Resident resents being labeled ‘delinquent’ for late taxes
(An open letter to Mayor Joseph Scarpelli)

You should be very proud of yourself on how you recovered tax money from us and saved the town from going under. I have been paying taxes for well over 40 years, never missing a quarter, up till now by only a few weeks. I am wondering if you came up with this idea yourself. I don’t think so.

I have talked to a few seniors on this matter, and they also have been called "delinquents" (failing to do what law or duty requires, according to the dictionary). These seniors have lived in Brick for many years, paying their taxes on time, except this one time, only to be branded as a person breaking the law.

Putting pressure on us by telephone, newspapers, etc. — I am surprised you didn’t put our names in the newspapers. I myself deeply resent this name-calling.

Being that your time is taken up by nailing us law-breakers, you didn’t have time to find out why we were a few weeks late.

With the computer age, you could come up with a civilized way to communicate with us. I have paid my taxes many times in advance, but I guess that doesn’t count.

I love this town of Brick. I have lived here for 40 years, I raised my family here and my kids went through the local school system. Now being a "delinquent" — it’s a sad day in Brick for me.

I did not wish to write this, but I’m tired of hearing how you and the Township Council capture us bad guys — "delinquents."

Joseph McCarthy

Brick