MARLBORO — The Township Council has adopted an ordinance that requires people who make applications to the Zoning Board of Adjustment or to the Planning Board to disclose campaign contributions they have made.
The ordinance that was adopted on Feb. 17 states that property owners, developers, redevelopers and professionals must disclose in their application any political contributions they have made and any business, financial, social or family relationships they have with any member of the zoning and/or planning boards.
According to the ordinance, “it is the intent of this ordinance that contribution disclosure statements and conflict disclosure statements shall serve solely as a means to inform the public and shall not serve in any manner as evidence relevant to the decision-making criteria for granting or denying requested variances or other approvals. Such decisions shall continue to be governed strictly under the relevant criteria set forth in the Municipal Land Use Law, or other relevant law.”
During the public hearing, Democratic municipal leader Martin Siskel asked several questions. He asked if the ordinance requires the applicant to disclose campaign contributions on all levels.
Township officials said the applicant only has to disclose campaign contributions made in Marlboro.
Siskel then asked the council to define a social relationship. He said that was not clearly defined in the ordinance.
Councilman Jeff Cantor said officials define a social relationship as any type of relationship that an applicant may have with a member of either the zoning or planning board.
Councilman Barry Denkensohn said officials had to decide whether to further define what constitutes a social relationship.
Upon the advice of the township attorney the council decided to leave the ordinance as written, which requires applicants to disclose social relationships with board members, but does not define a social relationship further.
Siskel said he supported the adoption of the disclosure ordinance.
Mayor Robert Kleinberg said a social relationship could be anything from having lunch with a person, to going on vacation with an individual, to a dating relationship.
Cantor said the ordinance is worthwhile and called its adoption overdue.
Councilman James Mione also supported the ordinance and said it creates an openness in government and establishes an equal playing field for all.
The ordinance was adopted by a 5-0 vote of the council.
— Tali Israeli