John Catalano, the Republican candidate for mayor in Brick, is facing criticism for the 24% tax increase approved during his last tenure on the Township Council. The property tax increase was part of a 2011 ballot referendum proposed by then-Mayor Steve Acropolis and his Council. 

Kathi Mozolic, a resident of the Cherry Quay area of Brick at the time of the 24% tax increase observed, “I still remember the shock of that tax bill! I couldn’t believe it. We can’t afford to put Catalano back in charge. He has no business running for office with a record like that.” 

Catalano, whose campaign website claims fiscal responsibility as an important part of his campaign platform, has remained silent about the 24% tax increase. At the time, Catalano and his team argued that the referendum and tax increase were necessary, and if the tax increase was not approved, they would lay off police officers and stop municipal trash collection.

A review of statistics provided by the Department of Community Affairs show that Catalano’s 24% increase holds the record for the highest municipal tax increase in Brick’s history, and may be the highest single tax increase ever in Ocean County.

In the election that followed the massive tax increase, the Democratic team headed by John Ducey defeated Catalano and his running mates in a landslide that marked the beginning of “The Ducey Era” in Brick.

During the 12 years following Catalano’s defeat, Mayor Ducey (and now Mayor Crate) have kept taxes stable. During the Ducey/Crate administration, taxes have increased an average of 1% a year. This year, the first budget submitted by Mayor Crate contained no municipal tax increase.

“The Democrats have a strong tradition of fiscal responsibility here in Brick,” explained Crate. “When I was on the Council, I worked hand-in-hand with Mayor Ducey to stabilize taxes. As Mayor, I will continue to do the same.”

Crate explained that the tax stabilization was accomplished by eliminating unneeded patronage jobs, reducing overtime costs, reducing municipal debt and aggressively pursuing grants for special projects.

The Catalano campaign has not provided any specifics on their fiscal plans for Brick.

In campaign mailers, the Crate campaign has criticized Catalano’s record on taxes, calling him “Mr. 24%”.