JACKSON-The Jackson Township council on Tuesday said they will begin providing oversight at Mayor Michael Reina’s monthly “Meet the Mayor” sessions where he meets in a group setting with residents who may have concerns about township activities or who just want to come out and meet the mayor at town hall.
“I think it’s important that residents that come with administrative concerns, I’d like to see, as a concerned resident myself, I’d like to be in the audience to make sure that they follow up in the proper venue and they take their concerns to the mayor,” said Councilwoman Ann Updegrave.
Council President Ken Bressi gave the oversight a green light.
“I did speak to the mayor on that and he will be extending invitations to council members,” Bressi said. “And there will be no more than two of them, we are aware of that.”
“Riiight, no more than two,” Clerk Ann Marie Eden said.
The comment was in reference to a caucus meeting where some residents objected to the entire township governing body meeting in private in December for a political caucus meeting. Although allowed by law, that caucus meeting raised more than a few eyebrows in the township.
By law, no more than two council members may meet together at the same time to discuss township agenda or policies under New Jersey’s sunshine laws that prohibit the majority of a public body to meet in private.
In checking with past notices for meet the mayor sessions, nothing suggests council members have ever not been permitted to attend.
Updegrave is currently serving her second year of her existing four year term.
The next meet the mayor session is scheduled for Monday, January 30th.
