Bill Requires Online Transparency from Local Agencies

Very few of New Jersey’s almost 600 commissions, authorities and boards let you know how they’re spending your tax dollars. A bill that has passed both houses of the legislature aims to change that. Governor Chris Christie has been a harsh critic os many of these agencies calling them "shadow governments" that spend taxpayer money with accoutability.

 The bill would implement changes following the Office of the State Comptroller in its report entitled, “An Analysis of the On-Line Transparency of New Jersey’s Local Authorities and Commissions.” It requires state, regional, and local authorities, boards, and commissions to establish an Internet website and post information related to each entity’s mission, finances, meetings and employees.

“Democracy relies on open and transparent government that hides nothing, and unfortunately, New Jersey taxpayers aren’t getting that in many cases,” says Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, one of the measure’s prime sponsors. “Failing to post fiscal information is bad enough, but it’s horrendous that only 8 percent of these agencies post their schedule, agendas and minutes of public meetings.”