
Push-back from Boards Around the State at Today’s NJ School Board Association Delegate Assembly
The New Jersey School Board Association (NJSBA) is holding its delegate assembly as this article is being written. If you recall, the NJSBA is a tax-funded lobbying group that has supported the current legislation that seeks to destroy the Open Public Records Act and advocates for anti-transparency practices such as Boards by Committees – where policies are deliberated behind closed doors. The NJSBA has faced increasing criticism from...

Berkeley Heights Community Watch is now NJ 21st – here’s why…
Now welcoming content from all communities in New Jersey’s 21st District Over the past year, the team has been discussing expanding the site. We’ve recognized that, throughout the state, there needs to be more space for diverse and independent voices to share substantial perspectives on essential topics. No space prominently features citizen-driven commentary on local government. These perspectives are often...

Update on the Fight to Save OPRA- There is Still Time to Act
BHCW is aware of over 200 residents in Berkeley Heights and Surrounding areas that have added their voice to saving the Open Public Records Act. 81% of New Jerseyans are opposed to this bill and have been making calls and writing emails to their representatives in the State Senate and Assembly. Earlier today John sent an email to State Representatives and...

BHCW 05/12/2024 Newsletter
What’s Important to Know About Berkeley Heights This Week…. This week’s newsletter starts by outlining the progress made by the new Berkeley Heights BOE majority regarding the budget, transparency, transportation, and proficiency and points to a deliberate disinformation campaign by both local party machines to drown the progress made thus far Speaking of disinformation, this week BHCW confirmed and revealed...

NJ Voices For Democracy Clip 3: Antoinette Miles – Working Families Party- Speaking out on Sarlo and Danielsen’s Attempt to Destroy the Open Public Records Act
“I really think we should stop calling this OPRA reform and start calling it NOPRA” Fight the Darkness. Email your State Representatives & Governor Murphy BEFORE this Monday. We have created a form that will automatically be sent to the representatives, the body of which you can edit if you so choose. Articles on OPRA Subscribe to BHCW For Free

NJ Voices For Democracy Clip 2: Good Government Groups Speak Out Against Sarlo’s and Danielsen’s Attempt to Destroy the Open Public Records Act
“The Outrage is Justified. Not only in this room, but across the State of NJ. Voters are on fire.” Fight the Darkness. Email your State Representatives & Governor Murphy BEFORE this Monday. We have created a form that will automatically be sent to the representatives, the body of which you can edit if you so choose. Articles on OPRA Subscribe to BHCW...

NJ Voices For Democracy Clip 1: Citizens Speak Out at Against Sarlo’s and Danielsen’s Attempt to Destroy the Open Public Records Act During the 05/10/2024 Hearing
“It wasn’t like I was a citizen, it was like I was some communist trying to do something to America and they were there to protect America” Fight the Darkness. Email your State Representatives & Governor Murphy BEFORE this Monday. We have created a form that will automatically be sent to the representatives, the body of which you can edit if you...

The NJ Political Class Wages Yet Another Assault on OPRA and the Public’s Right to Know
Yes….This Shit Again. According to The Jersey Vindicator, Sarlo and company are at it again. An amended version of the twice-failed bill will be up for committee vote in two days, with a full vote scheduled for May 13th. Ironically, the provisions on Data Brokers, which Sarlo and company shopped as the main reason for the bill, were removed due to lobbying efforts. Yet...

BHPSNJ 2024-2025 Tentative Budget
As a result of an OPRA request, BHCW received the complete 2024-2025 tentative budget. The fact that we got it prior to the meeting is an improvement from last year. The tentative budget represents an overall increase of ~$900,000 from the prior year which would represent a 2% tax increase. It appears that textbooks are getting a 25k boost this...

BHCW 05/05/2024 Newsletter
What’s Important to Know About Berkeley Heights This Week…. Our articles on busing this week (and for over a year) present all sides of the problem and an attempt to cut through the politicized, misinformed theatre surrounding this issue. We hope ALL residents on ALL Sides of this issue actively participate in the 05/07/2024 BOE Meeting – a valuable opportunity...