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COMMON CAUSE NEW JERSEY
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
(Nov. 30) Make Our Voting Machines in NJ Safe!
New Jersey's election system is at a crucial crossroads. This Monday, December 3, two important bills will be heard by the New Jersey Senate Government Committee. Yes! To S. 507 - We need good voting machine audits in New Jersey!
Please call today!
Senate State Government Committee:
(Aug 13) Media Calls on State to Move on P2P Reform
First it was the towns to go ... over 10% of NJ's total, and then the counties (Mercer 3 years ago, Monmouth last week, and Atlantic County set to pass by the end of the month). Will the state follow suit?
Media outlets across the state are calling for the NJ Legislature and Governor Corzine to stop delaying and make a move. So far they haven't listened to the call of the citizenry, but will the pressure from the media be enough?
Read Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial
Read Asbury Park Press Editorial and "Sweeping reform hailed as a model for state"
(Aug 10) Monmouth County Adopts on P2P Reform!
After 22 months of extensive pressure by the citizens of Monmouth County, the Freeholder Board took action.
Last night, before a full room of concerned county residents, the Freeholders unanimously voted in favor of our model Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance. Read more.
Special thanks to our County Chair Kate Mellina and Legal Task Force attorney Dennis Galvin for their dedication in pushing the Freeholder Subcommittee to commit to a strong resolution that sets a standard for municipalities and counties across the state.
Now it is the state's turn ...
(Aug 9) Petition Moves Forward in Washington Twp
Congratulations to the citizens of Washington!
The signatures were verified today on a citizen petition for Pay-to-Play Reform.
Since May, folks in Washington Twp have been circulating petitions containing the Citizens' Campaign model P2P Reform ordinance. After 3 long months out in the hot sun, these committed residents collected close to 1800 signatures for submission to the clerk.
What's next? The ordinance will be put before the citizens by referendum this November. They will need much help getting the word out to Washington residents to VOTE YES for the P2P Reform referendum question.
If you are interested in volunteering for this cause, please contact Renee Koubiadis at (609) 499-1860 or renee@jointhecampaign.com.
Read more.
(July 27) Atlantic Citizens Empowered
Last night, almost 150 folks from across the county filled into a crowded auditorium at Stockton College to learn about leadership and what it takes to fill a position on an appointed county board or commission.
Atlantic County has over 30 boards and commissions, with several vacancies existing. These appointed positions are waiting for leaders from within Atlantic communities to step forward and share their expertise, and become part of the decision-making process.
In April, Atlantic County Freeholders adopted our model Open Appointments ordinance, which created a public directory of all boards & commissions, their members & terms, and vacancies. It also established an applications process for interested people to apply for such positions.
Read more here.
(July 24) Cherry Hill Petitions Approved!
The Township Clerk validated enough signatures of the citizens' Pay-to-Play Reform petitions, so that the ordinance will move to the next step in the process!
The ordinance will go to first reading before the Council, who will then decide whether to adopt it as is, or not. If the Council decides to pass, the ordinance will go on the ballot in November for a vote by Cherry Hill residents.
(June 12) Pay-to-Play Reform moves in 2 towns!
Emerson joins the ranks of five other Bergen towns to adopt Contractor Pay-to-Play Reform.
Mayor Levine and Councilman Vassanella pushed Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Reform through adoption tonight. Franklin Township becomes the second municipality within Somerset County to adopt this ordinance.
(May 14) Pay-to-Play Reform Petition Drives in Several NJ Towns
Citizens from a number of towns across the state are embarking on initiative & referendum campaigns to promote the Citizens' Campaign model Pay-to-Play reform ordinance.
Such towns include: Teaneck (Bergen), Cherry Hill (Camden), Deptford (Gloucester), and Washington Twp (Gloucester).
These folks have the next few weeks of hard work ahead. If you live in the area of any of these towns, and would like to participate ... please call Lauren at (732) 548-9798 x6 or lauren@jointhecampaign.com
(Apr 4) Another sweeping package of reforms adopted!
