"Citizens Have The Power To Clean Up Local Government," Says Willie deCamp, Chairman Of Save Barnegat Bay; Recommends Initiative And Referendum To Enact Ordinances Which Would Outlaw Pay-To-Play Political Contributions

Toms River: "The residents and taxpayers of Ocean County, long the victims of politicians more attuned to financial interests than to popular desires, have an opportunity this year to restore local government to a more democratic method of functioning," was the way Willie deCamp Jr. began a statement endorsing the right of Faulkner Act community residents to take the enactment of local ordinances into their own hands through the process of Initiative and Referendum.

Lucrative Jobs In Exchange For Campaign $$$$$

"For too long attorneys and businessmen working with local and county government have been winning appointments and contracts in exchange for campaign contributions – the process known as "pay-to-play," deCamp noted.

"For too long also elected officials have misled the public by falsely professing the intention of solving this problem. Then at the last minute they find reservations and excuses that compel them to leave their promise unfulfilled."

Ordinances Banning Pay-To-Play Can Be Enacted By Citizens

"Fortunately, the people have it in their power to put an end to the stalling and prevarication on pay-to-play public contracting reform," deCamp said, adding that "in many towns ordinances banning political contributions by those doing business with local government can be enacted by the voters themselves."

"Here's how:

"The seven Ocean County towns incorporated under the Faulkner Act – Berkeley, Brick, Dover, Island Heights, Long Beach, Manchester and Stafford – allow voters to enact their own ordinances in a manner independent of their township councils. They can do this through an existing process of initiative and referendum.

"The process is relatively straightforward: A formal petition is circulated among registered voters in the spring.

Ordinances Go On The November Election Ballot

"When a sufficient number of signatures have been gathered and certified, the matter is placed on the November General Election ballot for an up or down vote," deCamp said.

The numbers of signatures required to place the question on the ballot are: Berkeley 1,421;  Brick 1,625;  Dover 2,085;  Island Heights 46; Long Beach Township 116;  Manchester 1,178;  Stafford 441.

"Rewards to the public of such reforms will be many", deCamp said.

Tax Pressure Can Be Reduced When Contracts Are On Merit

"The upward pressure on taxes can only be reduced when contracts are awarded on merit rather than on political connections derived from campaign contributions," he noted.

"Our environment will also benefit as firms and attorneys who influence decisions over planning and development are retained for reasons other than the amount of political money they have contributed," he said.

Competitive Quotes Or Bids?

deCamp did not say whether the ordinances would call for competitive quotes for professional services, or what the requirements might be to qualify as a bidder under the terms of the referendum ordinances.

"And then there are the less tangible benefits. A changed political culture may result in increased participation in government by more public-spirited citizens," he noted.

Reciprocal Processes Not Covered In Proposed Ordinances?

deCamp did not explain how the reciprocal processes (laundering, pass-throughs, etc.) currently used by dozens of politicians and political action committees all over New Jersey to exchange fund raising responsibilities could be curtailed by proposed referendum ordinances, but this may be cleared up as time goes forward.

"Attend April 1st Meeting To Get Involved," deCamp Says

Those interested in learning more about this and other ways to get involved in reducing the influence of money in politics – both in the Faulkner Act townships and in all the others –  are invited to attend an ad hoc meeting on the first Thursday of every month. The April 1 meeting will be held at Nick the Greek's Bay Bridge Inn at the foot of the Seaside Bridge on Route 37 East in Dover Township.

February And March Meetings Were Well Attended

At a meeting in early February over fifty people from ten Ocean County townships and numerous civic organizations convened to exchange ideas and lay the groundwork for action.

In March over seventy people attended, and plans to proceed with an initiative and referendum in Dover Township were announced.

"But there is no way you will ever get rid of political corruption," cynics say.

"This is true," deCamp acknowledged.

Even Bank Robbery Can Be Reduced With Proper Regulation

"But just as with bank robbery, the amount of it can be reduced if proper regulation is enacted," he said

The meetings start at 7:30 PM, and the discussion should be both informative and informal.

If you are tired of cynicism, we will see you there.

William deCamp Jr. is president of Save Barnegat Bay, whose web address is www.savebarnegatbay.org, and who can be reached at 732-830-3600.

A model ordinance and a step-by-step guide on how to get a pay-to-play ordinance on the ballot can be viewed or downloaded at their website.
For 03/17/04