When Reporting Isn't Reporting

by: Juan Melli

Wed Feb 14, 2007 at 03:55:26 PM EST

Press of Atlantic City reporter Richard Degener wrote an article titled "They say I do in Cape May, but the license fee goes to Trenton" today that grabbed my attention. The issue is that marriage licenses (and soon civil union licenses) cost $28, of which $25 goes to the state. Towns such as Cape May, with the "largest beach wedding business" in the state say the $3 that remains isn't enough to cover the expenses.

This issue has been around for a while but it's been revived now apparently because civil unions will soon go into effect. There doesn't appear to be any indication in the article that this is specifically about civil unions, except for this one peculiar line (emphasis mine):

As of Monday, when civil unions are set to be allowed, those taxpayers will be subsidizing same-sex unions whether they like it or not.

Considering this isn't a quote or a sentiment attributed to anyone, it seems like a pretty aggressive statement by the reporter. It may not have been intentional, but this is the only instance in the article where the "blame" is placed on same-sex unions instead of on the licensing fee distribution. I emailed Degener this morning to ask for clarification, but I haven't heard back yet.

Cape May mayor Jerry Inderwies today confirmed he will perform civil unions if asked to do so.

Juan Melli :: When Reporting Isn't Reporting

Tags: Richard Degener, Press of Atlantic City, Civil Unions, licensing fee, Cape May, (All Tags)

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When Reporting Isn't Reporting | 1 comments

whether they like it or not (4.00 / 1)

This is an absurd statement. But if we get to pick and choose, I'd be happy to take a check for my share of the Iraq war cost ($800 this year alone) and 'subsidize' the extra $7 for someone's marriage license.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Wed Feb 14, 2007 at 21:07:38 PM UTC