From the link above:

This is the seventh Citizens? Rights & Responsibilities Survey performed in New Jersey by local citizen volunteers coordinated by the Citizens? Campaign. Newark, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield, Hamilton, and Morristown also completed Surveys. The 16 components of civic health were developed by the Citizens? Campaign with input from top academics, legal experts, and citizens concerned about improving the civic health of their communities. The Survey is continually being revised based on comments and suggestions from local volunteers.

to clarify, the deficiency is - "no local ban on political fundraising in government offices"

Quote:


for more information and to view the study see - JERSEY CITY CITIZENS? RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES SURVEY

Dan

I wonder if it was a "scientific survey." It would be nice if the paper said how it was conducted - otherwise it is just talk.

Quote:

Civic groups rate political health of Jersey City
Saturday, February 23, 2008
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City might be a "Destination City" for the up and coming. But when it comes to regular citizens playing a role in government, it's still a backwater town, according to a survey released this week by two watchdog groups.

According to the survey by the Citizens' Campaign and Civic JC, Jersey City measured up well in four of 16 categories examined in assessing the city's civic health, but fell short in three other areas, and failed to address nine other components.

"I don't view the survey as the end of the process, but as a blueprint directing us to Jersey City's best resource, the residents," said Norrice Raymaker, a Heights resident and activist with the Citizens' Campaign.

The groups applauded Jersey City for the fact citizens can speak at City Council meetings, the city's Web site is regularly updated, public schools offer classes in civics, and the Jersey City Public Schools Web site lists meeting dates and agendas.

But the Democratic and Republican parties have several vacancies on their committees; it costs a lot to run for municipal office; and several commissions and boards in the city have vacancies, according to the survey.

The nine overlooked areas included no local ban on political fundraising for government officers, no municipal requirement for developers to disclose political contributions, and no regulations to protect the public against pay-to-play abuse.

City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill responded that state laws govern fundraising for government officers and requires political contributions to be disclosed.

"The Citizens' Campaign should be commended for taking the time to study civic involvement in Jersey City," Morrill added. "Like the Citizen's Campaign, the City of Jersey City is committed to improving our residents' access to government, city services, and the political process."

? 2008 The Jersey Journal
http://www.nj.com/jjournal/stories/in ... 20375064397960.xml&coll=3