Lakewood, New Jersey. In a petition advocating for a return to pre-pandemic governance norms, Lakewood residents are requesting that the township committee resume in-person public meetings beginning in January 2025.
Community members filed the petition, which emphasizes the value of in-person communication during public gatherings conducted in Town Hall prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The signatories contend that because of technical difficulties and reduced accessibility for certain locals, the virtual meetings—which have taken the place of in-person sessions for more than three years—have restricted community involvement.
According to the petition, these gatherings provided a crucial forum for locals to speak with committee members, ask questions, bring attention to urgent problems, voice concerns about proposed projects, and network with municipal officials.
The locals also point out that Lakewood’s prolonged reliance on virtual sessions is an anomaly, as other governmental bodies have resumed in-person meetings. They also highlight the significance of the annual reorganization meeting in early January, which is currently held in a brief virtual format but used to allow for public discussion of appointments and resolutions for the year.
According to the petition, face-to-face meetings would promote increased accountability, openness, and interaction between the local administration and its citizens. It asks that face-to-face meetings be resumed immediately, starting in January 2025.
The petition has not yet received a public response from the Lakewood Township Committee.
Citing issues with accessibility and the necessity for openness in decision-making, Lakewood residents are putting pressure on their local government to resume in-person meetings.
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