Tonight, Monroe Twp became one of a handful of NJ municipalities to pass a comprehensive package of Citizens' Campaign model ordinances, including:
A special thanks goes out to Citizens' Campaign Legal Task Force member, Dennis Galvin, for all of his dedication and guidance that he provided the Monroe Twp Ethics Task Force regarding these ordinances.
(Apr 3) Atlantic County moves on the first two of six reforms
After announcing a broad "Government Integrity Agenda" in January, which includes five Citizens' Campaign model reform ordinances, county freeholders unanimously adopted the first two items today.
The first is our Open Appointments ordinances, which creates a public directory of all county boards & commissions & their vacancies, while also creating an application process of individuals interested in applying for such positions.
The second also ordinance requires public integrity training for all county employees in management positions.
To read more, click here.
(Mar 26) Citizens in the "South" Moving P2P Reform
Taking a cue from the Collingswood citizen victory last November, folks in two Gloucester County towns are pushing their governing bodies to move Pay-to-Play Reform.
Citizens in Deptford have been urging their Council to adopt the reform ordinance for over a year. The request has fallen on deaf ears. Washington Township officials were approached last Thursday by a group of folks, and an answer awaits.
However, residents in both towns are not waiting until their governing body takes action. This spring, petitions for Pay-to-Play Reform have begun circulating.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Deptford: Mickey Walker - (856) 232-0662 Washington Twp: Josh Aronovitch - (215) 307-5632
Read more about the efforts in both towns. (Mar 23) A Call for Civics in the Classroom
Chairwoman of the State Ethics Commission, Paula Franzese published an OpEd in today's Bergen Record, detailing the direct link between our apathy as a citizenry and the lack of civics being taught to our children at an early school age.
"We seem to have surrendered our power, as citizens, to expect more or, perhaps most essentially, to be the inspiration that we hope to find."
"We need to be teaching our children and teenagers the essentials of character, responsibility and good government."
Read the entire article.
(Feb 1) Corzine Opens Appointments Process
Governor Corzine is calling for leadership among New Jersey citizens. Are you ready to answer the call?
The Governor signed the Citizens' Campaign's Open Appointments Law by executive order yesterday.
This law now establishes a public directory of every state volunteer board, commission, and authority, along with the membership and existing vacancies.
The law also creates an application process for any citizen wishing to apply for such a position.
You can find this directory on the Governor's website: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/boards/
(Jan 12) Reforms Moving in 2 Counties!
ATLANTIC: Yesterday, County Executive Dennis Levinsen rolled out a reform package which includes several Citizens' Campaign model ordinances (including pay-to-play restrictions, opening up the closed shop of government appointments, requiring developers to disclose major political contributions and more) and the development of Citizen Leadership Forums throughout the county, geared to empower a new generation of community leaders. Read more.
MONMOUTH: At last night's Freeholder meeting, dozens of citizens turned out to urge the Freeholders to adopt the proposed Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance. Several community groups were represented other than the Citizens' Campaign. Read more.
(Jan 9) Corzine Supports Pay-to-Play Reform
In his "State of the State" address today, Governor Corzine called for a ban on pay-to-play at all levels of government.
"Our initiatives to increase transparency in government, strengthen disclosure requirements, and reform governance at the independent agencies have allowed us to continue neutralizing the toxic mix of money, politics and policy. Although on this topic, there is more to do," Corzine said.
Read the entire transcript. Watch the broadcase online.
(Dec 1)
It's the holiday season ...
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(Nov 7) Citizens Approve Pay-to-Play Reform!
The votes were cast in a majority of approval for pay-to-play reform in both Collingswood and Trenton tonight!
Both towns are major wins for the side of reform: Trenton, being the state capitol, and one of NJ's largest cities ... and Collingswood being the first town in an area heavily influenced by the Camden County political machine to adopt P2P Reform.
These two wins are monumentous, and likely set to spur reform activity in their respective areas. Let's keep the momentum going!
(Nov 7) Voter Resources Available
If you experience problems voting on election day, or have questions regarding the election process ... there are a number of resources for you.
Common Cause is sponsoring 1-866-MY-VOTE-1, a toll-free number to report voting problems.
