UEZ Report Signals Need for Analysis

At the risk of sounding negative, Plaintalker would suggest that interested people read the report that led to the proposed shutdown of the state UEZ program.

This analysis found that only eight cents in new State and local revenue was generated per $1 of state funding investment. Participation by merchants is cumbersome and in Plainfield, only 105 of 731 eligible businesses were certified. Often, funds were encumbered for projects that took a very long time to be realized (CCTV cameras come to mind).

Consultants suggested replacing the state program with a "place-based" one, but state officials said economic conditions preclude a new program. However, the most popular aspect of the UEZ program, the 3.5 percent sales tax is to be retained, along with certain other benefits.

The Christie administration is looking at many aspects of state government with an eye to getting a grip on costs. Historically, government has tended to expand as old programs are retained, sometimes past the point of usefulness or realistic return on investment. When presented with a study of the facts, today's officials can make better plans in the face of unprecedented economic strains. Considering that this is what is going on in just about every household, why should not government do the same?

Analysis is something the city has chronically lacked. Maybe it has to do with a political system in which each new administration summarily dismisses programs and initiatives of the outgoing one. Or maybe it's just not a well-developed skill in City Hall. Last year, some council members did their own informal survey of the value of Music in the Plaza concerts for drawing customers to the downtown district. Merchants' comments did not reflect a significant increase in sales. As it happens, the council ended up approving an application for UEZ funds, but the state rejected it.

City Council President Annie McWilliams has consistently sought factual information on which the governmental body can rely to make decisions. The last budget process reflected that goal. Some division and department heads complied and some didn't. The council has also sought data from the administration on the UEZ program, recreation operations and spending in general. McWilliams recently rejected a financial report from the administration as not being what the council asked for.

This is a time when being able to "count to four," as the late mayor and political sage Rick Taylor liked to say, is not the only bottom line for city government. Sure, four out of seven votes can get things passed whether they make sense or not. The trick nowadays is to analyze the options and vote for what makes the most sense.

No doubt I will be accused by some of being a Republican for even giving the Christie administration a grain of credibility, but our own elected officials deserve the facts if they are to serve us well. Analysis is not a tool exclusive to any party or faction and should not, must not be seen as such in these hard times.

--Bernice