Lawmaker to Gov. Murphy: The OPRA bill is an abomination. Veto it | Opinion [Video]

By Brian Bergen

Governor Murphy, this is your watershed moment.

Will you stand with citizens, or with everything that frustrates New Jerseyans about their government? Will you sign legislation that purports to “modernize” the state’s Open Public Records Act, which reached your desk earlier this month, or veto a bill that is a brazen attack on government transparency and accountability?

In a democratic society, the free flow of information between government and the governed is essential. Transparency is not just a buzzword; it is a critical component of a functioning democracy. When government operates in the shadows, it becomes easier for corruption, abuse of power, and inefficiency to flourish. We should view any attempt to weaken OPRA with great skepticism, as it has been an essential tool in preventing or exposing these problems.

Consider the long-term implications. While it may provide short-term relief to government clerks seeking to limit public scrutiny, it ultimately harms the relationship between the government and …