(WEST ORANGE, AUGUST 7) - Responding to a press release issued by the Township of Woodbridge today touting the introduction of its FY’2002 municipal budget while Mayor Jim McGreevey is vacationing in Portugual, Schundler campaign manager Bill Pascoe issued the following statement:

“I can tell it’s an election year…because property taxes aren’t going up in Woodbridge. It’s a shame that Jim McGreevey doesn’t run for office every year, maybe then the residents of Woodbridge wouldn’t have to be subjected to the 59% increase in property taxes that Jim has imposed since being elected mayor.

“I find it more than curious -- in fact a little bit disturbing -- that the Township of Woodbridge is introducing its budget while the mayor is sunning himself somewhere on the Iberian peninsula. I’ve heard of hands-off management -- but this takes things to a new extreme.”