Click here to view the various phone and website resources available for voters today.
You can also view the Voter Bill of Rights, sponsored by New Jersey's HAVA Coalition.
(Nov 6) Pay-to-Play Reform Taken to the Voters
This year, voters in Trenton and Collingswood have the opportunity to VOTE YES for a pay-to-play reform referendum. These two towns have significant impact on the state of corruption in New Jersey ... Trenton, our state's capitol and one of NJ's largest cities ... Collingswood, would be the first town in Camden County to adopt pay-to-play reform, setting the state for the rest of Camden.
Common Cause New Jersey urges voters in both cities to VOTE YES on the municipal questions to ban pay-to-play.
(Oct 24) Redevelopment Reform on the Rise!
New Jersey has caught on to the idea that redevelopment areas have a significant impact on communities, and it is critical to protect against the influence of large campaign contributions.
Monday 10/23, the Citizens' Campaign held a press conference with the sponsors of the Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Reform Bill (S2076).
This bill that would not only ensure that developers entering into redevelopment agreements with a town/county/state should be banned from making political contributions, but would also extend the notification procedures to the public in order to provide greater participation by citizens in the redevelopment process.
Read more about the S2076 and the press conference here.
Not only is there movement on such an important reform at the state level, but also in towns throughout the state. Currently, 12 towns have adopted the Citizens' Campaign model Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance (Asbury Park, Edison, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Ewing, West Windsor, Sayreville, Highland Park, Maplewood, Belmar, Montgomery & Hightstown).
Read more about these towns here.
(Sept 26) A Call for An Ethics Overhaul
Chair of the State Ethics Commission, Paula Franzese and former Supreme Court Justice Daniel O'Hern have recommended sweeping reforms to overhaul the way that the state can fight corruption.
1. Adopt a zero-tolerance policy on the acceptance of gifts 2. Merge the Joint Legislative Commission on Ethical Standards into the newly empowered State Ethics Commission 3. Ban dual officeholding 4. Ban pay-to-play at every level of government, including redevelopment 5. Make the newly promulgated Uniform Ethics Code binding on the Legislature and local government 6. Close the door to pension padding
To read about these recommendations more indepth, click here.
(Sept 14) Cocktail Reception a Big Hit!
Several current and former elected officials, as well as near one hundred & fifty reform activists were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of 3 of New Jersey's outstanding reformers, who have dedicated their lives to restoring integrity and openness to the political process of our state.
Suzanne Fremon Award Recipient, Elizabeth Mason with Senator Leonard Lance & Senator Loretta Weinberg
(Sept 5) Pay-to-Play Reform on 2 November Ballots
Citizens in both Collingswood (Camden County) and Trenton have circulated petitions, collecting enough signatures to put the Citizens' Campaign model Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance on the ballot in November.
Governing bodies in both towns had up until this week to decide whether they wanted to adopt the measures, or let the court of public opinion decide.
As of today, the ordinances in both Collingswood and Trenton will be on the ballot in the form of a referendum in both towns come Election Day!
And in both towns, your help is going to be needed, as the residents campaign to get the ballot question passed. Please contact Lauren (732.548.9798 x6, laurens@commoncause.org) if you are interested in helping to canvass, phone bank, or pass out flyers. This sort of grassroots campaign is the way that citizens in Edison, Hoboken, Lawrenceville, and Dover Twp obtained a 4:1 approval on the ballots over the past two election years.
(Aug 22) Don't Miss Your Chance!
Tickets are selling out ... don't be left in the dust.
Come and celebrate the achievements of CCNJ and honor 3 of NJ's outstanding reform advocates who have dedicated their lives to restoring integrity and openness to the political process in our state.
* PURCHASE TICKETS *
* More details*
(Aug 1) CCNJ Announces the Honorees for this year's Cocktail Reception
Elizabeth Mason, President of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government where she has successfully pushed several public access and open government reforms at the state and local levels...
The Honorable Loretta Weinberg, who has shown tremendous dedication in leveling the playing field for political participation at all levels of government...
