Starting with schools, we publish two ordinances that seek to codify CONSISTENT payments from PILOTs to Berkeley Heights schools and requires vendors who have made political contributions to go on the record as to whether they would contribute 5% equal to prior annual contributions to our schools.
We may not get an ordinance, but hope to create enough pressure to have the needle move a little this year in squeezing out some cash for our schools using the Referendum and impending cuts as a lever. We also hope this is an effort that takes off in other Towns as a Senate bill that would require a similar arrangement state-wide continues to stall due to the League of Municipalities.
We slide over to a roundup of this week’s State legislative calendar that covers the school deficit scramble, flooding and the impact of tech on our students.
Another Berkeley Heights issue with state-wide implications connects to questions raised on security infrastructure, AI and police access to school camera footage that includes questions every resident should ask their District to ensure student civil liberties and safety in the face of potentially harmful security measures.
Moving to Town Council Meetings around the 21st – we cover Summit’s continuing Affordable Housing struggles and a Berkeley Heights building density bomb that was scrubbed from the agenda after we published the details – but it will likely return.
Circling back to the Referendum, former BHPSNJ BOE member Dipti Khanna provides a fact based break down of the real choices residents have when voting. It was one of our most popular straight pieces this week.
On the commentary front, Piscataway BOE member and Former Assembly Candidate Loretta Rivers shares her thoughts on the choice between Data Centers and Housing for NJ Families.
Former Berkeley Heights Town Council Candidate Edmund Tom Maciejewski encourages residents to vote ‘no’ on the BHPS referendum in a Community Voices contribution.
John penned an Op-Ed with concerns on one Superintendent’s framing of a Robotics event and it’s connection to curriculum using one of our favorite accountability tools – the ACFR.
Top Three Articles for January…
Know Your Rights: ICE and Law Enforcement in New Jersey
New Providence Planning Board Approves Massive Age Restricted Housing Development Amid Public Safety Concerns
Understanding the Red Flags in NJ’s Latest Pension Investment Audit
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