The fundamental problem with all regionalization efforts, in my view, is the fact that regionalization is an effort to develop economic efficiencies in what is a politically inefficient system. However, it is my belief that the involved participation of citizens in governmental processes is essential for the proper functioning of the democratic institution, and this is best achieved at the local level. Some will blame this failure on parochial interests of local politicians, but that may not be the case. I point out also, that some of the larger units of government have proven to be highly inefficient and wasteful. To phrase this in another way, economic efficiency must not be the sole standard to judge democratically elected governments.
Democracy is inherently inefficient.
Underlying the entire discussion is the fact that local governments and boards of education in the state of New Jersey rely on the property tax as the principal funding mechanism. This property tax can easily be demonstrated as fundamentally unfair, and once this is universally recognized, politicians will have to replace the property tax with a more equitable system. If you would like, I will be happy to discuss the eintire matter with you.