Higher tolls or taxes?

From the Bridgeton News:

Voters prefer higher tolls to higher taxes

Most voters oppose raising tolls to pay off state debt, but they may be willing to budge if faced with the prospect of paying higher property taxes, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released Tuesday.

“If the governor can convince voters that there is a fiscal crisis, and that the only alternatives are increases in tolls or taxes, or service cuts, then he might begin to turn things around,” said Tim Vercellotti, poll director at the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics. “But he has not made the case yet.”

Gov. Jon S. Corzine has floated the idea of using the toll roads to relieve the state from mounting debt. While he has yet to unveil a plan, he would likely create a nonprofit corporation to manage the toll roads, which could bond against future revenue. The bonds would be paid back with toll increases.

According to the poll, 64 percent of voters oppose raising tolls to pay off debt. Additionally, 61 percent said they oppose creating a nonprofit corporation to operate the state toll roads.

But, 44 percent of voters would prefer higher tolls to higher property taxes; 28 percent would opt for service cuts; and a mere 9 percent choose paying a higher tax bill.

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4 Responses to Higher tolls or taxes?

  1. Rich In NNJ says:

    64 percent of voters oppose raising tolls to pay off debt…
    44 percent of voters would prefer higher tolls to higher property taxes; 28 percent would opt for service cuts; and a mere 9 percent choose paying a higher tax bill.

    Only 28%? Who did they poll, state workers?

  2. Lindsey says:

    creating a non-profit corp for the roads is better than selling them, but not by much. I can’t believe that no one in this state has the guts to simply say, “Look, any plan that gets rid of property taxes will mean a rise in some other taxes, most likely income taxes, and a giant change to the way we manage schools and municipalities. That’s it, everything else is just screwing around.”

    And then I’d like them to sit down and actually do it.

  3. Mike says:

    until they start cutting gov workers & ‘services’, the whole idea about balancing the budget is rediculous, should have nothing to do with raising taxes

  4. edco says:

    As someone else asked..”Who did the poll?”

    Since the roads are used by non state residents, it seems like a no brainer to me. Hih RE taxes are a burden across age, income and commuters and non-commuters alike.

    Last time I looked, my 80 yo MIL isnt driving much, and when she does it’s local.

    Raise the tolls and lower taxes. count me in..

    Raise the tolls and PROMISE to lower the taxes, I will smite thee..

    2 cents

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