FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — October 23, 2026 — Clifton City Council candidate Tafari Anderson is proposing a taxpayer-focused transparency initiative to make municipal contracts, budgets, audits, and other public records easier for residents to find and understand.
Clifton currently provides an online portal for requests under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Anderson believes the City should build on that system by publishing frequently requested information proactively, reducing unnecessary requests and administrative work.
“Taxpayers should not have to navigate complicated procedures simply to understand how their money is being spent,” Anderson stated. “Public information should be accessible, searchable, and understandable.”
Anderson proposes five improvements:
- A searchable transparency portal containing approved budgets, financial reports, audits, contracts, bid awards, and redevelopment agreements, subject to applicable disclosure laws.
- Quarterly publication schedules identifying when frequently requested municipal records will be updated.
- Clear OPRA request tracking so residents can follow requests, understand lawful deadlines, and receive explanations for delays or denials.
- Accessible public documents designed for residents using mobile devices or assistive technology.
- Annual transparency performance reporting covering request volumes, processing times, commonly requested records, and opportunities to reduce administrative costs.
“Government transparency is not about publishing thousands of documents that nobody can find,” Anderson added. “It is about making meaningful information available before residents are forced to ask for it.”
The proposal would prioritize existing municipal technology and staff resources, with any additional expenditures subject to public cost-benefit review.
“Clifton residents deserve a government that welcomes scrutiny and demonstrates accountability,” Anderson concluded. “Transparency should be a normal part of responsible government, not an obstacle course.”
Media Contact:
Media Team
Phone: 201-888-4846
Email: AndersonforClifton@Gmail.com
Website: https://AndersonforClifton.com
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.