South Orange Mayor Condemns Anonymous Misinformation on Open Space Trust Fund Vote

South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum has strongly condemned the spread of misinformation regarding the upcoming Open Space Trust Fund referendum, calling anonymous campaign tactics “disrespectful” to voters who deserve accurate information before making decisions at the polls.

In a statement released Thursday, Collum addressed growing concerns about misleading materials being circulated throughout the community ahead of the November 5 election. The referendum asks voters whether to establish a dedicated Open Space Trust Fund with a maximum rate of one cent per $100 of assessed property value.

“People are entitled to vote however they want to vote, but they should be making those decisions based on factual information,” Collum stated. The mayor emphasized that the referendum question underwent significant vetting and public discussion before being placed on the ballot, including formal approval by the village’s governing body.

The controversy centers around anonymous materials that have appeared in public spaces and on social media platforms. These materials reportedly contain inaccurate information about the potential tax impact and purpose of the trust fund, creating confusion among voters.

According to village officials, the proposed Open Space Trust Fund would generate approximately $240,000 annually if implemented at the maximum rate. These funds would be dedicated exclusively to acquiring, developing, maintaining, and preserving open space within South Orange. Similar programs have been successfully implemented in numerous New Jersey municipalities to protect green spaces from development and enhance recreational opportunities.

One particular concern highlighted by Collum was the mischaracterization of how the funds would be managed. The anonymous materials allegedly suggest the money would be controlled without oversight, which she emphatically denied. “The administration of these funds would follow all public procurement laws and be subject to the same transparency requirements as any other municipal expenditure,” Collum clarified.

County records indicate that 16 of the 22 municipalities in Essex County already have some form of open space taxation in place. Neighboring Maplewood established its Open Space Trust Fund in 1999, which has helped fund numerous park improvements and land preservation initiatives over the past two decades.

Village Trustee Bill Haskins, who chairs the Recreation and Cultural Affairs committee, noted that South Orange faces particular challenges regarding open space preservation due to its dense development pattern. “Every acre of undeveloped land in our community is precious and increasingly vulnerable to development pressure,” Haskins said. “This fund would give us a dedicated resource to act quickly when preservation opportunities arise.”

The referendum follows several years of community discussion about open space priorities. In 2022, the village conducted a comprehensive recreational needs assessment that identified funding for open space as a key concern among residents.

Environmental advocates have voiced strong support for the measure. South Orange Environmental Commission member Elena Papert emphasized the ecological benefits of preserving green spaces. “Beyond recreation, these areas provide critical environmental services like stormwater management, heat mitigation, and habitat preservation,” Papert explained.

If approved, the fund could potentially help South Orange leverage matching grants from county and state programs dedicated to open space preservation, effectively multiplying the local investment.

Critics of the measure have expressed concerns about adding any additional tax burden during a period of economic uncertainty. However, village officials note that the impact would be relatively modest—approximately $65 annually for the average assessed home value of $650,000 if implemented at the maximum rate.

Collum urged residents to seek out official information sources before casting their votes. The village has created a dedicated page on its website with factual information about the referendum, including precise tax calculations and potential uses for the fund.

“Whatever position residents take on this question, I want them to make that decision based on facts, not anonymous misinformation,” Collum said. “Our democratic process deserves better than shadowy campaigns.”

Early voting for the November 5 election begins on October 26 and runs through November 3, with traditional polling places open on Election Day.