For now….
The Bill that threatened OPRA was pulled from the agenda by Assembly Speaker Coughlin, who followed up with a post on Twitter:
More than a few people have suggested that the victory is temporary, as the Governor did not want his decision to sign or veto the Bill to complicate his wife’s bid for the Senate.
One source indicated that we might see another bill pop up in about 40 days. It would move the deadline for the Governor’s signature to after the primaries.
Tammy Murphy is facing a strong challenge from Andy Kim, who is running a campaign as a non-establishment, intellectual, transparency advocate and appears to be closer than any candidate has been to challenging the much-despised “Line .” The last thing Ms. Murphy needs is for her husband to sign a bill everyone hates or veto it and betray the insiders helping her with her campaign.
In other words, dues are owed, and we may find out in 40 days where the Governor’s loyalty lies.
or
They might do the intelligent thing and improve OPRA rather than destroy it.
You might ask, “What does the Senate race have to do with OPRA?”
Nothing, but in NJ, maybe everything.
Time will tell, and we will remain vigilant.
A very heartfelt thank you to all the residents, ethical attorneys and government leaders in Berkeley Heights and throughout NJ for standing up for OPRA. BHCW appreciates all the hard work of the Working Families Party, ACLU, and League of Women Voters.
We are also grateful for independent news organizations like the Jersey Vindicator, New Jersey Monitor, and NJ Education Report. Please subscribe to them and others – they are critical resources we need more than ever and deserve our support.
Talk to everyone in 40 days.
