Solberg Airport

For Immediate Release                                                             Contact: Thor Solberg

March 16, 2006                                                                                     908-581-9288

READINGTON TAXPAYERS FORCE COMMITTEE TO POST $22 MILLION BOND FOR A VOTE

Eminent Domain, Higher Taxes Cited As Key Reasons

Readington—The owners of Solberg Airport announced today that they had collected over 1,800 signatures to require the township to allow residents to vote on a proposal to spend $22 million to forcibly take over the airport.

“We weren’t surprised by the level of support,” said Solberg. “Our polls indicate that most people believe the bond is a bad idea and that it will lead to higher taxes.  I’m glad to see that community support has been translated into action.”

The bond was passed by the committee on February 21, despite a turnout of over 400 people who showed up in opposition to it. 

“Many people signed the petition because they believe it’s wrong for the government to take your property,” said Thor Solberg, co-owner of the airport.  “But many others think it’s wrong for the town to increase debt so much without their approval. Whatever the reason it’s a victory for the taxpayers and I’m grateful for all their support.”

Township Committee members have admitted that the bond proposal will raise property taxes, but accounts vary as to exactly how much more taxpayers will have to pay over the next twenty years.  Recent statements by the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection indicate that the state will not fund eminent domain takeovers leaving taxpayers to finance the take over.

Solberg Airport was founded by the famous aviator Thor Solberg in 1939.  Solberg made the first trans Atlantic flight from New York to Norway in 1935.

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