The Honorable Leonard Lance, who is a voice of progress in our state on reform issues, delivering his party's support for several of our legislative initiatives throughout the years...
Read more about the honorees & details of the event.
(June 15) Public Advocate Joins Fight for Pay-to-Play Reform
NJ's Public Advocate, Ronald Chen, has joined the Citizens' Campaign in urging legislators to include pay-to-play reform in the current eminent domain debates.
Read the Public Advocate's report, Reforming the Use of Eminent Domain for Private Redevelopment in New Jersey, where he calls for the enactment of "pay-to-play reforms that apply to all local redevelopment projects and contractors, including consultants hired as part of the project."
Read articles addressing eminent domain and pay-to-play reform in the redevelopment process.
(June 12) PAY-TO-PLAY REFORM WORKING!
According to a study conducted by Joe Donahue of the Star Ledger, most of the state's top political donors who are also contractors, cut their donations by more than 1/2 since the state pay-to-play reform law was passed in 2004!
The NY Post wrote in its article, "Pols Take a Hit," "Many contractors have stopped donating or slashed the amounts they give to political fund-raisers ever since New Jersey enacted a law to stop so-called pay-to-play transactions in September 2004. For example, a third of the money the Democratic State Committee raised in 2004 came from contractors but it totaled just 6 percent last year."
This is an enormous win for CCNJ, since we were instrumental in the state law's passage! ... A huge congratulations to every CCNJ and Citizens' Campaign member who worked to lobby their state legislators, as well as to those members who pushed their local officials to pass our model P2P reform ordinances in over 60 towns, which created momentum for the passage of the state law.
Read the entire Sunday's Star Ledger article, "Pay-to-play ban working ... some say too well".
(June 8) Citizens Present Model Pay-to-Play Reform to Bergen County Freeholders
At last night's Bergen County Freeholder meeting, a group of Citizens' Campaign and Common Cause New Jersey members proposed our model pay-to-play reform ordinance to the Freeholders and urged its passage.
Among the citizens were several Bergen County leaders, including former Assemblywoman Joan M. Wright, former Bergen County Democratic Chairman Anthony Andora, former Republican State Committeewoman Eleanore S. Nissley, and several other Citizens' Campaign members and representatives of county organizations. Senator Loretta Weinberg also gave an inspiring statement in support of the proposed reform.
Read more about the presentation and proposed reform.
(June 1) NJ's House Delegates Rank Below Fair on Lobby Reform
In the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal in D.C., Common Cause has been pushing Congress to pass meaningful lobby reform.
Similar to our struggle here in New Jersey, Common Cause is calling for Congress to create an independent Office of Public Integrity to enforce ethics violations. Currently the House Ethics Committee is comprised of House Members, and the Senate is similar. This creates a conflict of interest, where Members are called upon to investigate and enforce rules against fellow Members and sometimes leaders of their own party, as in the case of Tom DeLay.
Another component of Common Cause's fight for true lobby reform in Congress that is near and dear to our state office's heart is pay-to-play reform. There must be strong limits on the amount of contributions that lobbyists can give to federal candidates, national political parties, and PAC's.
Where do NJ's House Delegates stand on the issue of lobby reform? We can only tell for sure if we take a look at how each Representative has voted. Check out "Lobby Reform: Congress Must Do More" to review their scorecards and read our full report on lobby reform.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? - Contact your Representative and tell them to pass meaningful lobby reform with strong enforcement. To find your Representative's contact info, click here.
(May 23) Developer Cash Flow Continues to Clog
The Citizens' Campaign's pay-to-play ban for developers is spreading. Citizens all over the state are presenting our model ordinance to their town councils, and many of these governing bodies are heeding the call of their constituents!
Tonight Lawrence Township officials have put the Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance on the agenda for first reading, after receiving much pressure from local residents throughout the town.
Citizens in Dover Township will also be presenting their council with this model ordinance tonight, in hopes that the local elected officials will follow the lead of Lawrence and other towns throughout the state.
Both Lawrence and Dover Townships passed our public contracting pay-to-play reform by referendum (4:1) when the councils refused to adopt the citizen proposed ordinances.
