Kreischer Wants Ventnor Transparency, Power of Taxpayer Voices

The power of your Ventnor voice.

Many saw the recent social media posts where Ventnor City spent nearly 20 minutes criticizing me—claiming I shared false information regarding 31 townhomes tied to the Ventnor Professional Campus Redevelopment Plan.

In the process, they also took a mean-spirited shot at me over what they described as a catastrophic error in the construction of our library, cultural arts center, and historical museum.

I was then invited to a Commission meeting to respond. My goal was simple: provide context, clarify the facts, and offer a solution.

Instead, after just a few minutes, I was told my three minutes were up—ending my opportunity to respond after they had been given twenty.

Here’s the update:

The (Ventnor) City did invite me back for a follow-up meeting, this time allowing me the time needed to fully express my thoughts.

Whether that decision came from your voices being heard or a realization that cutting me off was unfair, I’ll choose to believe it was a genuine effort to listen.

And for that, I want to thank everyone who spoke up, whether in support or criticism. It takes courage to engage, and your voices matter more than you may realize.

The follow-up meeting was largely productive. I was able to present my concerns and ideas in full. However, one moment stood out.

During my presentation, I asked a question to clarify a point, not just for myself, but for those listening, including residents on Zoom. I was initially told to simply continue, as if the question didn’t warrant an answer.

When I pressed, pointing out that others deserved to hear the response, I was given an answer, though not without a noticeable edge.

Commissioner Lance Landgraf

DownbeachBUZZ Editor Notes: Should public comment be restricted? Will Ventnor Planning and Zoning meetings be video-streamed online via ZOOM? Does CRDA position affect his local decision making?

It raises a simple question: why is it so difficult to provide a clear answer to a resident asking a legitimate question?

I’ll be sharing more details about what was discussed and what solutions were proposed in the coming days.

In the meantime, I want to hear from you:

Do you believe a three-minute limit is enough time for residents to address their elected officials?

Rich Gaskill: No, 3 minutes is not enough for any resident. My only caveat is if a 2nd, 3rd, and others are repeating the same ideas as the first person, council might stop them and ask, do you have thoughts that are different from the previous citizen? If they do, they should be permitted to continue. Continue being a voice for Ventnor, Tim.

EDITOR NOTES: Ventnor still not providing access to commission meeting video and meeting minutes in a timely fashion. And what about Planning / Zoning meetings? Commissioner Landgraf and Mayor Kriebel still say NO.

As to Ventnor School Board Meetings, BOE President Doug Biagi has yet to provide comment.