Cape May County Board Faces Internal Tension Over Public Comment Policy

Cape May County, NJ — Commissioner Will Morey criticized the board’s public comment policy for sounding unfriendly and discouraging to residents. Since February, meetings begin with a statement outlining rules for public participation, aimed at ensuring respectful and orderly input, according to Assistant County Administrator Ronald Simone III. Morey described the policy as “stern” and said he felt embarrassed by the statement. Other commissioners dismissed calls to amend it, showing frustration with Morey’s persistence. The five-member board, all Republicans except Morey, has seen frequent disagreements recently on issues including airport operations and transparency.
County attorney Jeffrey Lindsey, who drafted the 208-word policy, defended it as legal and First Amendment compliant. The policy restricts speech that is “repetitive, truculent or interrupts” meeting operations. The term “truculent,” meaning aggressively defiant, raised concerns. Morey also questioned prohibiting applause during public comments, despite some clapping for a youth group earlier in the meeting. Board members noted that other Cape May municipalities maintain strict rules limiting applause and directing comments to officials. Morey referenced friendlier approaches in Sea Isle City but faced pushback over his research methods. Residents showed mixed reactions during public comments, with some criticizing the “truculent” wording and others praising the establishment of clear guidelines. The statement encourages civil discourse while limiting interruptions and unruly behavior. It also prohibits debate during meetings, with follow-ups referred to appropriate officials. Tensions remain high as Morey continues to challenge the board on transparency and engagement, spotlighting divisions within county leadership.