Budget 1999-2000

The tricks, the special bond deals, the falling ratables are now catching up to Bret Schundler, the so-called wizard of Wall Street. Yet, some things still continue-the city is short of cash so it hires more people and give raises.  Now the city must agree to a state audit in order to receive $10 million.  Depending upon the numbers, Jersey City is actually short between $27 to $40 million.

Normally, the State Treasury audits communities; but Schundler did pull a fast one-he got the Division of Local Government, the same agency that approves Schundler's fiscal scams to audit the budget.

However, reporter Jim Kennelly of the Jersey Journal, wrote an article on August 7, 1999 titled, "Schundler lambasted by official Whitman officer: Mayor's policy bad." 

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jane Kenny said, "...Mayor Schundler has hiked city spending by three times the rate of inflation.

"In the mist of an unprecedented boom, local government in Jersey City seems unwilling to live within its means.  From 1995 to 1998, Mayor Schundler has increased municipal salaries by 21 percent, debt by 30 percent and spending by 19 percent, and he somehow added 183 new employees to the payroll while having buyouts that are intended to reduce payroll size."

One thing is certain, the municipal portion of taxes have increased over $8.00 in five years.  That figure does not include the school bond rate which is also attached to the municipal figure.

As usual, Schundler plays his game and sends the public post cards to pressure the governor for more state aid.  This time, the game didn't work.  The headline of the Jersey Journal, published August 25, 1999 states, "Christie Spanks Bret."

The article written my Michael Y. Park says, "Gov. Christie Whitman defends her administration and takes jabs at Mayor Bret Schundler in a letter to 100,000 Jersey City residents."

The Governor tells everyone that spending in out of control in Jersey City booming economy.  Political observers say, "...they never seen a governor send out letters criticizing a mayor on such a wide scale (and) ...it is a swipe at Schundler."

On the same day, an article written my Jim Kennelly states, "New staffer hired amid layoff threats."  The new staffer, Christopher DeSanctis, earns $36,000 as an assistant to the mayor's director.  Again  this happen while 1,300 people are receiving lay-off notices.

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