Where is the Vote? Ridgewood’s 4% Tax Hike Sparks Fresh Debate Over Election Consolidation
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The promise was clear: give Ridgewood voters a voice. Advocates for election reform campaigned on the principle that any tax increase exceeding 2% would trigger a public ballot.
However, with the latest school tax increase reportedly hitting double that cap, many residents are asking: Where is the required public vote?
The debate centers on the “One Village One Vote” initiative launched in April of 2019—a movement led by long-time residents and community leaders who argued that the then current system of off-cycle elections is not only expensive but dilutes the power of the taxpayer.
Or was it a well orchestrated scam to prevent resident input into the massive school budget?
The school budget vote was was the bed rock of Village life and one of the things that made Ridgewood , Ridgewood.
The Case for Consolidation: Why November Matters
According to representatives from One Village One Vote, consolidating elections into the November cycle isn’t just about convenience—it was about protecting the right to vote on the school budget when increases exceed the state-mandated 2% cap.
The Benefits of One Village One Vote:
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Significant Savings: Moving to a November cycle would save Ridgewood approximately $140,000 every two years.
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Higher Turnout: Proponents argue that “voter fatigue” from multiple election dates leads to low participation. A single November date ensures a broader cross-section of the community is heard.
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Enhanced Security: Opening schools as polling places multiple times a year creates unnecessary security risks.
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Ending “Voter Suppression”: Critics pointed to a recent budget vote held during Spring Break as a move that effectively sidelined families with school-aged children who were away on vacation.
Meet the Voices Behind the Movement
The effort to consolidate Ridgewood’s elections is led by a diverse group of professionals, educators, and long-term volunteers:
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Bob Fuhrman: A 30-year resident and MBA with a background in marketing and business consulting.
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Stacey Loscalzo: A dedicated educator and speech pathologist who has led multiple Home and School Associations (HSA).
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Matt Lindenberg: A digital strategy executive and active member of the Temple Israel Board of Trustees.
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Deborah Steinbaum: A primary care pediatrician and public health advocate focused on civic engagement.
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Siobhan Crann Winograd: A third-generation resident and engineer who has served in dozens of local leadership roles, from the League of Women Voters to the RHS Alumni Association.
“The best way to save money is to stop unnecessarily spending it,” said Bob Fuhrman. “The excessive amount of money spent on off-cycle elections could be far better utilized within our Village and our schools.”
The 2% Question: Accountability in the Spotlight
As the Village Council and the Board of Education navigate tight budgets and rising costs of living in Bergen County, the push for transparency has never been higher. If a tax increase surpasses the 2% threshold, the community expects the right to be heard at the ballot box.
One Village One Vote presented data to the community, arguing that local government works best when it is most representative—and that happens when we vote together, once a year.
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #BergenCounty #LocalGovernment #TaxReform #OneVillageOneVote #NJPolitics #VoterTurnout #PublicEducation
