Why does NJ have the highest property and overall highest taxes

Court House - Why does NJ have the highest property and overall highest taxes in the nation? Why do we continue to pay tolls to the Parkway, A.C. Expressway and Turnpike when these roads were paid for decades ago? Why do towns a mile long and wide have their own government, council, police, fire, EMS, school boards and dog catchers when we all know consolidation would save billions and lower taxes for all citizens? Our economy has stalled with a lack of good jobs.