This Week at NJ21st: Civics, Budgets, Ethics, Audits… All the Things

Oct 4, 2025

It’s Time For a Civics Class, Baby
We are kicking off the newsletter with the first in our “Know Your NJ Government” series that seeks to educate NJ residents — especially students — on the ins and outs of their local government. Our goal is to increase involvement in civic affairs by empowering communities and young people to become more effective advocates through increased knowledge of NJ government.

Follow the Money
We use the Berkeley Heights Turf Field controversy as a case study examining the interplay between political donations from vendors to PACs and Committees and their potential impact on local government decision-making, along with legal practices that many residents may feel are still highly questionable from an ethics perspective.

Four County Wrap-Up
This week we finished our four-county 2025 budget analysis, with a focus on Middlesex and Morris Counties. As expected, both counties are following the same trajectory of reduced outside assistance and increased pressure on residents to dig deeper into their pockets.

Another Problematic Berkeley Heights Audit
We dig into the upcoming Town Council Meeting Agenda and uncover a resolution that lays out a corrective action plan connected to a 2024 audit that is still not on the Township website. The corrective action plan addresses the same items present in last year’s audit. We also provide context to the continued difficulties the Township has in providing oversight and stability in this critical area.

Underwater and Underwhelmed
We continue our coverage of the Berkeley Heights Flood Controversy with an article that takes a critical look at how Township documents appear to contradict the “our hands are tied” narrative on flooding, along with the initial justifications connected to the $3.5 million “emergency” bond, along with questions sent to the Mayor and Council that are still awaiting answers.

Hearing from the 21st
We continue our efforts in understanding voter sentiment by launching an election survey for the entire 21st, with a focus on statewide candidates and issues. As with the last survey, no PII is collected. You can take the survey here.

E-Bike Ban
Following the tragic death of a Scotch Plains teen, the County issued an executive order banning the use of e-bikes on County property.

Candidate Statements
BOE Candidate Arik Samson shares two statements outlining his position on the importance of ethical journalism and his views on shared services agreements.

Today is the last day of our 10-day fundraising campaign, and we will have some good news later in the week. If you have not yet donated and were intending to, please go to our contribution page. This final leg of fundraising will go directly to funding a High School Newsroom with a $1,000 award.