As the New Jersey gubernatorial race intensifies, candidate Bill Spadea’s tax policy positions have come under scrutiny. Spadea, a former radio host and political commentator, has made various statements regarding taxation that have raised questions among voters.
According to a lawsuit filed by his opponent Jack Ciattarelli, New Jersey 101.5 has since deleted recordings incriminating Spadea on his repeated calls for higher taxes and tolls in New Jersey in the past 12 months.
Spadea has even called for $8.25 cent tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway, from 75 cents.
In a seven-point plan outlined in 2023, Spadea proposed measures aimed at reducing the state’s tax burden. These included lowering property taxes and implementing spending cuts to achieve fiscal balance. He emphasized the need for structural reforms to make New Jersey more affordable for residents.
Tax the Rich
New York City Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wasn’t the first person to want to tax the rich. Spadea called for it last February while on air, calling on rich New Jerseyans to start paying their fair share.
However, during his tenure as a radio host, Spadea made comments suggesting support for certain tax increases. For instance, on February 28, 2024, at 8:28 a.m., he stated, “I think we’ve got a lot of super rich folks out there that should pay their fair share.”
Higher Taxes for Box Stores, Amazon
With some countries and places seeking to tax Amazon deliveries, it was Spadea last year, who called on Amazon to start paying more, thus their customers.
Similarly, on March 12, 2024, at 9:56 a.m., he remarked, “Everyone should pay their fair share. I’d like to see Walmart and Amazon and all these big box stores pay their fair share.”
These statements have led to criticism from opponents who argue that Spadea’s positions are inconsistent.
Higher Tolls on Parkway, Turnpike, Atlantic City Expressway
If tolls are your number one issue, New Jersey isn’t the state for you. That is essentially what Spadea said about a proposed toll hike on the Atlantic City Expressway. Instead of raising it a few cents, Spadea called for an $8.25 cent tax on entering Atlantic City.
You can say Spadea was the first politician to call for a congestion tax in New Jersey.
Spadea has also advocated for user fees as a revenue mechanism. On September 3, 2024, at 7:13 a.m., he commented, “User fees work, and that’s why I favor tolls.” This perspective aligns with his broader view that those who utilize specific services should contribute directly to their funding.
“Are you telling me somebody going to gamble won’t pay an $8.25 toll?” Bill Spadea asks. There’s a proposal to raise the tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway, and even fiscal hawk Bill says it doesn’t go far enough,” he said.
In response to critiques, Spadea has maintained that his proposals are centered on fairness and fiscal responsibility. He argues that his tax policy positions are designed to alleviate the financial burden on middle and working-class families while ensuring that wealthier individuals and large corporations contribute appropriately.
While Spadea often talks about reducing spending, his on-air statements suggest that he’s willing to continue funding New Jersey government waste and overspending through new taxes.
As the campaign progresses, New Jersey voters will assess Spadea’s tax policy positions alongside those of other candidates. The primary election is scheduled for June 10, with the general election to follow on November 4.