Gov. Patterson’s proposed property tax cap is an idea whose time has come. New Yorkers can no longer afford the punitive, exorbitant property taxes caused by local governments’ and school boards’ runaway spending. The school boards, county legislators, village and town officials need to start doing their jobs and cut spending. Property owners are simply tapped out. We can’t afford their extravagance! In the past year anyone who isn’t a public employee or public retiree has had to cut spending and readjust priorities. It is time that the “public servants” join us in reality and economizing.