Thursday, August 21, 2025

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (AUGUST 21, 2025)–My journey in the newspaper industry began in 1968 when I took on part-time roles at our family’s publications, The Gloucester City News and The Camden County Record. During this time, I also worked at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, delivering mail to residents in Gloucester City, Bellmawr, and Brooklawn.

In 1978, I made the significant decision to leave my position at the post office to fully immerse myself in journalism as the editor of both newspapers. This opportunity allowed me to shape the voice and direction of the publications, connecting with local readers and covering important stories in our community.

By 1984, after years of dedication and hard work, Connie and I accomplished a major milestone by purchasing The Gloucester City News. This acquisition marked a new chapter for us, as we took on the responsibility of not just reporting the news but also ensuring the newspaper thrived as a vital source of information for our town.

On August 3, 2006 we launched Clearys Notebook. As CNBNews embarks on its remarkable 20th year of delivering news to the communities of South Jersey and Philadelphia, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound evolution that journalism has undergone over the past two decades.

Throughout our 58 years of reporting, we have been witnesses to a revolution in the way news is gathered and shared. We have journeyed from the rhythmic clatter of manual typewriters to the smooth hum of electric ones, and from the era of Justiwriters to the sophisticated realm of computers—each shift marking a significant chapter in our storytelling legacy.

The emergence of smartphones, the explosive growth of the internet, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media have dramatically reshaped our communication landscape. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, X, Instagram, and a plethora of podcasts have transformed the way we connect, learn, and entertain ourselves. In this digital age, anyone with a device can step into the role of a publisher, leading to a wave of closures that has swept across countless newspapers, both weekly and daily, around the globe.

Today, we turn to AI for an analysis of Cleary’s Notebook. We are captivated by the insights and accuracy of its findings, highlighting yet another way technology and innovation enrich our journalistic pursuits.

What kind of articles are in Cleary’s Notebook?

Cleary’s Notebook publishes a wide variety of articles, primarily focusing on news, sports, commentary, and politics for Gloucester City and the surrounding areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia. Based on recent posts, here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

Local news and community events

• Updates on local projects and infrastructure, such as road improvements and park renovations.
• Announcements and coverage of community events like Gloucester Day and various concerts.
• Reports on local sports news and high school events, particularly Gloucester Catholic High School sports.
• Obituaries and tributes to community members.
• “Cheers and Jeers” columns, which highlight positive and negative aspects of the community.
• Pet-related stories, such as introducing new family dogs. 

Public safety and crime reports

• News about local police investigations, arrests, and crime advisories.
• Reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes in Gloucester City and surrounding areas.
• Discussions on crime statistics and police department policies. 

Government and politics

• Articles on local government meetings, decisions, and discussions, such as bond defaults and salary increases for employees.
• Commentary and opinions on political topics, both local and national.
• Guest opinions and letters to the editor on various issues. 

Other topics

• Financial Literacy: Articles discussing topics like tax refunds and making smart financial choices.
• Health and Wellness: Posts about community wellness initiatives and making healthy choices.
• Environmental Topics: Information on composting and environmental protection.
• Local History: Articles that reminisce about Gloucester City’s past.
• National and International News: Occasionally, articles will touch on national and international events, especially if they are relevant to the local community. 

In essence, Cleary’s Notebook aims to be a comprehensive local news source, providing information and fostering discussion on a wide range of topics that are relevant to its audience in Gloucester City and nearby areas. 

What are some recurring community issues highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook Cheers & Jeers?

Based on the search results, several recurring community issues are highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook “Cheers & Jeers” column:

Neglected and Dilapidated Properties: Several “Jeers” express frustration over abandoned homes, dilapidated utility poles, unkempt business properties like Pat’s Select Pizza, and overall blight in the community. These properties are often described as overgrown with weeds, attracting bugs, posing safety risks, and hurting community pride.

High Property Taxes and Lack of Accountability: A significant concern revolves around high property taxes, particularly city taxes, and a perceived lack of transparency and accountability from the city council regarding spending and budgeting. There’s a particular concern about the high city tax rate compared to school taxes.

Governmental Inefficiency and Lack of Response: Residents express frustration with city officials’ perceived indifference to issues such as neglected properties and delayed repairs to essential infrastructure like the city’s street sweeper. There are concerns about whether the community’s concerns are being addressed adequately by those in charge.

Public Safety and Crime: While there are “Cheers” for the police department’s efforts in combating crime, there are also “Jeers” that highlight concerns about gun violence, stolen vehicles, and the enforcement of ordinances like juvenile curfews.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Issues: One “Jeer” mentions concerns about pedestrians walking in front of cars and ignoring traffic laws.

Erosion of Community Pride: A general theme running through many “Jeers” is the feeling that a lack of community pride is evident in the unkempt state of some areas and properties within Gloucester City. 

Overall, the “Cheers & Jeers” column in Cleary’s Notebook reflects a community that is deeply invested in its local environment and government, with residents actively engaging in discussions about issues they believe are impacting the quality of life in Gloucester City.

Give examples of how Cleary’s Notebook has influenced local issues

Cleary’s Notebook often acts as a community watchdog, highlighting issues and prompting action from local authorities and residents. Here are some examples of its influence on local matters in Gloucester City:

Prompting Action on Dilapidated Properties: Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrably influenced the cleanup of neglected properties. After an editorial with the headline “Does Anyone Care?” highlighted the dilapidated state of the Pat’s Select Pizza property at Broadway and George Street, the property was cleaned up shortly thereafter. This demonstrates the power of the press in bringing issues to public attention and motivating corrective measures.

