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WEST MILFORD - Contribution history may be required
(by David M. Zimmer - Staff Writer - October 08, 2008)
WEST MILFORD - The Township Council is considering an ordinance designed to mandate that zoning or planning permit applicants disclose their political contributions to the municipal campaigns of township officials.
While all political contributions of $300 or more are already made public knowledge, this ordinance would require applicants to disclose their contributions on the application as a way to make the permitting process more transparent, Township Attorney Fred Semrau said.
“This will just require an applicant to disclose (local political contributions) so it does not have to be looked up by curious people,” Semrau said. “The ordinance provides information to everyone looking at an application. It doesn’t automatically cancel an application.”
Councilman Robert Nolan, who introduced the ordinance during the Oct. 1 meeting, said it will make the available information common knowledge during the application process. This will likely force the donation recipients to recuse themselves from the permit application vote and ensure transparency over corruption, Nolan added.
However, Semrau added that each permit application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that a contribution to a local political party would not likely have an impact on whether a permit is granted. Nevertheless, the planning and zoning boards, considering these applications, will ultimately use the information how they want, Semrau said.
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