Transparent Government

I read a very interesting editorial in the New Jersey edition of the Express-Times. The editorial was dated November 12, 2007 and discussed the impact of practicing transparent government in Washington Borough and Greenwich Township.

The editorial stated the Washington Borough needs to re-advertise the municipal attorney and planning positions, since the borough only received one bid. Meanwhile, Greenwich Township should reverse a decision to by-pass the township planning committee and let the township committee hold the hearings for a zoning change on 110 acres of land. Both of these municipalities has the opportunity to practice true open government and allow the citizens to have a full and open debate about the facts of these situations.

We also have a good opportunity to practice true open government in our own community. I am hoping the Forks BoS provides the public copies of the 2008 budget, so we can better understand the reason for a tax hike. This would allow for the opportunity to provide real public input at the December 2007 BoS meeting and lead to better transparency between the board and the residents of Forks Township. Another opportunity for better government is for Forks EMS to release their financial statements, so we can better understand the actual financial condition of our squad.

Let’s hope!

It is very important to stay involved in township decision making and speak out on critical topics. Only together can we do better!

David