(May 12) Mercer County Takes the Lead...Again
Three years ago, as citizens urged local councils across the state to adopt our model contractor pay-to-play reform law, towns throughout Mercer County were taking the lead.
As was the case then, Mercer County municipalities are now paving the way for other New Jersey towns in the passage of our redevelopment pay-to-play reform law.
Hamilton, Hightstown, West Windsor and Mercer County have all passed redevelopment P2P reform ... with Lawrence Township considering its adoption.
Citizens in Trenton and Ewing have also proposed the ordinance to each governing body.
*Asbury Park and Belmar have passed it as well.
(Apr 14) Over 50 Filed!
The Citizens' Campaign was successful in guiding over fifty citizens to run for committee seats with their local political parties!
These are more than fifty folks that are turned off with the way the political party structure has been moving towards being "boss"-driven, and are taking matters into their own hands.
Instead of sitting back and watching our system become more and more corrupt, they have taken the initiative to run for a seat on their local political party to change it from within.
Are you too interested in running, but missed the filing deadline?
Why not write yourself in at the voting booth on election day (JUNE 6th)?
To learn more about the power of the local political party seats, click here.
(Apr 10) Filing Deadline Here
Today is the deadline to file as a candidate for your local party committee seat.
Have you filed?
(Apr 7) Deadline Drawing Near
Last chance to run for a seat on your local political party committee.
The filing deadline is Monday, April 10th.
If you want a say in how the parties are run, what the candidates will stand for, and who gets the money - you need to run for this very attainable and virtually cost free elected position!
Contact Rachel at (732) 548-9798 x7 or rachel@JoinTheCampaign.com for information about your specific district. She can tell you if you will be running against someone in your neighborhood, or if you will be uncontested.
(Mar 19) An Access Point to Elected Positions
A survey conducted by the Citizens’ Campaign shows that 1/4 of NJ's neighborhood-level, elected party committee seats are unfilled.
6,000 out of 24,000!
More than one-in-four of these politically powerful county committee seats are vacant!
What are party committee seats? How do they effect you as an individual? Click here to find out more.
To schedule a meeting or attend one, please contact Rachel Pittard at (732) 548-9798 x.7.
Read the entire media release here.
(Mar 8) Bill to Change Course of Redevelopment Decisions
Yesterday, the Citizens'Campaign and Senator Karcher announced our "Redevelopment Reform & Pay-to-Play Protection Act," which will curb the influence of pay-to-play contributions in the redevelopment arena and create greater accountability to citizens with respect to redevelopment decisions.
Because of the rapidly increasing amount of development in New Jersey, these large scale projects are magnets for pay-to-play cash. The redevelopment decisions are being made with broad discretion and a lack of citizen oversight. This piece of legislation will change that.
There are seven major components of the proposed Redevelopment Reform and Pay-to-Play Protection Act:
(Mar 3) Campaign to Reform the Parties
As part of our state-wide movement to redistribute the power back into the hands of the people, the Citizens' Campaign is looking for folks to run for party committee seats.
The political parties in New Jersey hold a tremendous amount of power and influence over what candidates are chosen to run on the ticket, what the party platform should be, and more importantly - where the money is going to go in the funding of campaigns.
The party committee seats are a very accessible point of entry for the every day person to get involved in the political process.
If you want to reform New Jersey politics, THIS is where you start ... and we can show you how to do it!
Decide to take the power back, and run for a committee seat! *Filing deadline is April 10th*
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about how to run for this elected position, please give Rachel a call at (732) 548-9798 x7.
(Feb 28) New Chair Takes Reins of CCNJ
Common Cause New Jersey has a renewed commitment to empower our citizenry and restore democracy after naming Brian Urbano as the new Chair.
We are very excited about the new youthful energy and reform experience that Urbano will bring to our state office.
Brian has served on the Citizens' Campaign Legal Task Force supporting state and local reform efforts. He also helped lead a successful campaign to adopt strong pay-to-play reform in his hometown of Hoboken by initiative and referendum.
