Our town council continues to govern the citizens of Montclair and make important decisions at town council meetings. Unfortunately, the Council is REQUIRING IN PERSON ATTENDANCE for those who wish to fully participate and comment.. Half of the meetings will not even be televised or streamed. This is unacceptable in 2022, when citizens should have ready access to information around decisions that will impact their lives.

For example, tonight the council will be voting on a $4.2 million bond referendum which will affect everyone who lives in Montclair, whether they own property or rent. https://montclairlocal.news/4-2m-bond-for-montclair-municipal-building-but-theres-no-list-of-projects/ 

But only the handful of people who attend in person will have the opportunity to ask questions and speak about it. https://montclairlocal.news/all-montclair-meetings-continue-virtual-access-council-conference-meetings-now-unplugged/?fbclid=IwAR1YEXMWEhkvxChDs-Yo1PmCkddZvOlrKR9CPTF3aQZ3trH7voTGqBZHEWc

Not everyone can attend meetings in person-- this includes;

• seniors
• parents
• people with disabilities and/or health concerns
• anyone who doesn't want to sit near others during this time of high COVID transmission.
• people who are still commuting home from work

Meanwhile, the Town Council continues to take action (or fails to take action) in ways that affect us all. 

Open meetings conducted by public bodies in New Jersey are governed by the “Sunshine Law,” otherwise known as the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The law gives the public the right to be attend meetings of public bodies and in the case of municipal government meetings, make comment on any governmental issue that they feel "may be of concern to the residents of the municipality." N.J. Stat. § 10:4-12(a). 

But the Sunshine Law was adopted in the 1970s — before email, before the internet, and before the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Public Access with streaming and comment can be accomplished easily with basic modern technology the Township already has. 

SIGN (and share) THIS PETITION to demand that the Town Council to stream ALL of their meetings and permit virtual attendees to ask questions and make comments. ALL of the citizens of Montclair Township deserve a meaningful opportunity to FULLY participate as informed and engaged citizens.

IT'S A MATTER OF DEMOCRACY!