June 29, 2008
by Robert E. Williams III/The Star-Ledger
A petition to ask voters whether Morristown should have a pay-to-play ordinance has been certified.
In a letter dated Thursday, town clerk Matthew Stechauner informed the petition committee that it collected 416 valid signatures, enough to place a question on the ballot asking voters to consider the pay-to-play ordinance.
If passed, the measure, known as the Public Contracting Reform ordinance, would ban town officials from doing business with professionals who have donated more than $300 to the campaigns of the mayor or council members. The Morristown Parking Authority has a similar ordinance.
The petition committee submitted 431 signatures. It had needed 296, or 10 percent of the turnout from last November's election.
The measure will first go before the town council, likely to take place July 15. Should the council not pass the measure, voters will decide in November.
