Letter to the Editor: Reflecting on Thursday Night, And What’s Next For MTU

Submitted by Jerry Hoffman of Middletown:

First, I’d like to congratulate our membership on last night’s successful effort in getting the Board of Supervisors to reject a 1% EIT in favor of a .5% EIT. Although we could not achieve our ultimate goal of no earned income tax, we can take great pride in what we have accomplished in such a short period of time. Our work, however, is far from done.

Middletown Taxpayers United recently formed a political action committee so that we can build up the resources needed to restore fiscal sanity and governmental transparency in Middletown. Our mission didn’t end last night. In many ways, it only began.

There are many questions still unanswered, such as how our BoS didn’t realize the largest tax increase ever would be needed until after last November’s election given that they have been spending more than they have been taking in since 2006.

Let us not forget that according to one board member two of our elected officials mislead or failed to inform him, and this community, about raising taxes in 2014.

Let us not forget about the excessive spending in Middletown, notably the $7200 annual travel reimbursement given to our office-bound Township Manager. It takes the EIT from 18 Middletown families to cover just this one expense!

Let us not forget about the no-bid contracts given to high priced vendors, one of whom had been terminated by the Neshaminy School Board.

Let us not forget about the deafening silence of our board that, meeting after meeting, was either unable or unwilling to address our many questions.

There is much to fix in Middletown, and that is why MTU will continue in its mission.

In the coming weeks, we will refine our strategy to achieve our core objectives of fiscal sanity and governmental transparency. We will continue to examine ways of bringing change to our township government including, but not limited to, forcing board reorganization from its current five member panel down to three new members.

As we continue to define what MTU is, it is equally as important to state what we are not. Last night, and during prior meetings, some residents demanded that the BoS restructure or slash our police department staffing and support. While we are in complete agreement that there are elements within the police contract that must be addressed, we believe in a safe community that is guarded by an appropriately staffed and well trained, supported police force.

We invite you to continue coming to this Facebook page for important news and updates. We hope you will add your comments alongside those of your neighbors in the threads below. Most importantly of all, we ask that you do not give up on our Township. Middletown can change for the better, and together, we will make that happen.

In the meantime, please continue to come to Township meetings. Educate yourself about what is going on in our community. Talk it up with your family and friends, and get them involved. Remember, we are all in this together.

We are proud to be MTU!

Jerry Hofmann

Middletown Taxpayers United