Just a tiny correction if I may. State of NJ Pension has been frozen since 2011 - 14 years. I know because I retired in 2010. At that time, the COLA did not kick in for the first 2 years of retirement. Supposedly, once the pensions are funded at a certain level (80 % I think) the COLA will kick back in. Many think that level will never be reached.
We have a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek w/ 39,000 miles. Purchased it new. Funny you should mention that direct injection engine. At 20,000 miles and again at 37,000 miles all the dashboard warning lights lit up while I was driving. Had to bring it to the dealer for servicing. Turns out there was carbon build up on the valves and cylinder heads. Had to be cleaned and runs great after the cleaning. Subaru has even put out a service bulletin to address the issue. I was first told problem may be related to poor quality gasoline. We exclusively use a well rated gasoline. Second time I was told it may be because of short trips, lack of highway driving, low mileage, etc. We put approx. 8000 miles per year on both our cars. I have had 4 other cars (Mazda, Nissan, Honda and Chevy) driven the same way using the same type of gas. I have never had a problem with carbon build up on any of those cars. Some independent research and a conversation with my regular mechanic points to the direct injection engine. Buyer beware.
We pay property taxes again and again because they fund recurring expenses. The cost of police and fire protection, street lights, garbage removal, sewers, court systems, jails, road maintenance, schools, etc., doesn't end because we paid property taxes this year. They need to be paid this year, next year and in the future. If I buy a new television or washing machine I pay the sales tax once and that's it - until I need a new one.
We live in Passaic County, NJ, in a township with a very good elementary school sysytem and a fair secondary school system. My youngest graduated high school in 2017. I have no problem funding our local school systems via property taxes. If property taxes are waived for a certain group others have to pick up the slack. We all benefit by having educated citizens. Presumably, we all have utilized the public school systems either for ourselves, our kids or both. With limited exceptions, I feel we all should share the costs.
Thank you Mark. I was cleared to drive and have been doing so since early September. I have/will continue to use NJ Transit for adventures and more mundane things like some doctor's appointments, library, etc. I've been driving for 50 plus years so its nice to leave the driving to others. One weird thing I must note. Almost everyone I tell about my transit adventures seems to cringe at the idea of using public transport. I'm in your camp about loving local bus (and soon train) service. I wonder if that just an "American thing"?
In May, 2025 I had a stroke. Recovery has been very good so far. My wife was aces-took me to doctor's appointments, PT/OT, stores with a smile (maybe not). Anyway, there is a bus stop for NJ Transit that is a 5 minute walk from our townhouse. I started using it to get out on my own. I can get to several local malls, movie theaters, downtown Montclair (artsy/yuppie type of community) and Manhattan. Today I took the bus to Manhattan & subway to Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center & Macy's flagship store by Madison Sq. Garden. Certainly, not for everyone but I am enjoying it greatly. I must admit it involves a fair amount of walking. I even gotten to know several bus drivers. And, for the frugal among us, there are generous discounts offered to seniors. Half price on MTA in NYC and a little more than half price on NJ Transit. R/T to Manhattan via bus costs $7.50. Regular fare = $16.00. Again, not for everyone because of the walking involved.
It is my understanding that the NJ State Pension system was well funded and in good financial shape until sometime in the 1990's. Gov. Whitman decided to "borrow" money to help pay for her proposed tax cuts. The next several governors (both parties) skipped the yearly state pension cointribution totally. Needless to say the pension funds ended up less than 50% funded. The current governor has fully funded the pension over the last several years. In addition, in 2011, Gov. Christie froze the pension COLA. The prevision to reinstate same may never be reached. I retired in 2010 and have never received an increase. He also signed a provision that current employees/retireees after a certain date pay 33 % of their health care premium. Employees who were not contributing to their health care premium ended up paying $500 to $900 per month. Some research indicates the average teacher pension is approx. $43,000. The average state and local employee is approx. $24,000. It just doesn't seem right to make the public workers the bogeyman in this situation. Changes were made and these changes have had a significant negative impact to NJ Public employees and retirees.
Public union employees are also taxpayers. In addition, I believe the union representing Local 105 (Correction's Officers) took the state to court and won regarding NJ's nonpayment of Medicare Part B premiums. If upheld upon appeal, NJ needs to cough up the $$$$$.
Comments
Just a tiny correction if I may. State of NJ Pension has been frozen since 2011 - 14 years. I know because I retired in 2010. At that time, the COLA did not kick in for the first 2 years of retirement. Supposedly, once the pensions are funded at a certain level (80 % I think) the COLA will kick back in. Many think that level will never be reached.
