>Several weeks ago, the local Geese Peace chapter requested permission to insert a flyer into water bills destined for Ridgewood Water’s customers with Ridgewood addresses (the water utility also serves subscribers in Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff). At the time, Village Council members determined that no policy existed with respect to such appeals.
In response to the request from Geese Peace, and in anticipation of the likelihood that other community organizations might ask to disseminate information using water bills, Village Council members informally adopted a “Water Bill Insert” policy during their September 26, 2007 Work Session.
Simply stated the new policy is that no inserts will be permitted unless the message is being sent to water utility subscribers from the Council as a whole. The Council will welcome suggestions for appropriate themes from individuals and/or local community groups, but all content will be authored (and signed) by the Council.
The Fly believes this policy suggests the following: “We welcome your great ideas; however, if we like the message will take full credit by signing our names to it.” What a way to encourage individual and community participation. Nice touch ladies and gentlemen of the Council; nice touch.
>I don’t see why the water bills should contain any type of insert. Once we start allowing advocacy in our government communications we cannot discriminate without the liability of litigation. Let the water bill be a …….water bill.
>Agreed! Don’t spend my postage money on messages public or otherwise.