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Journalists and assembly spar over changing 'newspaper' definition; assembly amends code to seek third‑party publishers
Summary
Speakers from nonprofit news organizations warned that removing an independent newspaper requirement would weaken public notice transparency. The assembly amended Ordinance 26‑085/IM to direct the clerk to pursue third‑party publishing options and retain multi‑site posting requirements.
The assembly debated Ordinance 26‑085, which updates the borough's definition of a 'newspaper of general circulation' after the local print paper ended regular print publication. Amy Bouchatz (founder of Natsu Sentinel) testified that independent third‑party publication preserves an auditable public record and broader visibility for legal notices; she urged the borough to continue using an independent publisher rather than relying solely on government postings and social media.
Assemblymembers discussed options. The clerk noted state law requires posting at three locations; assemblymember Gamble offered language directing the clerk to solicit pricing and options from third‑party publishers. The assembly adopted the ordinance as amended, directing staff to continue the minimum posting practice and to explore contracted independent publication to preserve a public record.