Post: Enough Already
Link to comment from December 12, 2025
We have a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek w/ 39,000 miles. Purchased it new. Funny you should mention that direct injection engine. At 20,000 miles and again at 37,000 miles all the dashboard warning lights lit up while I was driving. Had to bring it to the dealer for servicing. Turns out there was carbon build up on the valves and cylinder heads. Had to be cleaned and runs great after the cleaning. Subaru has even put out a service bulletin to address the issue. I was first told problem may be related to poor quality gasoline. We exclusively use a well rated gasoline. Second time I was told it may be because of short trips, lack of highway driving, low mileage, etc. We put approx. 8000 miles per year on both our cars. I have had 4 other cars (Mazda, Nissan, Honda and Chevy) driven the same way using the same type of gas. I have never had a problem with carbon build up on any of those cars. Some independent research and a conversation with my regular mechanic points to the direct injection engine. Buyer beware.
Post: The Point of Diminishing Returns
Link to comment from December 4, 2025
We pay property taxes again and again because they fund recurring expenses. The cost of police and fire protection, street lights, garbage removal, sewers, court systems, jails, road maintenance, schools, etc., doesn't end because we paid property taxes this year. They need to be paid this year, next year and in the future. If I buy a new television or washing machine I pay the sales tax once and that's it - until I need a new one.
Post: Property taxes, our schools, our towns and seniors. Shared responsibility.
Link to comment from November 30, 2025
We live in Passaic County, NJ, in a township with a very good elementary school sysytem and a fair secondary school system. My youngest graduated high school in 2017. I have no problem funding our local school systems via property taxes. If property taxes are waived for a certain group others have to pick up the slack. We all benefit by having educated citizens. Presumably, we all have utilized the public school systems either for ourselves, our kids or both. With limited exceptions, I feel we all should share the costs.
Post: Property taxes, our schools, our towns and seniors. Shared responsibility.
Link to comment from November 29, 2025
Thank you Mark. I was cleared to drive and have been doing so since early September. I have/will continue to use NJ Transit for adventures and more mundane things like some doctor's appointments, library, etc. I've been driving for 50 plus years so its nice to leave the driving to others. One weird thing I must note. Almost everyone I tell about my transit adventures seems to cringe at the idea of using public transport. I'm in your camp about loving local bus (and soon train) service. I wonder if that just an "American thing"?
Post: What would you do if you couldn’t drive?
Link to comment from November 26, 2025
In May, 2025 I had a stroke. Recovery has been very good so far. My wife was aces-took me to doctor's appointments, PT/OT, stores with a smile (maybe not). Anyway, there is a bus stop for NJ Transit that is a 5 minute walk from our townhouse. I started using it to get out on my own. I can get to several local malls, movie theaters, downtown Montclair (artsy/yuppie type of community) and Manhattan. Today I took the bus to Manhattan & subway to Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center & Macy's flagship store by Madison Sq. Garden. Certainly, not for everyone but I am enjoying it greatly. I must admit it involves a fair amount of walking. I even gotten to know several bus drivers. And, for the frugal among us, there are generous discounts offered to seniors. Half price on MTA in NYC and a little more than half price on NJ Transit. R/T to Manhattan via bus costs $7.50. Regular fare = $16.00. Again, not for everyone because of the walking involved.
Post: What would you do if you couldn’t drive?
Link to comment from November 25, 2025
It is my understanding that the NJ State Pension system was well funded and in good financial shape until sometime in the 1990's. Gov. Whitman decided to "borrow" money to help pay for her proposed tax cuts. The next several governors (both parties) skipped the yearly state pension cointribution totally. Needless to say the pension funds ended up less than 50% funded. The current governor has fully funded the pension over the last several years. In addition, in 2011, Gov. Christie froze the pension COLA. The prevision to reinstate same may never be reached. I retired in 2010 and have never received an increase. He also signed a provision that current employees/retireees after a certain date pay 33 % of their health care premium. Employees who were not contributing to their health care premium ended up paying $500 to $900 per month. Some research indicates the average teacher pension is approx. $43,000. The average state and local employee is approx. $24,000. It just doesn't seem right to make the public workers the bogeyman in this situation. Changes were made and these changes have had a significant negative impact to NJ Public employees and retirees.
Post: Feeling Secure
Link to comment from November 11, 2025
Public union employees are also taxpayers. In addition, I believe the union representing Local 105 (Correction's Officers) took the state to court and won regarding NJ's nonpayment of Medicare Part B premiums. If upheld upon appeal, NJ needs to cough up the $$$$$.
Post: Feeling Secure
Link to comment from November 11, 2025
Kudos Cecilia! As an additional benefit I suspect your son may have absorbed some of your lessons.
Post: Feeling Secure
Link to comment from November 10, 2025
I get the print edition delivered to my home.Story was in the 9.25.25 edition.
Post: Thank you, Jonathan
Link to comment from September 28, 2025