Why we’re canceling our 34th District forum (and what you can do to help us stand up to political interference)
Local political interests successfully undermined the purpose and perception of the event, pressuring panelists, organizers, and even The Jersey Bee’s funders.
The Jersey Bee is canceling our May 29 community forum after sustained efforts by local political interests to interfere with the structure and perception of our independent, non-partisan event.
Our 34th District community forum was intended to be a constructive space for Belleville, Nutley, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Orange, and East Orange residents to come together, learn, and collaborate on local challenges.
We invited former and current local elected officials and community advocates from across the district. Some did not take us up on our invitation, refused to collaborate, and sought to undermine the event, pressuring panelists, organizers, and even The Jersey Bee’s funders.
Because the forum’s purpose had been compromised, The Jersey Bee independently decided to cancel it.
These independent, informative spaces are essential to addressing urgent local issues – from the cost of living to housing to flooding. But they only work when people feel safe showing up in good faith, without fear of political retaliation.
This event could no longer meet that standard.
We’re disappointed to cancel, but this experience only reinforces why The Jersey Bee’s work is so vital.
We’re building an independent platform for sharing local information and building local connections that makes it harder for people to exercise unaccountable power over our community.
We don’t target politicians, write scandalous headlines, or trash neighborhoods. We provide useful local news that helps people access resources, build local connections, and improve their quality of life. That’s how we will continue building a better future for our community, no matter the opposition.
If you’d like to partner with The Jersey Bee to help us build community by hosting an event, contact us here or email connect@jerseybee.org.
If you believe in our mission, consider becoming a monthly donor. Your support helps keep our local journalism accountable to the public – not politicians.
More from The Jersey Bee to come.
With gratitude,
Author
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