OPRA REQUESTS NEED TO BE FREE OF FRIVOLOUS FEES AND CHARGES
The reason why Facebook, the Social Media phenomenon is so popular is because it is free and as long as you have access to the Internet, you can have a presence.
Now that Social Media has now become an arm to government for news and information, local municipalities need to understand that requests for that kind of information must remain transparent, free and with easy access.
The recently adjudicated case that saw North Arlington try to demand payment for a screen shot and fight a request for information through the courts was a bad idea.
Trying to deny information or to charge ridiculous fees to discourage residents from gaining access to public information flies in the face of responsible local government!
Every resident should have access to any Social Media post that was made by the Borough of North Arlington.
This information is not the domain of any elected official, but rather a public statement of expression by the community and access to that needs to be easily accessible and free.
Mayor Dan Pronti should explain to voters why North Arlington went to court in the first place and how much did this court case cost taxpayers?
The people of North Arlington a right to know.
Wasting tax dollars on a case such as this questions the Borough’s sensibilities and the fact they lost, questions their ability to serve as custodian of these Social Media posts.
Mr. Pronti as mayor needs to ensure that public information remains open and accessible to anyone who requests a copy at no cost.
Forcing individuals to court based on a simple request is an unbridled waste of money and Mayor Pronti should know better. While he is a regular on Facebook, he understands the importance of delivering information quickly and immediately to the public.
But while he can certainly be the messenger in his capacity as mayor, the message he or the community delivers is owned by the people.
Social Media is a new delivery system for the government to master, but those who run and manage the community must understand that this information is owned by taxpayers and is open to public requests such as meeting minutes, resolutions, budgets and other points of interest not part of any closed session item.
If one ever needed a reason why we need responsible two-party government, this is it.
Wasting precious tax dollars on lawsuits over requests for information sends the wrong message, especially when you lose and have to forward the information anyway as the end of the day.
This year local Democrats are led by longtime Councilman Mark Yampaglia and two Young Turks who are popular and have roots in the community.
With reliable incumbents leading the Democrats from nearly top to bottom, the GOP is riddled with candidates who have lost and never held public office.
Candidates that are unknown; underfunded with no realistic resume of government service and success.
Those in office are custodians, not owners of public information.
The Judge made the right decision and hopefully North Arlington won’t get embarrassed again with such short-term thinking and arrogance that makes NA seem afraid of open government.
This is why we need Democrats come November.
Want to reply to this article?
Contact us at [email protected]