This month, the New Jersey Notary Association is pleased to feature Alexander H. Spano, President and Owner of Premier Paralegal & Mediation LLC and an Adjunct Professor across multiple colleges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Welcome to the very first Member Spotlight. The New Jersey Notary Association is excited to honor Alex as the first member to be highlighted, and we are grateful for his willingness to share his story with all of us. Our hope is to offer this spotlight at least four times a year, or more whenever possible. Why do we do this? Because a strong association is built on more than just newsletters and continuing education. It is built on relationships. It is important that we all participate in this forum and take the time to get to know one another. When we know who is standing next to us in this profession, we build a stronger community and a more reliable support network for everyone. Growing together as notaries, colleagues, and friends starts right here. Now, let us introduce you to Alex. Ask Alex what drives his work, and he will give you a straightforward answer. "Being a notary isn't just about stamping paper," he says. "It's about being the 'Gatekeeper of Integrity.'" That mindset has carried him through more than 30 years in business, education, and legal support services. Since 2009, he has run Premier Paralegal & Mediation LLC in Mount Holly, New Jersey, where he focuses on paralegal services, mediation, and settlement coordination. But his work does not stop at his own business. Across several colleges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Alex steps into the classroom as an Adjunct Professor. He has developed and taught courses in Mediation, Paralegal Studies, and Professional Standards at Camden County College, Rowan College of South Jersey, Mercer County College, and Delaware County Community College, among others. His students learn from someone who has lived the material, not just read about it. His teaching covers workforce development topics such as conflict resolution, negotiation skills, delegation, and team building. He also leads personal development courses including notary training, public speaking, and time management.

277 Miles. 6 Legislators. 21 County Clerks. One Message: New Jersey Is Failing Its Notaries. This week, I personally delivered comprehensive evidence packets to every original sponsor (that is still in office) of the 2021 notary modernization law (P.L.2021, c.179). The drive totaled 277 miles. The packets included our full legislative report, the letter to Treasurer Binder, and a copy of the Garden State Notary textbook. In addition, we mailed packets to all 21 county clerks across New Jersey. Each clerk received a letter and a copy of the textbook. The message to both legislators and clerks was simple: The law you wrote promised six hours of education. The State provides 45 minutes of video. We need your help. Here is where things stand: Third OPRA Request – Denied, But No Privilege Log On April 6, 2026, the State denied our third OPRA request (W249781). We had asked for records about the creation of the 45-minute videos and the decision to exclude independent vendors. The denial did not say "no records exist." Instead, the State claimed a "deliberative material" exemption. But they provided no privilege log. No list of what records they are withholding. No explanation of why each record qualifies for the exemption. Without a privilege log, their claim is procedurally defective. It also strongly suggests that records do exist. Emails about why the videos are only 45 minutes. Contracts with producers. Internal discussions about excluding vendors. We will be filing a complaint with the Government Records Council (GRC) challenging this denial. What This Means for NJNA Members The State is not being transparent. They are not saying "we have nothing to hide." They are saying "we will not show you." But here is what we know: - The State has no records of any education program oversight (first OPRA response) - The State admits it "opted" to be the sole provider and never created a vendor approval process (second OPRA response) - The State is now refusing to release records about the 45-minute videos and the vendor decision, claiming exemption but providing no privilege log (third OPRA response)

New NJNA Member Assistance Line The New Jersey Notary Association has established a dedicated phone line for NJNA members who need help with notarizations or questions about New Jersey notary practice. This number is also provided directly to New Jersey legislators and government offices so they can reach us quickly when questions arise regarding notarial law, education, or compliance matters. Calls to this line receive priority response, meaning messages left here will typically be returned much faster than calls placed to our standard office phone line. Important details • Calls to this line receive preferential response priority • The number is reserved for NJNA members and government officials • The number will not be published on our website • We strongly recommend saving the number in your phone If your question involves a document, you may take a clear photo and text it to this number along with your name and a short explanation. This helps us review the situation more quickly. Specific details of calls, messages, and submitted documents are treated as confidential and will not be shared. Generalized details may be published to the "Ask NJNA" thread, if the question and answer may be beneficial to other members. If published, names and/or client details will NOT be included. NJNA Member Assistance Line 856-425-2650 Tap the contact card below to save the number directly to your phone.

We have completed a comprehensive report on the status of state issued notary education in New Jersey. These reports are being prepared for delivery to the State Treasurer, the Notary Public Unit, the legislators who sponsored the 2021 notary education law, and all twenty one county clerks. The reports are printed and nearly ready to go. Mailing them statewide will be expensive, and funding is running a bit low. Here are three simple ways you can help support this effort: 1. Tell your notary colleagues about the New Jersey Notary Association and encourage them to join. Membership is $35 per year and provides full access to our video course library with nearly seven hours of New Jersey specific notary education. 2. Purchase your copy of Garden State Notary. NJNA members have access to a special pricing link located on the Classroom tab. 3. Members may also make a tax deductible contribution to the NJNA Foundation, our registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to notarial education and public awareness. See NJNA website to donate. Thanks friends. We appreciate your support of NJNA and your fellow NJ Notaries Public. Patrick

After receiving some great feedback, we've updated our logo. Thanks to all that offered their constructive criticism. =)