A pending $143 million sewer sale in South Jersey has ignited a battle of lawn signs and campaign ads ahead of Election

When Gloucester Township residents make their way to the polls on Nov. 5, like the rest of the country, they’ll cast their votes in the pivotal presidential and Congressional elections. But another item on the ballot is taking over lawn signs and campaign ads in the South Jersey township: whether the municipality should sell its public sewage utility to New Jersey American Water for a resounding $143 million.

The referendum has initiated a grassroots group to take action in the form of Teamsters-backed lawn signs, a website, a podcast, a Facebook group, and residents making their own signs and fliers, all urging votes against the sale. Even the local Girl Scouts troop is on their side. In response, New Jersey American Water has launched its own campaign, spending more than $830,000 on mailers; paid canvassing; and digital, outdoor, and some television advertising in favor of privatizing the utility currently overseen by the township.

Tensions remain high as seven advocates working against the referendum say they are frustrated by the whole affair, citing fears of increased sewage payment costs and a lack of transparency from their local government — allegations the township vehemently denies.

The board of the Gloucester Township Municipal Utility Authority unanimously agreed to dissolve itself in early 2023. It now functions as a utility, condensing the sewage system’s operating costs, said Tom Cardis, the township’s business administrator.




https://www.inquirer.com/politics/new-jersey/gloucester-township-nj-sewer-system-ballot-question-20241013.html