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February 8, 2009

Assemblyman wants Warren County voters to weigh in on $26M library project

Express-Times
by Stephen J. Novak
Friday February 06, 2009, 3:51 PM

Michael DohertyAssemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Warren/Hunterdon) said today he plans to pay a visit to the Warren County Freeholders meeting next week, where he will ask the board to approve a measure that would put any future bonded debt for projects to voters.
In a letter sent to the freeholders this afternoon, Doherty listed some projects that would be affected. In particular are plans for a $26 million building that will serve as the headquarters for the Warren County library system, as well as house several other departments.

"I believe that in this time with a downturning economy, you really have to be careful about borrowing money," Doherty said.
At a budget hearing Wednesday, the freeholders said they planned to move forward with the library project -- which is currently in the planning phase -- because it could provide job stimulus in the county and eliminate rents for housing some departments.

Doherty also said his suggested voter approval resolution would affect an expansion of the county's administration complex and renovations to the county courthouse.

A bill Doherty introduced late last month would require counties and municipalities to hold elections for voters to approve of bonds. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee for approval.

Doherty is making a bid for state Senate against former Assembly colleague and current interim Sen. Marcia Karrow, also a Republican.

Posted by tumulty at February 8, 2009 12:23 PM

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