To the Editor:

The only surprise coming out of this article [“Leaders Make Plans to Counteract Tax Bill,” page one, January 17] is the implicit recognition by “progressive” leaders such as Mayor Lempert that taxes matter and that given their druthers, most people would rather pay less than more, especially so in New Jersey with the highest property taxes in the nation coupled with high income tax. Instead of blaming the tax law as “unfairly targeting” states such as New Jersey and New York, and instead of looking for ways to “counteract” the tax law, why not honestly and directly step up to the issues — our taxes are too high! Oh, and our new governor has stated he wants to raise them even more!

If you want the taxpayers to continue supporting this high burden, make the case honestly as to why you think so. Otherwise, do the honest thing and reduce our taxes. Don’t look to weasel out by foisting our high tax rate on those states that are able to live on a smaller diet of their taxpayer dollars. Otherwise, look for the exodus from high tax rate states to continue. People will vote with their wallets and their feet!

Michael Eckstut

Trewbridge Court