About - nj21st

About NJ21st

NJ21st, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(4) civic journalism organization founded in 2021 and formally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 2025. We are committed to increasing transparency and accountability within local government, with a focus on New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District.

NJ21st began as a grassroots response to secrecy and misinformation in decision-making, especially around public education, budgeting, and municipal operations. Since then, our work has expanded to cover a broader range of civic issues across multiple communities.

Through independent reporting, public records analysis, and community-driven research, we aim to inform, engage, and empower the public to understand how government really works and who it works for.

Our Mission: NJ21st’s mission is to provide residents with a factual, citizen-driven perspective on local governance, advocate for evidence-based decision-making, and offer a forum for public discourse that is free from corporate and political influence.

NJ21st Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt social welfare organization under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.

Our Value Proposition

We believe that ideological battles and national distractions keep communities divided and away from the more substantive issues affecting their day-to-day lives. NJ21st focuses on local and state government, where decisions are made and money is spent. We show how overlooked local actions shape schools, communities, and rights.

What Sets NJ21st Apart

We do not take corporate advertising dollars or political funding.

We publish fact-based, document-backed reporting and analysis.

We have built a public archive of tools, records, and investigations that anyone can use.

We train student journalists and empower residents to contribute.

We translate complex policy into plain language.

We allow our content to be republished with minimal limitations.

“When people have access to facts and understand the truth, they stop fighting each other and start working together to fix the system.”

NJ21st is a proud member of LION Publishers.

Current towns in the 21st Legislative District:

Chatham Borough Chatham Township Long Hill Township Bernardsville Bernards Township Far Hills Green Brook Peapack and Gladstone Warren Township Watchung Berkeley Heights Garwood Mountainside New Providence Springfield Township Summit Westfield Dunellen Middlesex Borough

Our long-term vision is for “21” to represent all counties in New Jersey. We welcome articles, opinion pieces, and submissions about local, county, and state government from residents across the state.

Editorial Team & Contributors

Laura Kapuscinski

Laura Kapuscinski is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in sociology. Her professional career has been rooted in the non-profit sector, where she specialized in fundraising and event planning. A mother of four, Laura is also a dedicated community volunteer, actively supporting local initiatives and causes.

John Migueis

John Migueis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in advocacy and public policy. He holds a BA in Social Work from Seton Hall University and a Master’s in Social Work from Widener University. John’s work focuses on civic engagement, government accountability, and empowering residents with information that matters.

Shauna Williams

Shauna Williams studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked as a Senior Designer at the Madame Alexander Doll Company. A mother of four, she has been active in the community as a coach for PAL, Wolfpack cross country and track, and currently serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 368.

Viswa Reddy

Viswa Reddy is the former Board of Education President in Millburn and an experienced technology leader. He writes about technology, education, and public governance.

Not For Profit. Independent. Fact Based.