Urbano is currently an attorney in the Litigation Department at the international law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Prior to his work at Paul Weiss, he clerked for New Jersey Supreme Court Justices Daniel J. O'Hern and James R. Zazzali. He received his law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Virginia and Georgetown University respectively.
(Feb 24) Revamped Ethics Commission Needs More Changes
Recent changes were made to the State Ethics Commission, increasing the public membership to a majority over executive branch officials. While it is a step in the right direction, this change does not go far enough. There is a great need to have a full citizen ethics commission, which currently exists in 34 other states.
Why? - Having members overseeing the public body that they work for creates possible conflicts of interest. It is a case of the fox minding the hen house.
Not only did Common Cause New Jersey release a report calling for the Commission to be made entirely of citizen members, (read the full report) but Governor Corzine campaigned on the issue as well.
In the meantime, Governor Corzine made his appointments to the State Ethics Commission yesterday.
(Jan 26) Ethics Transition Team Releases Report
The Ethics & Governance Reform Transition Team released its report today, outlining short and long-term strategies for Governor Corzine to impement the ethics agenda that he established during his campaign.
Comprehensive pay-to-play reform and a strong public financing system were the overarching recommendations made in the report. Stronger enforcement of the already existing campaign finance reform measures was also highlighted.
Member of this Transition Team included former and current NJ Attorney Generals Robert Del Tufo, John Farmer, W. Cary Edwards, John Degnan, and Zulima Farber, former Public Advocate Stanley Van Ness, Governor Codey's Special Ethics Counsel Paula Franzese, and more.
Click here to read the full report.
(Jan 17) Ethics - Governor Corzine's Top Priority
In his State of the State address today, Governor Corzine made it very clear that government ethics will be his top priority during his term in office.
He called on elected officials to join him in "a historic effort to end the toxic mix of politics, money and public business" and help restore public trust and confidence.
Common Cause New Jersey would like to applaud our new governor on taking the issue of corruption in New Jersey politics as a matter of grave concern. We will be continuing our fight for reform at all levels of government, and look forward to working with the new Cabinet and Governor Corzine in the future.
Top 5 Outstanding Achievements in 2005
As you can see, we've been very busy here at Common Cause New Jersey. And this is just the beginning. We have much more planned for the year 2006, so remember to visit our website for regular updates and learn about ways in which you can participate.
* Read more about our success*
(Dec 22) Asbury Park Makes History!
Redevelopment has been a major issue to New Jersey's residents. And the influence of developer's political contributions on many elected official's decisions regarding major development contracts is rampant throughout the state.
This is why the Citizens' Campaign has developed a model Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Reform ordinance. And Asbury Park adopted the ordinance at last night's council meeting.
This makes Asbury the first town in the state to adopt strong redevelopment Pay-to-Play reform measures! Read more about the issue.
(Dec 15) Citizens Urge Towns to Open their Appointments Procedures
April, 2005 - Plainfield became the first town in the state to pass our model Open Appointments Ordinance. Now, citizens throughout NJ are urging thier town councils to follow suit.
Every town has a number of boards and commissions to which citizens are appointed to serve by the mayor &/or councilmembers. However, most people are not aware of what boards and commissions exist, and how to apply for a position if they were interested in sitting on one.
Our model Open Appointments law creates greater transparency in the appointments process of every town - allowing for regular folk to serve on a board or commission without having to be a political "crony."
Currently, Woodbridge, Sayreville, Jackson & Metuchen are considering adopting this ordinance.
Read articles about the members of the Citizens' Campaign that are presenting this model ordinance before their town councils.
(Dec 8) Enabling Legislation Passes - Local Pay-to-Play Reform Saved!
Over a year of dedicated lobbying from a strong coalition of reform organizations, including Common Cause New Jersey and the Citizens' Campaign, and concerned individuals ... the NJ Legislature passed S1987 ("Enabling Legislation").
With a vote of 34-0, this bill will preserve NJ's more than 60 Pay-to-Play reform laws.
"Congratulations to the thousands of citizens that have campaigned to have these laws in local towns . . . bringing sufficient pressure to bear that we had the victory we had today," Harry Pozycki, Chairman of the Citizens' Campaign said.
