TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Michael Inganamort cast a no-vote against the Open Public Records Act bill passed by both the Senate and General Assembly on Monday, despite supporting some of its reforms.
“I voted no because in my time in the Assembly, I’ve been witness to state agencies that obfuscate, delay, or dodge tough questions,” Inganamort (R-Morris) said. “We need a strong Open Public Records Act that preserves existing incentives to pursue information to hold these State agencies accountable.”
Inganamort voiced concerns about current issues where state agencies remain less than forthcoming. He questioned why NJ Transit is chronically failing and why a forensic audit is not being conducted. He also queried why the Cannabis Regulatory Commission does not know what revenues are going to municipalities and why New Jersey residents cannot access or understand the convoluted school funding formula. Additionally, he asked why the State of New Jersey continues to stonewall Sussex County in its pursuit of answers for the tragedy at the Andover Subacute.
The assemblyman acknowledged that he approved of certain elements of the legislation (S2930/A4045), such as moving more information online and allowing records custodians to refer requestors to a website for documents. However, his concerns—including not doing enough to protect municipalities from an influx of commercial requests and failing to cap attorneys’ fees—outweighed these positive aspects.
“Until state agencies put as much time and effort into providing requested information as the hardworking clerks in the small towns I represent, I won’t give an inch,” Inganamort concluded.
