TUF - Ballot Questions 2008

TUF
Interpretations and Recommendations
for
Public Questions 2008 Ballot
Oct 26, 2008

There are two questions on the ballot. Passing the first would require voters' approval for the state authorities to issue bonds. Passing the second would lead the way to allowing local control over the appointment of regional judges. Below are links to the questions and the equally confusing interpretive statements. Our recommendations follow and as always we link to the NJ League of Woman Voters for an unbiased opinion.

Question #1
The question and interpretive statement as they will appear on the ballot

TUF INTERPRETATION
A yes vote would prevent state authorities from increasing debt by issuing a bond unless it is approved by a voter referendum. Exceptions 1) If a user fee would repay the debt such as highway tolls. 2) If it is borrowed from a trust fund (i.e Transportation or Preservation).

TUF RECOMMENDATION
Vote YES but keep a lookout for abuse of the exceptions.

Question #2
The question and interpretive statement as they will appear on the ballot

TUF INTERPRETATION
Currently the Township Council chooses the municipal judges for Franklin. If however, Franklin wished to combine its court with another municipality the State constitution would require that the Governor make the appointments. A yes vote would amend the state constitution to allow (but not require) the State legislature to change the law so that local governments would be the authority to appoint such judges.

TUF RECOMMENDATION
Vote YES.

Phil Kramer
Chip Hoever