"We owe those individuals who provided so much work, through petitions, through going to public meetings, testifying in favor of this - we owe those citizens who we encourage every day to get involved in local government. They did," said Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex.
"This is a tremendous victory for our taxpayers," Codey said. "I applaud both the Senate and the Assembly for supporting this bill and giving local governments the authority to crack down on corruption and enact laws that are suitable to addressing the individual needs of their community."
To read more about the bill and its vote in the Senate today, click here.
To read news articles on the passage of the bill, click here. (Nov 22) Citizens Urge Legislators to Save Local Pay-to-Play Reform Laws
The Citizens' Campaign, a coalition of reform organizations and private citizens, held a press conference at the State House in Trenton. The topic was to urge state leaders to pass Enabling Legislation (S1987) and protect the 50+ municipal and county Pay-to-Play reform laws.
Citizens from three NJ towns, where petition drives were conducted to pass Pay-to-Play reform were present, including Falk Engle of Lawrenceville, Stuart Azarchi of Hamilton, and Frank Kenny of Dover Township. They spoke on the importance of Enabling Legislation being passed, in order for the rights of the hundreds of citizens that voted to pass strong Pay-to-Play reform laws in their towns to not be taken away.
Pay-to-Play reform just passed in Dover Township on November 8 by a 4:1 margin. Frank Kenny stated his concern for the hard work put into the passaged of the laws. "I am reaching out now to our Senate, to please, don't let down the people of Dover Township. Please pass the bill in the next few weeks." (Read the entire article)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?:
(Nov 11) State Legislators Should Take a Cue from NJ's Municipalities
Well, Election Day is over... the weekend has begun, and come Monday it will be time to get back down to business - at least for the New Jersey Legislature!
We are still waiting for "enabling" authority to be granted to municipalities that would allow them to pass their own stronger Pay-to-Play reform laws. The vote for S1987 has been stalled in the Senate since last fall!
Time is running out until the end of this legislative session, with only a few voting session left. As stated in the Asbury Park Press editorial today,
While we applaud Governor-Elect Jon Corzine for his plans to enact comprehensive Pay-to-Play reform, this editorial is a reminder that Enabling Legislation (S1987) remains an answer to a time sensitive issue, and a necessity in order to protect New Jersey's local Pay-to-Play reform laws.
Read the entire editorial here. (Nov 10) Special Counsel on Ethics Makes Recommendations to Corzine
Former Justice Daniel O'Hern & Paula Franzese, members of New Jersey's Special Counsel on Ethics, wrote a compelling op-ed piece in today's Star Ledger. (Read the entire report.)
They outlined priorities for the new Governor-Elect Jon Corzine during his administration, in order to "gratify some of the people and astonish the rest."
Recommendations that are in line with Common Cause New Jersey's agenda included:
Common Cause New Jersey worked with O'Hern & Franzese in compiling their report, "Ethics Reform Recommendations for the Executive Branch of New Jersey Government" which included those mentioned above. To read the entire report, click here.
(Nov 9) Dover & Edison Pay-to-Play Reforms Pass!!
The citizens have spoken, and are demanding real reform!
With an overwhelming majority of YES votes from citizens in both towns (Dover Township & Edison), our model Pay-to-Play reform ordinances pass!
# of Voters That Cast "YES" Votes
After months and months of hard work and dedication by dozens of volunteers, the citizens have sent a clear message to their local officials, as well as our state legislators... that corruption has no place in New Jersey politics, and the citizens deserve integrity from their elected officials.
Congratulations to everyone that worked in Dover Twp & Edison to get these reform ordinances passed. You are an inspiration to us all!
(Nov 6) CCNJ College Volunteer in the News!
Lauren Chiarulli, a volunteer that has worked at our office for the past few years, was highlighted this week in the Home News Tribune. "We have to make sure government has a certain integrity."
Lauren began working at our office during junior year of high school, and is now in her first year at Rutgers' University. During the summer, Lauren was one of the lead petitioners in Edison, gathering signatures for our Pay-to-Play referendum. She alone collected over 175 signatures!
