To the editor:

 The state  has reached a defining moment in its history. This moment is not about whether union workers should receive an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, or whether teachers and public sector workers should contribute to their healthcare benefits like their private sector union and non-union counterparts, or whether the wealthy should pay yet another tax.

 One critical component of realizing greatness is whether our elected officials consistently practice sound fiscal stewardship. Those spending the public's money must always seek to maximize opportunities to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers during times of austerity and even prosperity. We should be no less wary or accepting of elected officials overseeing inefficient and ineffective delivery of governmental services as we should a company board of directors overseeing an organization on the brink of financial ruin. Both instances can be caused by incompetence, corruption, lack of direction and purpose, and wastefulness.

 We find ourselves in a rather sizable hole, dug by failed leadership, voter apathy, selfishness and self-interest. Most realize that we are in a hole and need a way out. Some have yet to stop digging. The question is how and in what generation do we begin to climb out? Getting out of this hole will take collaborative, courageous, creative, honest, and selfless participation at all levels of government and from taxpayers.

 Gov. Christie's administration is advancing 33 proposals that, if implemented, will facilitate sound fiscal stewardship and have the potential to put us on the path toward greatness. These proposals if adopted by the legislature will be embraced by local officials intent on fulfilling their obligation to be sound fiscal stewards.

 As a soon-to-be former official, I am keenly aware of the risks associated with seeking to advance responsible change through sound fiscal stewardship. In the words of one of my constituents, "I know you are right, I'm just not ready for you to be right." While the majority of the  voters may not be ready for responsible change in the delivery of services (in particular, sharing police services), my hope is that taxpayers and elected officials throughout the state are prepared to put down their shovels and climb out of the hole.

Paul G. Weiss, Mayor

Borough of Medford Lakes

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To the editor:

 The state  has reached a defining moment in its history. This moment is not about whether union workers should receive an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, or whether teachers and public sector workers should contribute to their healthcare benefits like their private sector union and non-union counterparts, or whether the wealthy should pay yet another tax.

 One critical component of realizing greatness is whether our elected officials consistently practice sound fiscal stewardship. Those spending the public's money must always seek to maximize opportunities to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers during times of austerity and even prosperity. We should be no less wary or accepting of elected officials overseeing inefficient and ineffective delivery of governmental services as we should a company board of directors overseeing an organization on the brink of financial ruin. Both instances can be caused by incompetence, corruption, lack of direction and purpose, and wastefulness.

 We find ourselves in a rather sizable hole, dug by failed leadership, voter apathy, selfishness and self-interest. Most realize that we are in a hole and need a way out. Some have yet to stop digging. The question is how and in what generation do we begin to climb out? Getting out of this hole will take collaborative, courageous, creative, honest, and selfless participation at all levels of government and from taxpayers.

 Gov. Christie's administration is advancing 33 proposals that, if implemented, will facilitate sound fiscal stewardship and have the potential to put us on the path toward greatness. These proposals if adopted by the legislature will be embraced by local officials intent on fulfilling their obligation to be sound fiscal stewards.

 As a soon-to-be former official, I am keenly aware of the risks associated with seeking to advance responsible change through sound fiscal stewardship. In the words of one of my constituents, "I know you are right, I'm just not ready for you to be right." While the majority of the  voters may not be ready for responsible change in the delivery of services (in particular, sharing police services), my hope is that taxpayers and elected officials throughout the state are prepared to put down their shovels and climb out of the hole.

Paul G. Weiss, Mayor

Borough of Medford Lakes

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