The Claim:
On the Budget
Torpey noted, "I think it’s safe to say that this is the most accessible municipal budget in the state"
-South Orange launches most accessible municipal budget in New Jersey
Alex has been recognized for many technology and transparency initiatives
including launching one of the country’s most transparent municipal budgets
- http://www.beltech2014.com/speakers-all/
Torpey noted, "I think it’s safe to say that this is the most accessible municipal budget in the state"
-South Orange launches most accessible municipal budget in New Jersey
Alex has been recognized for many technology and transparency initiatives
including launching one of the country’s most transparent municipal budgets
- http://www.beltech2014.com/speakers-all/
The TRUTH:
- Well before Alex Torpey was elected (since at least 2008, and probably earlier), South Orange has always posted the Municipal Budget on the Village website.
- Before Alex Torpey was elected, the Village also went further and publicly shared during a meeting and posted online a Powerpoint presentation describing the main drivers of the Budget increases with the detailed breakdown of the budget in simple and specific language. This process is no longer followed.
- A search of meeting minutes and resolutions, shows that the "budget tool" that Alex Torpey touts as "proof" of Transparency was ironically purchased without any public discussion, public bid or public resolution that awarded the contract. Quite ironic for a "transparency" tool.