D-Bergen - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

photo of State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen

the staff of the Ridgewooded blog

Trenton NJ, New Jersey lawmakers have paused their efforts to revamp the state’s public records laws following criticism from various good government groups. The bill (S2930), introduced by top Democrats just a week ago, faced swift opposition from nonprofits, civil rights organizations, unions, and the media, who voiced their concerns at dual committee meetings in Trenton on Monday. Originally slated for a crucial hearing in the state Assembly appropriations committee on Thursday, the bill was unexpectedly withdrawn from the agenda shortly before noon.

Continue reading Democrat Effort to Weaken OPRA Laws Stalled

By Michael Symons March 27, 2017 9:58 PM

Ten years ago this month, a state law was enacted encouraging more municipal consolidations as a method for saving money and reducing property taxes.

In the decade since, there’s been just one merger – the combining of Princeton borough and township.

Now a less ambitious update to the effort is on Gov. Chris Christie’s desk. It seeks to clarify some of the rules and tools though does include a few wrinkles – such as allowing towns to merge that are near each other but aren’t directly neighbors.

Sen. Bob Gordon, D-Bergen, said he doesn’t foresee a surge of municipal consolidations because of the bill – though he does think local voters will look at the prospects more willingly as costs keep rising.

“There’s no reason why two small towns next to each other or close to each other shouldn’t get together and try to save some money,” Gordon said.

Read More: Bill aims to merge NJ towns — even when they aren’t neighbors | https://nj1015.com/bill-aims-to-promote-municipal-mergers-even-if-towns-arent-neighbors/?trackback=tsmclip