The job of the Herald is to provide you with comprehensive coverage of news in Cape May County. Some of that news is joyous; some is not. Some involves reporting readily available information; some requires pursuing facts that officials would rather keep from public view.
We work each day with you in mind. As Americans, our government exists to serve its citizens, who have a right to participate in decisions that affect life in this county we all call home. Certain government matters must remain confidential, but those cases are far fewer than some elected officials seem to believe.
Over the past several months, the Herald has published stories on government transparency and future plans for the county airport. These reports have not always pleased members of the county commission. We pursued them because citizens frequently raise these issues. Our goal is to present clear information on important matters involving government services and taxpayer funds.
In September, the Herald invited Commissioners Will Morey and Bobby Barr to discuss the airport’s future. Commissioner Morey accepted; Commissioner Barr declined and accused the Herald of “advancing a narrative that does not reflect the truth.” In reality, we reported a story important to you. If that had to be done without his participation as the county’s airport liaison, that was his choice, not ours.
The airport story remains ongoing and could commit the county to repaying tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. From the outset, we believed the public had a right to know why such spending might be necessary. We never compromised accuracy, and we provided more information than county officials had shared in public meetings or in response to public requests. That is our job, and we will not shirk it.
Transparency isn’t optional in a democracy – it’s the people’s right.
Transparency is another area where we have at times disagreed with commissioners. Our reporting examined how easily the public can participate in local government. We showed that some municipalities make genuine efforts to open their meetings to real-time scrutiny, while others resist even simple steps to encourage participation.
At the county level, meetings are held during the workday, limiting attendance for those with jobs. Sessions are not livestreamed or video-recorded, even though the technology is inexpensive and readily available. The public cannot watch commission actions live or view a recording afterward. Remote participation – allowing citizens to comment or ask questions online – is not offered.
Some commissioners insist they are fully transparent without such measures. Our factual reporting lets readers judge how open the commission truly is to citizen involvement.
At the Herald, our task is to keep the public accurately and fully informed about local government. When we make a factual error, we correct it promptly and clearly. We report what officials say and do, and what documents reveal about their actions. If that puts us at odds with some officials or administrators, it’s regrettable, but part of the territory.
We value constructive relationships with public officials and strive to maintain them – but never at the expense of our mission to keep citizens informed so they can wisely exercise their sovereignty, the true foundation of government.
Quotes From the Bible
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
-Ephesians 4:25
