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.

Hello everyone, We know things have been a little quiet here in the forum, and we want to take a moment to check in. While you may not be seeing daily updates, please understand that work is actively happening behind the scenes every single day. We have been in contact with multiple legislators, both past and present, as well as other state officials, continuing to push forward on issues that matter to New Jersey notaries. These conversations take time, persistence, and follow-through, and we are fully engaged in that process. Our commitment remains the same: to advance the profession, strengthen standards, and provide meaningful, accessible education to notaries across the state. That mission is driving everything we are doing right now. We appreciate your patience and your continued support. Your involvement and trust allow us to keep moving forward, even when progress is not always visible in real time. Team NJNA

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)