TUF- Four Ballot Questions

Four Ballot Questions
2007

We planned to collect several opinions on the web and create an easy reference for you to learn about the questions. Then we stumbled on what the very reputable Eagleton Institute at Rutgers had done and decided not to reinvent the wheel. Thus please go to their site. If you don't have time to sift through everything then click on the links of each question below to get to the League of Woman Voters site which is always worth reading.

Question 1 - SALES TAX DEDICATION

Should all of the sales tax increase of last year be used for property tax relief? Many are opposed to this question because it is too poorly defined. TUF believes that the Legislature needs to fix the system not just put on a band-aid. Collecting a tax just to send money back to taxpayers burdens us with administrative costs. Fix the problem at the root.

Question 2 - STEM CELL RESEARCH (SCR) BOND

This question bonds for $450 Million dollars for SCR. SCR is touted as a means of finding cures for several diseases. Many are opposed to it on ethical grounds. Those in favor of it should realize that there are no cures around the corner. This research will take many years. All should realize that much of the economy of NJ is reliant on pharmaceutical companies thus this money can provide an economic engine for the state. To me this comes down to whether you are in favor of SCR or not.

Question 3 - OPEN SPACE MONEY

First we should let you know that those in TUF are generally tree huggers. We also know that the number one thing that leads to tax increases is development. Buying open space prevents that and is likely the best way to do it. It does cost money but it saves money in the long run. We advocate Yes.

Question 4 - VOTER RIGHTS

This question deals with how courts will handle voter rights of the mentally impaired. While TUF is generally skeptical of government this appears to be a time when those who are involved are able to make the best decision. The legislation seeks to eliminate the use of the word "idiot". That term, along with moron was once used by medicine to label people of low IQ. To the best of our knowledge those words were expunged from the medical lexicon more than a half century ago. At least this is a question that doesn't cost any money. Vote Yes.

Phil Kramer