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Oct
31
Oct
30
Hillsider: ‘Open gov’ councilwoman not on ‘open gov’committee
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
A year ago, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Shelley-Ann Bates introduced an ordinance that would broadcast council meetings on cable TV and post township documents on the Internet.
After much lobbying, petitioning and a threat of taking the ordinance to a public vote, the Township Council in September finally approved the ordinance.
This week, the Council established a committee to oversee the implementation of the law — which is due to go into effect next year. But Bates, the law’s author, was not appointed.
Story continues at theHillsider.
Oct
30
Ledger: Hillside Man will drive folks to vote
Filed Under Election 2008, In The News, Jerome Jewell | Leave a Comment
George Cook III of Hillside yesterday said he is just another citizen concerned about local issues and the global economy, and is determined to help elect Barack Obama president.
Even if he has to drive voters to the polls in his own car, he said.
Cook said he was bothered, however, when he looked around and saw township officials “doing nothing” in the weeks before what has been described as the most-important-ever presidential election.
“I would like to know what the Hillside Democratic Party is doing to help Barack Obama win this election,” he said. “I am really wondering have they done anything. No rallies, no fundraisers, no voter registration drives. Nothing. I find this pretty odd, especially in a predominantly black town.”
Councilman-at-large Jerome Jewell responded the Hillside Democratic Municipal Committee has been busy of late.
“As we speak I am dropping off signs,” he said yesterday afternoon. “I just left Clark Street. Most signs you see up in town have been put up by myself and the rest of the Democratic Party.
“We’ve been working every day, and are having a car parade Saturday,” he added.
Jewell said Cook may not have seen the extent of the HDMC’s activism because members have attended rallies in Elizabeth, Roselle and Newark.
He added knocking on doors is not as practical as during spring elections because residents work during the day and are reluctant to answer after dark.
Second Ward Councilwoman Shelley-Ann Bates was a delegate-alternate for the Democratic presidential nominee, and is an official of New Jersey for Obama.