Chapter 5:
Fiscal responsibility is not about austerity — it is about respect for taxpayers.
A Loyad Booker administration will manage Bayonne’s finances with discipline, transparency, and long-term planning, ensuring that public dollars are used efficiently while protecting residents from unnecessary tax increases.
Sound financial management builds trust and creates the foundation for sustainable growth.
Living Within Our Means
Bayonne must balance ambition with realism.
A Loyad Booker administration will:
• Prioritize balanced budgets and long-term financial planning
• Control operating costs while protecting essential services
• Evaluate new initiatives based on affordability and measurable outcomes
Every dollar spent should deliver value to residents.
Growing Revenue Without Raising Taxes
The goal is to strengthen city finances without increasing the tax burden on working families and seniors.
This administration will focus on:
• Strategic economic development that expands the tax base
• Responsible use of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs)
• Leveraging state, county, and federal funding
• Public-private partnerships that reduce taxpayer exposure
Growth should pay for growth.
Transparent Budgeting and Public Access
Residents deserve to understand how their money is spent.
A Loyad Booker administration will commit to:
• Clear, plain-language budget presentations
• Public access to financial data and spending reports
• Regular updates on capital projects and major expenditures
Transparency turns budgets into public documents — not mysteries.
Ethical, Accountable Government
Fiscal responsibility depends on ethical leadership.
This administration will uphold:
• Strong ethical standards for elected officials and employees
• Clear procurement and contracting processes
• Accountability for performance and results
Public service is a public trust.
Smart Capital Planning
Infrastructure investments must be planned carefully and financed responsibly.
A Loyad Booker administration will:
• Align capital spending with the city’s master plan
• Coordinate infrastructure upgrades with redevelopment
• Avoid shifting today’s costs onto future taxpayers
Capital planning should strengthen the city without creating long-term liabilities.
Using Data to Improve Performance
Good governance relies on information.
This administration will:
• Use performance metrics to evaluate programs
• Track service delivery and response times
• Adjust policies based on results and resident feedback
Data helps government work smarter.
Measuring Fiscal and Governmental Success
Progress will be evaluated through:
• Stable or reduced tax pressure
• Improved financial transparency
• Strong creditworthiness and fiscal indicators
• Increased public trust in City Hall
Closing Principle
Fiscal responsibility and transparency are inseparable.
Under a Loyad Booker administration, Bayonne will be governed with honesty, discipline, and respect for the people who fund it — ensuring a city government that is both effective and accountable.
Loyad Booker for Mayor – 2026