This Week at NJ21st – Familiar Fights, Familiar Firms and India Tops the Charts

Jun 14, 2025

Berkeley Heights Keeps Getting Darker This week, we take a closer look at how both branches of local government continue to dodge transparency. Laura reports on the Township’s sudden reversal on it’s approach to soliciting public feedback on the turf field—right after pushing the project through using a manipulated process. Meanwhile, I lay out how Dr. Feltre is doubling down on Varley-era secrecy, blocking access to basic budget documents that shouldn’t be controversial in the first place.

Another Pamtastic BOE Meeting Thursday’s Board meeting brought another round of dysfunction. Pam, Gale, and Deb spent more time fighting over grammar than focusing on the big stuff—like why Teacher Appreciation was scheduled during the Hughes concert, or why thousands in spending are moving forward without Finance and Facilities committee review. Mr. Dillon continues to say the right things, but his voting could use a little work in lining up with his words.

Chatham on the Radar Laura revisits a years-long case in Chatham involving parental concerns about religious content in schools. Instead of focusing on the legal arguments, she explores how this became yet another drawn-out and expensive battle involving a familiar law firm—one that might have been avoided with less ego and more leadership.

Brimful of Jersey India is once again New Jersey’s top source of foreign investment, according to the latest Global Economic Index. We take a look at why that matters and how New Jersey’s economy is becoming more globally connected.

Voting Rights Refresh While the Township was busy not sharing polling maps or reminding people to vote, we stepped in with a guide to voter rights—including how unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in primaries. Also: one last note on LD-17—and one of the more baffling primary results this cycle.

As a non-commercial, ad-free, and currently donation-free platform, we rely on you to help us grow. If you value independent coverage of local government, please consider sharing our articles and even submitting your own.