But if you think county government has gotten more open, get over it.
County Watchers reports the story on its blog this morning, and the Ledger covers it here.
Having worked in government, I can vouch that government officials in New Jersey -- both elected and non-elected -- find it very difficult to embrace the kind of openness and transparency with regard to government records and activities that is considered normal in other parts of the country.
Perhaps it's because of our [jaded] political history -- just think of the unending drumbeat of corruption cases in the last couple of years, the bulk of which have hinged on keeping decision-making out of the light of day.
Is County Watchers annoying? Maybe. But they have a right to demand access. Do their requests take time and resources? Sure. But if the County were committed to transparency it would become less and less of an issue if stuff was just digitized as created and made available -- either directly online or by going into a County office and using a dedicated County computer. What IS the big deal?
Union County officials apparently are only going to be dragged into the sunlight kicking and screaming.
And that's too bad for all of us who will have to put up with their obstructionist and delaying tactics -- need I say, at taxpayer expense.
- County Watchers: "Union County Watchdog Association wins OPRA lawsuit"
- Ledger: "County settles watchdogs' suit over records fees"
-- Dan Damon
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ARCHIVED POSTS OF PLAINFIELD TODAY FROM 11/03/2005 THROUGH 12/31/2006 ARE AT
http://plainfieldtoday.blogspot.com/
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1 comments:
go see www.njtoday.net/abused
also
www.njtoday.net/noshow
There is a slate of independent candidates that has a chance of upsetting Sen Ray Lesniak and Joe Cryan (or is it 'Cretin' - I get confused)
Adrian Mapp and his running mates have more potential toupset the Democratic insiders than the GOP --unless light turnout and voters distracted by the third option permit the Republicans to squeek past the incumbents (either way a victory if Froehlich, Cryan & Lesniak end up out)
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