LAKEWOOD LEADERSHIP UNDER FIRE: REMOTE GOVERNANCE SPARKS OUTRAGE

Lakewood Township has entered 2025 under a cloud of frustration, with its governing body refusing to address long-standing issues like skyrocketing taxes, unbearable traffic, and unaffordable housing. Instead of offering solutions or change, the committee reappointed the same Democratic mayor for another term—an outcome made possible by the backing of three Republican members in a township where political favoritism has become the norm.

What’s more alarming is how this decision was made: not in a public forum but over a remote video meeting, with no in-person accountability. For New Jersey’s fourth-largest city, this move has become a flashpoint in the debate over transparency and governance.

REMOTE MEETINGS: A SHIELD AGAINST ACCOUNTABILITY

The governing body’s refusal to return to in-person meetings has sparked outrage among residents, who see the decision as an effort to avoid public scrutiny. Critics say the mayor and committee are unwilling to face their constituents in a live forum, where they would have to answer for Lakewood’s spiraling problems.

“The mayor and committee are hiding behind screens, afraid to face the people they’ve failed,” said one angry resident during the public comment session. The excuses offered—such as remote work trends and online services becoming the norm—have done little to pacify residents.

“What does remote township services have to do with holding a public meeting?” another resident asked. “This is about respecting the people who elected you and giving them a platform to hold you accountable.”

Adding to the frustration is the fact that a significant portion of Lakewood residents are effectively excluded from participating in or even accessing these virtual meetings. Many families in Lakewood, home to a large population of school-age children, are restricted by school policies requiring parents to pledge that their homes will not contain internet access, smartphones, or other smart devices. This restriction prevents these families from viewing or participating in online meetings.

Compounding the issue, many residents adhere to religious guidelines established by leading rabbis, who advocate refraining from internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. These residents often rely on “kosher phones,” which are stripped of internet access and basic functions like email. As a result, they cannot watch or engage with virtual meetings.

“When the township holds meetings exclusively online, it’s as if they’ve locked the door to the majority of the population,” said one frustrated resident. “We’re left without any way to participate in decisions that impact our lives.”

NUMBERS DON’T LIE: ENGAGEMENT DROPS IN REMOTE ERA

A reporter for the Asbury Park Press presented data that highlighted the stark decline in public engagement since the shift to virtual meetings. Meeting durations have halved, dropping from 55 minutes in person to just 28 minutes online. Public comments, once a robust feature of in-person meetings, are now rare, with some sessions receiving no input at all.

The mayor dismissed these concerns, claiming that only 300 out of 150,000 residents had signed a petition demanding in-person meetings. However, critics argue that this apathy is a direct result of the committee’s dismissive attitude and the significant barriers preventing residents from accessing virtual meetings.

A TOWN UNDER STRAIN

While residents struggle with rising taxes and housing costs, the committee’s actions suggest they’re more focused on self-preservation than public service. Last year, the committee gave themselves a $20,000 raise while simultaneously increasing property taxes. For many families, this has translated into hundreds of dollars in added monthly expenses.

In a few weeks, the committee is expected to vote again on salaries, with many predicting another raise. “They have no shame,” said a resident. “They’re padding their own pockets while we’re left to deal with the fallout.”

RESIDENTS DEMAND REAL LEADERSHIP

The refusal to meet in person has become a symbol of a larger issue: a governing body disconnected from the people it claims to serve. Residents argue that in-person meetings are not just a formality—they’re a critical avenue for accountability and real dialogue.

“This committee is out of excuses,” said one resident. “If they can’t face the people of Lakewood, they don’t deserve to lead us.”

With technological restrictions, religious guidelines, and digital divides making participation nearly impossible for much of the town, pressure is mounting for the committee to restore in-person meetings. Whether residents’ demands for transparency will force change remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the people of Lakewood are tired of being ignored.