MONTCLAIR, N.J. — What do a former mayor, a risk management expert, a history and arts advocate, a banker, an avid gardener, and a grassroots activist all have in common? He is aiming to be elected as a member of this year's town council as a member of the group.
The city of Montclair's municipal election will be held on Tuesday, May 14th. A total of seven seats will be up for grabs: the mayor, two members of the Grand Council, and one city council member from each of the four wards.See election schedules, district maps and other important information here.
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This year's nominees include two candidates, “Together Montclair” and “Montclair Good Government Team,” as well as several independents.
The Montclair Good Government team includes Bob Russo, Carmel Rahman, Ilmar Wanderer, Roddy Moore and Amina Toler.
“Our ideas are united by our core belief that citizens are best served when government embraces their input and participation. Efficient and fiscally prudent. engage in data-based decision-making; and act with respect and integrity,” the candidates said in a recent joint statement.
“We believe the skills, experience, energy and dedication of these five diverse candidates is exactly what Montclair needs right now to address the difficult issues the town will face over the next four years. We believe there is,” they added.
Here's some background information about the members of the Montclair Good Government Team, according to a campaign news release.
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grand councilor
Bob Russo – For more than 20 years, Bob has served the City of Montclair in a variety of roles at both the local and state levels, contributing to responsive and transparent government. He served as the New Jersey Attorney General's Director of Consumer Affairs Lemon Law and an assistant in the New Jersey Office of Public Law Advocacy for over 20 years, after which he retired and currently teaches public administration courses at Montclair State University. A graduate of Rutgers University, he began his career in education as his fourth grade teacher in Newark and currently serves as vice president of New Jersey Higher Education for the American Federation of Teachers, taking on unpaid volunteer roles with university faculty and leadership. I am active as a. Bob has served as Montclair's 1st Ward councilman, vice mayor, mayor, and current councilor at large, having been elected multiple times for his responsiveness to constituents and open and honest government service. The historical perspective and experience he brings to the team as one of our leaders will be invaluable in selecting an entirely new council.
Carmel Rahman – Carmel has worked in corporate America for over 35 years at various Fortune 100 companies, including Prudential, American Smelting and Refining Company, Marsh & McLennan, Schering Plow (Merck), and L'Oreal USA. Her specialty is risk management, the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling financial, legal, strategic, and security risks to an organization's capital and revenues. Carmel most recently served on the Montclair Planning Commission, where she reviewed development applications, zoning ordinances, and land use documents. She has a particular interest in historic preservation, land use, and affordable housing issues. Carmel is active in the League of Women Voters and focuses on good government practices.
Second ward
Ilmar Wanderer – Ilmar has a long history and deep footprint of involvement in Montclair's civic, cultural, and community affairs, with a proven track record of success in uniting a wide range of stakeholders in support of visionary initiatives. We have a proven track record. A champion of literacy, intellectual freedom, and equity in access to information, Ilmer is a tremendous supporter of the Montclair Public Library, serving as a library staff member, trustee, fundraiser, and founder of the Friends group. came. A passionate advocate of the arts, Ilmar believes that the creative and cultural sector is a powerful force for social change and a vital economic engine for our communities, and recently spent time in the studio By performing on stage for the first time in history to a sold-out production, we drew attention to community theater. theater. A Montclair native and graduate of Montclair Public Schools, Ilmer is a proud equestrian and was voted Montclair High School Alumni President. He gives back by organizing reunions for his fellow Mounties and by collecting scholarships from the Montclair Scholarship Fund. Mr. Ilmer, who has lived in Montclair's 2nd Ward for his 55 years, has long supported historic preservation efforts, for which the City of Montclair Historic Preservation Commission named him Preserver of the Year. An award-winning communications expert, Ilmer has served as a member of the core management team of major New Jersey/New York City agencies advising on crisis communications and media, community, and government relations. Ilmer also earned a certification in International Trade and Finance from New York University and has led business teams on international trade missions. A graduate of Duke University, Ilmer studied film, journalism, and political science.
3rd ward
Roddy Moore – With a diverse professional background in engineering and banking, Roddy brings more than 15 years of experience in risk, lending and leadership roles to Montclair. Alongside his banking career, he pursued his passion for real estate and eventually moved away from banking to focus on investing in single-family homes. Having lived in Montclair for nearly 10 years, Roddy values his connection to the town. His wife Heather, a proud equestrian, and her mother Betty Holloway, a longtime civic leader, have deep ties to Montclair, further enriching Lodi's dedication to the community. . An avid gardener, Roddy is active in environmental education through his PTA Grow Lab at Nishuan School and through volunteer work at his community Montclair Farm, an urban agriculture initiative located at the Montclair History Center. We support urban agriculture. Beyond his profession and community activities, Roddy is passionate about the vibrant character of Montclair, where he, his wife, and his two children are tightly woven into the fabric of the town. is being poured.
Ward 4
Amina Toller – A proud equestrian and Montclair native, Amina is a grassroots activist known as “The Connector” in the Montclair community. She excels at connecting people to each other, to resources, and to community. She founded a variety of initiatives, including Montclair Mutual Aid, Friends of the Howe House, and Adopt a Mountie. Her contributions have been recognized in profiles in reputable local sources such as Baristanet, Montclair Her Local, Suburban Her Essex, and Montclair Her Neighbors. She holds the position of vice chair of the Montclair Landlord-Tenant Advisory Committee, and she also serves on the board of Montclair Early Her Music. Additionally, Amina is active in organizations such as Rock the Vote and the Montclair Chapter of the NAACP. In recognition of her outstanding work in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, Mikie was honored as one of U.S. Congresswoman Sherrill's NJ-11 Heroes. . Recently, she was recognized for her significant contributions to her town at Montclair High School's CGI African American Achievement Dinner. Amina lives in Montclair East When she is not leading in the community, she works as a full-time administrative assistant for Orange Public Schools.
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