I received an e-mail this morning questioning why we didn’t write a preview of the fire district elections in Monroe. The answer? We were unable to track down the budgets and commissioners until after our deadline on Thursday. (We intended to get something up on the Web late Friday, but that fell through the cracks.)
I offer this not as an excuse. The information is public so we had a responsibility to get it.
I offer this as another example of the problems with New Jersey’s governmental structure. There is something inherently wrong with having a government entity — in this case, one that levies taxes — that is as inaccessible as most fire commissions. Our reporters attend occasional meetings, but getting information at other times is nearly impossible — this goes not only for Monroe, but for South Brunswick, Jamesburg, Plainsboro, West Windsor, nearly every fire district that I’ve had the misfortune to have to cover in my 17 years as a reporter and editor.
Monroe is supposed to be reviewing whether to consolidate its districts, maintain the status quo or abolish them altogether. I vote for abolition. At the very least, the independent fire commissions should be required to file all budget information with their municipal clerk’s office, which would make it more accessible for voters to peruse — and reporters to track down.
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
The Blog of South Brunswick
The Cranbury Press Blog
Hank Kalet 