Read more about what this tremendously dedicated young woman has to say about the need for all citizens to get involved in the political process of our local government.
(Oct 24) Pay-to-Play a Top Issue for Gubernatorial Candidates
New Jersey's gubernatorial candidates are taking a cue from the voters by making pay-to-play reform a priority issue on the campaign trail. Recent polls have continued to show that NJ voters believe that (1) ending corruption and (2) government ethics are the top two issues that need to be addressed.
On October 18th, a gubernatorial debate was held at the College of New Jersey, and aired on ABC. The need to end the practice of pay-to-play at all levels of government was mentioned numerous times by each Corzine, Forrester, Castillo, & Pawlowski. A specific question, geared solely around the topic of pay-to-play was asked to each candidate. To watch the debate in full, click here.
The Citizens' Campaign surveyed Senator Corzine & Doug Forrester on the issues of Pay-to-Play, abuse of redevelopment law, ‘bossism’, questionable campaign financing, and barriers to citizen participation. Read their responses and what they plan to do about these issues at the Citizens' Campaign website.
(Oct 12) Gubernatorial Candidates Set Spending Records
Even with almost a month to go in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, candidates - U.S. Senator Jon Corzine (D) & Doug Forrester (R) - have broken spending records of over $30 million combined since the June primary!
Neither candidate chose to opt into the N.J. public financing system, which would provide only about 1/5 of what the candidates have spent already. With the local media markets being two of the most expensive in the country, campaign costs are soaring throught the roof. It's no wonder the two independently wealthy candidates are spending a good portion of their own fortunes to fund their campaigns.
Common Cause New Jersey is also highlighted in today's New York Times to speak of the overhaul needed within our public financing system, and the urgent need for tighter controls on campaign spending and donations. Read today's NY Times article...
(Sept 9) Let the Citizens Decide!
Edison & Dover Township Councils decided to pass on enacting the citizens' "pay to play" reform initiatives...which means that both ordinances will go onto the ballot in November.
Great news for the people in both towns because once these referendums receive enough votes to pass on election day, they will be binding for 3 years. This means that changes cannot be made to either ordinance for 3 years. Talk about citizen power!
Folks in Edison and Dover will need your help with canvassing, passing out flyers, phone banking, etc... with the intention of educating voters on the issue in each community, while urging them to vote on the referendums.
Please contact Lauren @ (732) 548-9798 x6 or nj@commoncause.org to find out how you can help.
(Aug 30) One More Win for Local Citizens!
Congratulations to Kelly Fleming and the rest of Gloucester County's Monroe Township residents that helped with the passage of the municipality's Pay-to-Play reform ordinance!
These folks collected enough signatures to complete the initiative process of putting the ordinance on the ballot as a referendum in November. Due largely to this enormous outcry of support for local Pay-to-Play reform within the town, the Monroe Township Council passed the ordinance last week.
Let Kelly & Company's story serve as an example of how the actions of a few can make a tremendous amount of difference!
*We still await the decisions of the Dover Twp. and Edison councils to see whether the citizens' "pay to play" reform initiatives will go on the ballot in these towns come November.
*To help in Dover or Edison during the campaign month of October, please call Lauren @ (732) 548-9798 x6. Volunteers are needed to help with canvassing, passing out flyers, and more.
(Aug 22) Petitions Complete... Election Day, Here We Come! Three towns (Dover Township, Edison & Monroe Twp in Gloucester County) have participated in initiative & referendum drives to place local Pay-to-Play reform laws on the ballot. Citizens in each town collected the required amount of signatures, and will campaign for the ordinances to be passed come November.
We congratulate each of these citizens that put in much hard work and sweat to move the "voice of the people" one step closer to being put into action! The next step will be to urge citizens in each of these 3 towns to vote YES in order to pass the referendums and make these Pay-to-Play reform laws binding for 3 years!
*To help in Dover or Edison during the campaign month of October, please call Lauren @ (732) 548-9798 x6. Volunteers are needed to help with canvassing, passing out flyers, and more.
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