Addressing Neglected Infrastructure: The blog has drawn attention to neglected infrastructure, such as the precarious state of PSEG utility poles at key intersections. Following repeated efforts and engagement with PSEG and local officials, the blog reported that PSEG workers were on site removing the company’s equipment from the dilapidated utility poles. This illustrates how persistent advocacy, coupled with public pressure generated through the blog, can lead to necessary repairs and improve public safety.

Encouraging Transparency in Government Spending: Cleary’s Notebook actively promotes transparency in local government by detailing resolutions related to employee salaries and connecting them with job titles, even when names are not explicitly provided by the city. This initiative helps citizens better understand how their tax dollars are being allocated.

Raising Awareness about Public Safety and Crime: The blog regularly reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes, bringing these issues to the forefront of community discussion. In one instance, the blog reported on a shooting incident and questioned the lack of public information, potentially contributing to greater scrutiny of how the police department communicates with the community. This highlights the role of Cleary’s Notebook in holding authorities accountable for public safety and fostering dialogue around crime prevention strategies.

Facilitating Community Engagement: The blog serves as a platform for residents to express their concerns through features like the “Cheers & Jeers” column. This fosters a sense of community ownership and encourages residents to actively participate in addressing local challenges, ranging from neglected properties to traffic concerns. 

In summary, Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrated its influence on local issues by highlighting neglected properties and infrastructure, promoting transparency in government, raising awareness about public safety concerns, and providing a platform for community dialogue, ultimately leading to positive changes and improvements in Gloucester City.

Has Cleary’s Notebook faced legal challenges or criticism?

Yes, Cleary’s Notebook, and its editor William E. Cleary Sr., have faced both legal challenges and criticism in relation to their reporting.

Legal challenges

Trespassing and theft charges: William E. Cleary Sr. and his son were charged with trespassing and theft after taking a child’s bench from what they believed to be a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school. The Gloucester City Police Department posted a video of the incident on Facebook, implying the Clearys were thieves. Although the bench was returned, and the Clearys believed the matter was settled, they later received citations and were summoned to court multiple times. They ultimately accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to a lesser charge (noise ordinance violation) and paying fines, to avoid the possibility of jail time and mounting legal fees. Cleary Sr. believes these charges were retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and local business associations.

Loss of previous employment: In 2013, William E. Cleary Sr. lost his job as a weekly columnist when the newspaper was sold. He attributes this to threats from the local business association and council members to withdraw advertisements if he wasn’t fired, likely due to his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council. 

Criticism

Accusations of Lying: Some residents and individuals in power accuse Cleary’s Notebook, and its writers, of lying in their reports. Cleary and his writers, however, assert that they document everything and that the accusations come from those unwilling to accept the truth.

Controversy over Specific Articles: While not explicitly described as legal challenges, specific articles have sparked controversy and criticism. The reporting on a city worker’s burglary charge being dropped and the details surrounding a fire at the fire headquarters have generated negative feedback and criticism from some members of the community. 

Give specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook was accused of bias

You’re right to ask for specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook faced accusations of bias. While the search results don’t always provide the exact articles that drew accusations, they do highlight key areas and situations that have led to these claims:

Reporting on the Cold Springs School Incident: The articles and associated social media posts surrounding the incident where William E. Cleary Sr. and his son took a child’s bench from what they believed was a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school led to accusations of bias and potentially false reporting from the Gloucester City Police Department. The police department’s use of social media to frame the incident as a “robbery” and imply the Clearys were thieves demonstrates a strong disagreement with their narrative.

Coverage of City Officials and Business Associations: Cleary Sr. directly states that the charges he faced in the Cold Springs School incident were likely retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and the local business association. This suggests that articles addressing these entities likely sparked accusations of bias. Furthermore, his previous dismissal from another news outlet was attributed to threats from the business association and council members who disliked his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council, further indicating that his articles scrutinizing these groups drew accusations of bias.

Articles Highlighting Government Spending and Lack of Transparency: Cleary’s Notebook has been vocal about the city’s “tax and spend” policies and the lack of transparency surrounding government salaries. This focus on governmental financial matters and potential misspending could lead to accusations of bias from those aligned with the city government.

Stories on Public Safety and Crime: While Cleary’s Notebook frequently reports on crime, articles questioning the handling of investigations or transparency surrounding incidents could be perceived as biased by those involved in law enforcement.

Departure of a Former Writer: A former writer for Cleary’s Notebook noted that despite documenting everything they wrote, some residents and “those in charge” claimed they were lying due to a “different point of view,” suggesting that the reporting itself was viewed as biased. This highlights a broader perception that the blog’s content, regardless of factual basis, is seen as biased by some within the community and by local power structures. 

While the search results don’t always contain the specific “headline” or exact article text that garnered the most accusations, they clearly demonstrate that articles criticizing city officials, business practices, and government spending have often been at the center of bias claims against Cleary’s Notebook. 

These instances highlight the challenges faced by independent news outlets and journalists, particularly those reporting on local issues and holding public officials accountable. It’s important to note that the information presented here is based on the perspective offered by Cleary’s Notebook and its contributors.