Recently I've been talking with my neighbors and friends in Long Branch about the upcoming election for mayor and city council.

People often say they are concerned about their property taxes. I'd like to remind people that the municipal portion of our property taxes has stayed stable over the last couple of years and this year, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider and the City Council are cutting property taxes.

They managed to do this at a time when the governor is proposing tax increases and most municipalities and school districts are raising taxes and cutting services.

Knowing that the city's elected officials have found a way to stabilize, and even lower, the municipal portion of our taxes shows that the mayor and council are managing our tax dollars responsibly.

It's important to realize that this tax cut is a direct result of the city's revitalization.

Mayor Schneider and the City Council managed to lower taxes while keeping the same level of services because of the expanded tax base, most of which came from the rejuvenated beachfront. Here is yet more proof that the city's revitalization is benefiting Long Branch as a whole.

Rickie Kashdan

Long Branch