TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, a Republican from Morris County, voted against the Open Public Records Act bill passed by both the Senate and General Assembly on Monday.
He expressed concerns about state agencies being less than forthcoming and highlighted various issues like NJ Transit’s failings and inadequate fiscal audits.
Inganamort pointed out the importance of a robust Open Public Records Act to ensure accountability in state agencies and preserve incentives for information pursuit. He criticized the lack of transparency at institutions like the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and the difficulties New Jersey residents face in accessing comprehensive information about the state’s complex school funding formula.
While acknowledging positive aspects of the legislation such as increased online accessibility and directing requestors to websites for documents, Inganamort’s primary reasons for voting against the bill were its perceived inadequacies in shielding municipalities from excessive commercial requests and the absence of a cap on attorneys’ fees.
He emphasized the need for state agencies to match the dedication of clerks in smaller communities in providing necessary information.