The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Trenton NJ, In a move stirring controversy and concern, the New Jersey Legislature is poised to vote on a bill that could severely restrict access to public records. The proposed legislation, which cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday afternoon, is scheduled for a vote in both chambers on Monday, sparking outcry from advocates and citizens alike.
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In a recent survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University, it was revealed that a large majority of registered New Jersey voters are in favor of maintaining the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) as it currently stands.
Continue reading FDU Poll: Over 80% of New Jersey Residents Want Public Records Law Left Intact
photo of State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen
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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slated for a crucial hearing in the state Assembly appropriations committee on Thursday, the bill was unexpectedly withdrawn from the agenda shortly before noon.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
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bridgewater NJ, following the Township’s recent victory in the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court, Rise Against Hate’s has made the decision to petition the case to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The Supreme Court accepted the petition and a court date is now pending.
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Continue reading Ridgewood Mayor and Subordinates Continue to Suppress Public Input
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Trenton NJ, Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (both R-Monmouth) which makes certain information related to public health emergencies accessible under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) was approved by the Assembly Health Committee.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Concern over mail-in balloting is rising as the presidential election approaches. Last month, we highlighted California Governor Gavin Newsom’s brazen mail-in ballot scam: an executive order mandating mail-in ballots “to preserve public health in the face of the threat of Covid-19.” Judicial Watch challenged the executive order in federal court, prompting the state legislature to pass a law ensuring that mail-in balloting would take place.
In June in a response to an Open Public Records Act request to the Bergen County Clerk’s Office it was discovered that 710 Ridgewood voter ballots or approximately 15% were REJECTED in connection with the May 12, 2020 Board of Education, Board of Education Budget, and Village Council General Election.
Continue reading Mail-In Ballot Fraud in New Jersey Signals National Trouble
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Ridghewood NJ, FORMER Councilman Jeffrey D. Voigt submitted a ridiculous piece of fiction to The Ridgewood News in the form of a letter this past week. We learned from the newspaper that they had to edit out (and they refused to publish) the particularly outlandish paragraphs in which he self-righteously criticized the bullies on social media (he himself is the KING of bullying on social media, posting here on The Blog incessantly). They also deleted the parts where he talks about how others need to be decent human beings (since he certainly is not one), and how some people are “big men” behind computer screens but not in public – wow, doesn’t this describe this horrible man just perfectly?! KUDOS to the Ridgewood News for recognizing that even a “DOUCHEBAG” can go too far into the realm of non-science fiction.
Continue reading Former Councilman Voigt Attempts to Rewrite History in Ridgewood News Letter
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Senator Joe Pennacchio today introduced legislation (S-2575) to remove limitations in the Emergency Health Powers Act that obscure government transparency during crises like the current coronavirus pandemic.
Continue reading Murphy Administration uses emergency powers to deny OPRA requests
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Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood School Board discussed the litigation matter that was on the Executive Session agenda. Two board members recused themselves due to a conflict. The Board discussed the next steps in regard to this matter. A motion to appeal the current case was approved.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Saurabh Dani v. Ridgewood Board of Education, earlier yesterday, a Judge granted order enforcing litigant’s rights. For the second time, Board of Education was found in violation and failed to do something ordered by the court. See complete order in comments, a stark contrast of what BOE (James Morgan) posted days ago.
Continue reading Judge Grants Order Enforcing Litigant’s Rights Against Ridgewood Board of Education
