Not everyone received Shop Vernon tax rebate cards

I read with dismay and article titled "Shop Vernon Township reward program reviewed" in the AIM Vernon newspaper on Oct. 10, 2014. It stated that approximately 8,000 cards were sent out to Vernon residents that allow a property tax reward when used at local vendors involved with the program. They indicated the success of the program, citing that more thann $143,000 have been spent with the program since the May 1 launch.

In addition, the Vernon website — www.vernontwp.com — indicates that these cards have been mailed to all Vernon homeowners.

I'd like to see the list that was used to mail these cards out because only one person that I have talked to (and I'd estimate that I have asked about 30 or 40 Vernon homeowners that I know) had received this card in the mail. And, that person indicated that they could not register the card on the site as instructed and they gave up. Did they use the same mailing list that they use for tax collection? The article does say that homeowners can pick up a card at the mayor's office. I do know a few people that have done this, but I personally am too busy working 8+ hours a day (plus a commute) so that I can pay my mortgage and taxes, and therefore I am unavailable to get to the mayor's office during normal business hours.

Every Vernon taxpaying household should have received this card within the same time period. It is unacceptable that some did and most did not.

I called Vernon Township today at 973-764-4055 and Irene was very helpful and is mailing me a card. She also was surprised that so many people did not receive one. If you are interested in receiving one, I would suggest you do the same. Doing this will also show them just how many of us did NOT receive one in their original mailing.

Diane Suter
Vernon