Hazlet residents will be happy to hear that township officials are planning to establish a township Web site to keep you up-to-date on community activities.
We couldn’t be more supportive. We’re just surprised and sorry it took so long.
The idea, according to township Committeeman Steven Piech, is to "bring the township out of antiquated practices and into the age of updated technology."
We’ve always pushed for municipal governments to be as open as possible about township matters.
Many residents never get a chance to attend municipal government meetings, not just in Hazlet but in other towns as well. Some who do are so baffled by the goings on that they never bother to return.
Elected officials have an important responsibility to encourage public participation and to keep their constituents informed about important issues.
If it’s a given that most residents will never attend meetings unless an issue arises involving their back yards, then it’s vitally important for towns to get the information out to residents.
Besides information about local meetings, upcoming events, etc., Hazlet should also consider putting its master plan and other important local documents on the Web site to encourage browsers to learn more about their community. It might even encourage more volunteerism and much-needed interest in local government.
Not everyone has a computer, but everyone has access to one, if not at home, at the local library. The Web site is just what Hazlet needs.