After reading about Mayor William Neary's speech regarding the township budget, my stomach turned over. Here he was discussing it with his friends and supporters, and, if I amnotmistaken, he has not yet discussed it with the Township Council members, who are the watchdogs for the residents of East Brunswick.

I guess Mayor Neary, between his job with the county and his job as mayor and his windfall after selling his ice-creamstore to the bank, will most likely not be affected at all by the rise in taxes. He said in an article in the paper that if taxes were not significantly increased, it would have a negative effect on public safety, government responsibilities and the quality of life in East Brunswick. During my time as personnel manager for the township, I found that public safety and the other unions were always understanding and very cooperative.

I am sure that there are many people in town who will be devastated by the increase, especially the way the economy is today. It is so unfair to do this to our residents. If you take a look at industry, there are no raises out there. We are really in a recession, people are losing their jobs, and he is raising taxes. Hopefully, when the council members receive the budget, they will be able to keep inmind the residents of East Brunswick and their problems. That is why the members were elected, for the people and by the people.

East Brunswick has always had a great quality of life and still does. I do not think anyone would be angry if there was a small increase during these hard times. We already have wonderful parks, multiuse turf fields, a community arts center, bike paths and a wonderful library, and on and on.We can all afford to bear with that until the economy is better.

I ask the council to please take a hard stand regarding this budget. Think of all the residents who will be devastated if the mayor's budget goes through as is.

Mary A. Tonachio

East Brunswick