Ciattarelli Disappointed Prieto Backed Off Own Debate Challenge

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli today said he was disappointed that Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto backed off his own debate challenge on the issue of fair school funding, and urged him to re-engage on the issue.

“Speaker Prieto’s challenge to ‘debate anyone on this subject, anywhere, anytime’ was music to my ears,” said Ciattarelli, who has advocated for school funding reforms aimed at providing suburban property tax relief.  “I am disappointed that the speaker decided to back off when I accepted his challenge.”

On May 17 InsiderNJ quoted Prieto saying he is willing to debate anyone, anywhere, at any time, just after criticizing Ciattarelli’s school funding plans.

“This is a public policy debate that the state needs to have and our taxpayers deserve.  As I said when accepting his challenge – elected officials from places like Jersey City need to hear the voices of suburban taxpayers in places like Manville, Delran, Egg Harbor Township and Woodbridge.  It may not be popular to say, but Jersey City and Hoboken don’t have property tax crises.  Those others towns do, and someone needs to stand up for them.”

Here is the link to Prieto’s challenge: https://www.insidernj.com/prieto-this-has-been-about-respect/