I Love The Lakewood Taxes

 By Penny Bineman

You know what I really love about Lakewood?

The taxes.

That's right — every time I open my tax bill and see that beautiful double-digit increase, my heart swells with pride. It's not a burden — it’s a badge of honor. Because here in Lakewood, we don’t just grow — we invest in our growth… one generous tax hike at a time.

Think about it: a 12% municipal tax increase? That’s not bad news — it’s proof we’re thriving. How else could we afford to hire 55 new employees? Or give public officials the raises they so richly deserve and humbly accept? Growth has a cost — and us, the taxpayer, get the privilege of paying it.

And let’s not forget the millions in tax abatements for developers. That’s not favoritism — it’s economic strategy. While you're cutting coupons for garbage bags, developers (and planners) are paving the way for a brighter future… for themselves.

Some will complain: “Where is all the tax money going?” But the answer is simple — it’s going to greatness. A lawyer being paid at rates rivaling top Manhattan firms? Surprise flashing stop signs on busy avenues?  These aren’t signs of dysfunction — they’re signs of vision. Why have smooth roads when you can have a permanent construction zone?

Sure, the budget has ballooned by $20 million, but that’s not bloat — that’s progress. Every new hire, every shiny fire truck, every Zoom-only meeting we’re not invited to — they’re investments in our shared vision.

And what a vision it is.

Where else can you pay $411 more on a $500,000 home just for the municipal portion alone, and then still enjoy the thrill of a fire tax increase on top? It’s like a luxury tax — you’re not just paying for services, you’re paying for status.

We’re not being taxed. We’re being chosen.

So the next time you open your mortgage statement and see a hike, smile. When your street is blocked off for the fourth time this month — this time to patch the patch they just patched — while your kid’s bus is 12 minutes late again because the road is backed up to Squankum, smile. It means we’re thriving. And when you ask where your taxes went and nobody answers — take comfort knowing that somewhere, someone probably got a new office chair.

In Lakewood, we don’t just grow — we grow expensively.

And that, my friends, is worth every penny.

MONEY IS A DIRTY WORD

What's with the obsession with money in our community. Even though the vast majority is the "kosher" kind, talking about how much tzedaka someone gave is just a disgusting as speaking about the house he's building.

For the yenta who is obsessed  with money he is glorifying the same ideals. The truth is that at first glance the Rabbanim and Gedolim bear much of the responsibilty, as to the untrained eye it seems there is excessive respect given to wealth. Truthfully its plain to see that all of the honor is exclusively to further spiritual goals, and the end always justifies the means.  The rank and file don't get this and it reinforces their understanding that wealth is a virtue. They give themselves away by incessantly praising all forms of wealth and the people that control it.

People used to be more refined. Can you imagine a respectable person saying "he has money". Money is a dirty word! It's always "he's successful" or another understated way truly classy people speak. And that's ALL.  Shlomo Ha-Melech said it in Mishlei 27;21 "Ve'Ish Lefi Mehalello" A pshat in this has been said to mean - A man can be tested by what a he praises. Take a long look in the mirror and decide where you fit.

The pursuit of gashmius is completely out of control in our society.

For a fleeting moment in the heat of the pandemic it seemed like sanity and clarity had been restored. That was unfortunately obliterated along with the stock market dip, and is still skyrocketing with no clear path down.

Thank you for listening and may Hashem watch over his children.