Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey ahead of a unique town hall event with U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-7.
The survey, called a “policymaking simulation,” puts people in the shoes of policymakers by providing a briefing and asking them to evaluate pro and con arguments before weighing in with their recommendations.
Topics covered in the survey include campaign finance, redistricting and former elected officials turning to lobbying after leaving office, among other issues.
The survey is now open at www.publicconsultation.org/nj.
Results from the survey will be revealed for the first time to Rep. Malinowski and 7th Congressional District constituents at a Saturday, Feb. 29, citizen panel forum dedicated to discussing government reform issues with the congressman.
While a representative sample of hundreds of 7th district residents have participated in the survey, all members of the public may take the unique online survey.
Upon completing the survey, residents of the 7th district will be invited to participate at the Feb. 29 forum, to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at a venue in Berkeley Heights.
Constituents will talk in small groups about the survey and the topic at the forum. Survey results will be revealed to the congressman and the assembled group, and data from the district will be compared to national results.
Rep. Malinowski and constituents will then engage in a moderated discussion about the topic.
The 7th Congressional District includes all of Hunterdon County, the Somerset Hills communities of Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone and Bedminster, the Watchung Hills communities of Warren, Watchung and Long Hill, Mine Hill, the Chesters and Washington Township, Mount Olive, Dover, Roxbury and Mount Arlington, as well as parts of Union, Essex and Warren counties.
Nonpartisan Initiative
The Citizen Panel Initiative is a joint project of three nonpartisan organizations: Common Ground Solutions, Voice of the People, and the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation. The Citizen Panel Initiative does not take positions on policy positions, but seeks to give citizens a more effective voice in the policymaking process.
A national initiative that provides a new way for voters to make their voices heard, the Citizen Panel tool can promote civil dialogue, identify common ground on key issues and help members of Congress better connect with their constituents.
The survey was developed by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation, a nonpartisan public opinion research entity from the university’s School of Public Policy.
