Dear Editor,

Happy New Year to each and every resident of Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Summit, New Jersey from the Tri-Town Taxpayers Association!

The purpose of the Tri-Town Taxpayers Association is to advocate for fiscally responsible government and we celebrate important progress achieved during 2011 on behalf of taxpayers in our towns. We have been working hard to get the 2011 tax increase over 2010 down to the 2-percent cap that Gov. Christie has legislated, without any exceptions.

These achievements include:

In Berkeley Heights the taxes for the year 2011 were 8.0 percent over 2010. The tax rate itself in 2011 was 3.585 percent. With the help of our members we plan to have a lower percentage rate for 2012. Through past efforts, we have been able to increase transparency, provide greater accountability and hold back tax increases by providing a voice for the Berkeley Heights Taxpayer.

In New Providence the taxes for 2011 were held to a 3.11 percent over 2010, an increase or 0.127 percent of taxable assessed value. The increase was 41 percent below the prior 10-year historical average of 5.28 percent. The NPTA is anticipating that the 2012 tax rate will provide for a further reduction.

In Summit, reducing the growth rate of property taxes to 2.41 percent in 2011 over 2010, representing the smallest increase over the past 10 years. The goal for Summit is a zero property tax increase by 2014.

The Tri-Town Taxpayers Association will continue to work hard to promote an increase in fiscal responsibility and a decrease in your property taxes. We know you work hard for your paycheck and we want to help you keep more of it next year and beyond. If you like what we are doing and would like to join us please contact us below.

The leaders of the Tri-Town Taxpayer Association:

Al Boyance, P.O. Box 214, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, 908-464-1104

Joe Detjen, P.O. Box 685, New Providence, NJ 07974, 908-337-0698

Tom Garvey, P.O. Box 474, Summit, NJ 07902-474, 908-273-1087

We wish everyone in our towns a very healthy, prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2012!!!

Regards, Ed Vant, Jr.,

Secretary, Tri-Towns Taxpayers Association