Community Group Launches Transparency, Access and Public Engagement (TAPE) Voter Initiative

Seek Law to Require Piscataway Township to Record, Broadcast and Stream Key Meetings, Information

Piscataway, NJ – The Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization announced the launch of a voter initiative to expand community involvement and increase accountability in key municipal meetings and decisions. The Transparency, Access and Public Engagement (TAPE) ordinance would mandate that the Township record, broadcast and use streaming services for all Township Council, Zoning and Planning Board meetings. The ordinance also requires posting and archiving of all minutes and recording of said meetings for a minimum of 7 years.

Most communities in New Jersey do this as a matter of good government, but Piscataway’s officials do not, community organizers and petition circulators said.

“This is what an open and transparent government looks like,” said Laura Leibowitz, one of the initiative petitioners and a Democratic Committee member from the Possumtown area. “This is what a government that truly seeks and respects the engagement of its residents looks like. This is what a forward-thinking, 21st century township needs to thrive and grow.”

With enough signatures from registered voters in Piscataway, the ordinance would be put to the Township Council for a vote.  If the Council does not approve it, the ordinance would be placed on the November 2021 general election ballot for Piscataway voters to decide.  In addition to using recording and streaming meetings, the ordinance requires posting and archiving of all minutes and recording of these meetings for a minimum of 7 years.

Community leaders say having information like this is vital to having neighbors engaged in the decisions that affect the community, especially land use decisions. Piscataway Community Television (PCTV), which has a budget of over $200,000, is not used for live or posted recordings of Council or other key meetings where important decisions are made.

“When you know better, you do better,” said Kamuela Tillman, a neighborhood leader and a member of the petitioning committee. “People want to be involved in these discussions and decisions, and no one should be shut out or kept out.”

During the pandemic, the Township Council met the bare minimum criteria of the state’s Sunshine Law (the Open Public Meetings Act) by holding their meetings via telephone conference.  “The rest of the world quickly pivoted to using online tools that allowed for video and telephone engagement. Businesses, school systems, houses of worship all quickly figured out how to connect with their constituents via video live streams, yet Piscataway chose to connect only via telephone. This is outdated, isolated and provides a barrier for true connection,” Leibowitz noted.

Jace Pastras, co-president of the Piscataway Youth Progressive Organization and an award-winning, graduating Piscataway High School senior, said “As a young Piscataway student, I have seen how communications and transparency is vital for our community to grow towards the interest of the people.”

Even as people return to in-person meetings and events, many municipalities are planning to have a hybrid option for Zoom and other streaming services. For now, Piscataway’s Council is still meeting by telephone conference.

“We should find ways to include people who cannot attend in-person, so they can still participate in democracy.  Whether folks are taking care of family members, working nights or have a disability that makes attending a meeting in person difficult, all of our residents should be able to witness and participate in the meetings of our local government,” noted Mindy Goldstein, another member of the petitioning committee.

“In addition to participating in a variety of ways, these meetings should be available for people to view at their convenience. It’s not 1950. The technology exists,” she said.

The PPDO has organized volunteers to livestream Council and other meetings, providing a way for residents to view each meeting, explained Staci Berger, PPDO President and Democratic Committee member representing the Heights.

“These Facebook broadcasts are viewed by thousands of interested residents who want to know what is happening in our community and with our tax dollars. The town website has the bare minimum of minutes, and no recordings of the actions of our elected officials, commissions or boards.  Most towns do this on their own, but Piscataway’s officials have a history of discouraging and preventing resident involvement,” said Berger.

The petition for the ordinance can be viewed and signed electronically by any registered Piscataway using digital software approved by the Township Clerk.  Residents can use NJ’s online voter registration portal  to confirm or update their voter registration information.  Any resident needing assistance with the petition can email PPDO at pwayprogressives@gmail.com.  PPDO expects to turn in the petitions in a few weeks.