Legislative Profiles: Jay Webber

With Election Day (Nov. 8) fast approaching, Patch takes a look at the candidates for the State of New Jersey District 26 Legislature. We continue with incumbent Assemblyman Jay Webber (R- Morris Plains).

Name: Jay Webber

Age: 39

Occupation: Attorney

Previous elected or appointed positions (including previous terms in sought position, if applicable): Chairman, NJ Republican Party (2009–2011); Co-Chairman, NJ Apportionment Commission (2010–2011)

Any other current elected or appointed positions: Member, Morris Plains Republican County Committee

Other community associations: Trustee, St. Virgil’s Parish, Morris Plains

Town (and length) of residence: Morris Plains, 7 years

Length of residence in District 26: 10 years

Most pressing issues for this candidate in a coming term, and how they would be addressed: Reducing property and other taxes on our overtaxed citizens, cutting government spending, and creating a pro-growth economic climate for job creation and prosperity are the most pressing issues. 

On the issue of property taxes, we must cut the costs that drive them, especially personnel costs that comprise much of municipal government budgets. I have supported the “tool kit” proposals designed to lower property taxes, a property tax cap, and comprehensive pension and benefits reforms. I look forward to continuing to support policies that push down the cost drivers of property taxes, so that property taxes not only are capped, but actually can be reduced.

More locally, flood mitigation efforts, eliminating the Highlands Act, preserving the Greystone property, and protecting Lake Hopatcong are top priorities.

Fun Fact: "I have led by example by successfully fighting to end taxpayer-funded pensions for legislators, and by voluntarily refusing the health benefits that legislators can take at taxpayer expense. I run a small law firm and have a family of seven (and soon to grow to eight in February), so I understand the expense of, and the need for, health benefits. But, I decline taxpayer-funded health benefits, because I have put my own compensation where by beliefs are.  I believe compensation and benefits in the public sector should closely resemble compensation and benefits in the private sector. Part-time employees in the private sector rarely receive full-time health perks, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund such perks in the public sector. I also believe that if were are going to reform pension and health benefits for public employees, elected officials have to look at their own compensation and benefits package first.  That's why I believe taxpayer-funded pension and health benefits should be eliminated for all part-time public employees and part-time elected officials, and why I voluntarily refuse them despite their availability to me today.