What: Come to a county meeting to demand transparency from county commissioners
When: Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
Where: William Strum Jr. Administrative Building, 4 Moore Road, Court House
The lack of transparency in Cape May County governance, as spotlighted in the recent Herald article, “County Commissioners Reject Call for More Transparency,” has prompted an outcry among residents and civic groups. Cape Issues, a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and accountability in Cape May County, is urging the public to join their call for change by attending the upcoming County Commissioner meeting.
Cape Issues, representing a broad coalition of county residents, is committed to tackling local challenges through transparency, proactive solutions, and holding public officials accountable. Residents are encouraged to stand united in demanding improved governance practices and greater accessibility.
Key Concerns to Be Addressed
The Nov. 26 County Commissioner meeting, as reported in the Herald, raised significant transparency-related issues. These points will frame public discussion at the Dec. 10 meeting:
- Proposed Transparency Measures:
Commissioner Will Morey suggested two straightforward changes:- Making audio recordings of meetings publicly available within 24 hours.
- Shifting meeting times from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., allowing greater attendance by working residents.
- Current Practices:
- Meetings are livestreamed via audio, but recordings are withheld until minutes are approved, which can take weeks.
- Commissioners, including Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski and Commissioner Bobby Barr, defended these practices as sufficient, rejecting accusations of withholding information.
- Public Complaints:
- Residents reported poor audio quality during meetings, hindering their ability to follow discussions.
- Transparency Rankings:
- Cape May County scored a mere 1 out of 6 on a regional transparency scorecard, placing it among the lowest in South Jersey.
- Examples of Better Practices:
- Commissioner Morey pointed out that Sea Isle City, where Commission Director Leonard Desiderio serves as mayor, releases meeting recordings within 24 hours—something Cape May County has yet to achieve.
- Legal Challenges:
- County Counsel Jeff Lindsay noted that current policy views audio recordings as drafts for minutes and not as official public records, complicating their immediate release.
- Commissioner Resistance:
- Despite Morey’s efforts, other commissioners declined to act on his proposals. Desiderio concluded the discussion by stating, “We’ll let it go for now.”
Why Transparency Matters
Cape May County prides itself on leadership, yet its transparency practices fall behind neighboring counties like Atlantic and Cumberland. Commissioner Morey’s proposals are practical, cost-effective measures to foster public trust and encourage civic engagement.
By attending the Dec. 10 meeting, residents can demand the change they deserve and emphasize that the county should lead in transparency, not lag behind.
Cape Issues’ Stand
Cape Issues firmly supports Commissioner Morey’s push for open governance and rejects the notion of letting this matter go. Transparency is not a lofty ideal but a fundamental principle of accountable leadership.
Barbara Murphy-Leary of Cape Issues remarked, “Transparency is the foundation of trust between government and residents. We must hold our officials accountable and demand better.”
Residents are encouraged to join the Dec. 10 meeting to advocate for meaningful reform and ensure Cape May County serves its people with integrity and openness.
Together, we can make a difference.
