Petition to the Lakewood Township Committee: We Want to see you in person!
Petition to the Lakewood Township Committee: We Want to see you in person!
The Issue
To the Honorable Members of the Lakewood Township Committee,
We, the undersigned residents of Lakewood, respectfully yet urgently request that public meetings be reinstated in-person, starting January 2025.
For over three years, our community has adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the world has returned to a state of normalcy and safety. However, one crucial aspect of our local governance has not reverted to its pre-pandemic state: in-person public meetings.
Prior to the pandemic, the Lakewood Township Committee held public meetings at Town Hall, first twice a month and then once a month. These meetings served as a vital platform for residents to interact with committee members, pose questions, raise awareness about pressing issues, object to proposed projects, and engage with town professionals. The meetings yielded tangible results, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among the committee, residents, professionals, and business owners.
Regrettably, since the pandemic, these meetings have transitioned to virtual sessions and have not resumed in-person. While every other governing body is doing in person meetings. This shift has resulted in a significant decrease in community participation, as many residents lack the necessary resources or technical expertise to engage in virtual meetings.
Furthermore, the township traditionally held a reorganization meeting in early January, where appointments and resolutions for the upcoming year were established. Now this meeting has gone virtual and takes a few minutes. We believe it is essential to restore this practice, ensuring that our community is informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Therefore, we respectfully demand that the Lakewood Township Committee reinstate in-person public meetings, commencing in January 2025. This change will facilitate greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement, ultimately strengthening the bond between our local government and its constituents.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response.
122
The Issue
To the Honorable Members of the Lakewood Township Committee,
We, the undersigned residents of Lakewood, respectfully yet urgently request that public meetings be reinstated in-person, starting January 2025.
For over three years, our community has adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the world has returned to a state of normalcy and safety. However, one crucial aspect of our local governance has not reverted to its pre-pandemic state: in-person public meetings.
Prior to the pandemic, the Lakewood Township Committee held public meetings at Town Hall, first twice a month and then once a month. These meetings served as a vital platform for residents to interact with committee members, pose questions, raise awareness about pressing issues, object to proposed projects, and engage with town professionals. The meetings yielded tangible results, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among the committee, residents, professionals, and business owners.
Regrettably, since the pandemic, these meetings have transitioned to virtual sessions and have not resumed in-person. While every other governing body is doing in person meetings. This shift has resulted in a significant decrease in community participation, as many residents lack the necessary resources or technical expertise to engage in virtual meetings.
Furthermore, the township traditionally held a reorganization meeting in early January, where appointments and resolutions for the upcoming year were established. Now this meeting has gone virtual and takes a few minutes. We believe it is essential to restore this practice, ensuring that our community is informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Therefore, we respectfully demand that the Lakewood Township Committee reinstate in-person public meetings, commencing in January 2025. This change will facilitate greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement, ultimately strengthening the bond between our local government and its constituents.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response.
122
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on November 29, 2024