any increase in the state gas tax.
# Camden recovery: In the NJN debate co-sponsored by Gannett, he said, "I very definitely don't think we need more money in Camden, and I do not believe the takeover is the right way to go. When I was mayor in Jersey City, we redeveloped our most distressed area, an area called Martin Luther King Drive, that won two national awards from the American Planners Association, as a model for how you create a partnership that involves the local leadership and our participation providing expertise. You don't just send money, and then say, `You're on your own. Do the job.' What you do is you work with people and help them be able to redevelop their own city."
