>
Exemption adds to Bergen pay-to-play discussion
An exemption that could be included in the proposed Bergen County pay-to-play ordinance is causing further debate.
The ordinance, which was most recently publicly discussed at the Sept. 7 freeholder meeting, would compel those who sign contracts with the county to submit a more thorough disclosure of campaign contributions than earlier versions did. But the latest version also would allow a significant number of county contracts to be exempt.
The exemption included in the revised pay-to-play ordinance states that the proposed regulations would “not apply to those contracts awarded pursuant to a fair and open process.” According to state law, a “fair and open” process includes at least several provisions
The process must include public advertisement in newspapers or on the entity’s website, with “sufficient time to give notice.” The contract process must also be publicly opened to bidding and publicly reported when awarded, according to State of New Jersey guidelines. (Bonamo, Hackensack Chronicle)