High Point school board needs a lesson in the law

This opinion piece blasts the High Point school board for non-compliance with the OPMA. The board apparently needs a lesson in how to conduct its public meetings. After entering closed session, the board failed to re-enter open session or properly adjourn the meeting. The board also failed to give public attendees an opportunity to address Read More …

“Kane in Your Corner” reports on USB drive scandal in Belleville

News 12’s “Kane in Your Corner” features citizen activist Lee Dorry of Essex Watch for his work in uncovering the USB drive scandal involving a sitting Belleville Councilman. NJFOG congratulates Lee on this well-deserved recognition and welcomes him as the newest member of our board.  -NJFOG Find the video here: http://newjersey.news12.com/news/kane-in-your-corner-belleville-school-district-spending-questioned-after-purchase-of-flash-drives-1.10825874?pts=88070  

EDITORIAL: Put openness on government’s agenda

Interpreting the term “agenda” in the the outdated OPMA, the Appellate Division ruled on Aug. 18 in Opderbeck v. Midland Park Board of Education that the board does not need to provide supplementary documents with its meeting agendas. However, the Court called for modernization of the outdated law to coincide with today’s simplified means of Read More …

Police Report Links Belleville Councilman to USB Flash Drive Scandal

This is a compelling example of how citizens can root out abuses by accessing public records. Great work by ESSEX WATCH !  -NJFOG EssexWatch.com August 26, 2015 posted by Griff (Full article here.) BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville residents have been so shell-shocked by destructive and costly politics recently, it seems almost nothing comes as a surprise Read More …

N.J. school district did not violate Sunshine Law, judge says

The Appellate Division on August 18 reversed a lower court ruling that required the Midland Park School Board to provide more documentation with its meeting agendas.  The upper court said the outdated OPMA law did not require it but called for modernization of the OPMA to coincide with today’s simplified means of communication and document Read More …