To the Editor:
Your thoughtful article “Independence Day and the New Ruling Class” reminded us that our Declaration of Independence was a bold embrace of self-rule – of a system in which government derives its powers from the consent of the governed. You questioned if a new class of insiders, technocrats or career politicians has arisen to replace the monarchy we rejected.
Our state, county and local governments have grown increasingly opaque. Citizens are given the bare minimum of access and little or no opportunity to understand how policy is shaped. Transparency has faded and, along with it, public confidence.
Freedom of the press is the protected right to freely publish information and opinions through various media without government interference. It is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring the public has access to information and can hold those in power accountable. This freedom is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Recently, our county commissioners voted not to renew the DRBA lease on our airport, with the exception of the businessman Will Morey. Furthermore, our county commissioners seek to limit public comment on this matter and are obscure in their grand plan. Methinks something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Their response to the critical concerns raised by the Cape Issues group has been less than overwhelming.
Cape May County Assemblymen McClellan and Simonsen voted to restrict public access to governmental records on 5/13/24. Our Sen. Testa did not. More recently, on 6/30/25, both assemblymen and our senator voted to permit public notice to be posted only on the governmental agency’s website. This not only robs local print newspapers of revenue but also hides the public business from the people they are supposed to represent.
Orwell’s “1984” had the Ministry of Truth where “War is peace.” Nothing good grows in darkness, and evil dies when exposed to the light. Sadly, many who read this note will not understand that the freedom our soldiers gave us through the shedding of their blood is being taken away. Even more sad, in this one-party county, the malefactors will continue to hold office. The tragedy is that our preciously earned freedom is being trampled upon.
The above is solely my opinion and does not necessarily represent the view of any body to which I was elected (viz., BOE-Lower Twp. Elementary).
Joseph E. Thomas
North Cape May
