Election 2024: Meet The ‘Montclair Good Government Team’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — What do a former mayor, a risk management expert, a history/arts advocate, a banker and avid gardener, and a grassroots activist have in common? They’re all trying to get elected to the town council this year as part of the “Montclair Good Government Team.”

Montclair will have a municipal election on Tuesday, May 14. In total, seven seats will be up for grabs: mayor, two at-large council members, and a council member in each of the four wards. See the election timeline, ward maps and other important information here.

This year’s candidates include two slates – “Together Montclair” and the “Montclair Good Government Team” – and several independents. Candidates do not declare party affiliations in a non-partisan municipal election.

• Read More: Montclair Election Update (See List Of Mayor, Council Candidates)
• Read More: The Incumbents: Montclair Town Council Will See Big Turnover In 2024

The Montclair Good Government Team includes Bob Russo, Carmel Loughman, Ilmar Vanderer, Roddy Moore and Aminah Toler.

“Our slate is united by our core belief that citizens are best-served when their government is receptive to citizen views and participation; functions in an efficient and fiscally prudent manner; engages in data-based decision making; and operates with respect and integrity,” the candidates recently said in a joint statement.

“We believe the skills, experience, energy, and commitment of our five diverse slate mates is what Montclair needs now to tackle the difficult questions the town will face over the next four years,” they added.

Here’s some background information about the Montclair Good Government Team members, according to a campaign news release.

>> Are you a candidate or political group seeking coverage for Montclair’s 2024 municipal election? Send an email to eric.kiefer@patch.com

COUNCILORS AT-LARGE

BOB RUSSO – Bob has served Montclair with responsive, transparent government for over 20 years in various roles, both at the local and state level. He worked for the NJ Attorney General as Consumer Affairs Lemon Law director and assistant to the NJ Public Advocate for over two decades before retiring, and currently teaches Public Administration courses at Montclair State University. A graduate of Rutgers University, he began his career in the field of education as a 4th grade teacher in Newark, and has been a leader as VP of American Federation of Teachers NJ Higher Education in an unpaid, volunteer role with college faculty. Bob has held positions as Montclair First Ward Councilor, Deputy Mayor, Mayor and currently Councilor-at-Large, repeatedly elected for his responsiveness to constituents and open, honest government service. The historical perspective and experience that he brings to the team as one of its leaders is invaluable as we elect an entirely new Council.

CARMEL LOUGHMAN – Carmel has worked in corporate America for over 35 years for a variety of Fortune 100 companies including Prudential, American Smelting and Refining Company, Marsh & McLennan, Schering Plough (Merck), and L’Oreal USA. Her specialty is Risk Management, the process of identifying, assessing and controlling financial, legal, strategic and security risks to an organization’s capital and earnings. Carmel most recently served on the Montclair Planning Board 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 where she is focused on good government practices.

SECOND WARD

ILMAR VANDERER – Ilmar has a long history and deep footprint of involvement in Montclair’s civic, cultural, and community affairs, and a proven track record of successful results in uniting broad cross-sections of stakeholders in support of visionary initiatives. A champion of literacy, intellectual freedom, and information access equity, Ilmar is a prolific supporter of Montclair Public Library and has served as a library employee, trustee, fundraiser, and friends group founder. A passionate advocate for the arts, Ilmar believes the creative and cultural sectors are a powerful force for social change and an essential economic engine for our community and recently brought attention to community theater by performing onstage for the first time ever in a sellout production at Studio Playhouse. A Montclair native and graduate of Montclair public schools, Ilmar is a proud Mountie and was voted President of his graduating class at Montclair High School. He gives back by organizing class reunions for fellow Mounties and pays it forward by raising funds for scholarships given by Montclair Scholarship Fund. A 55-year resident of Montclair’s Second Ward, Ilmar is a longtime supporter of historic preservation efforts, for which Montclair’s Historic Preservation Commission named him Preservationist Of The Year. As an award-winning communications professional, Ilmar has been a member of core management teams at major NJ/NYC institutions advising on crisis communications and media, community, and government relations. Ilmar also earned certification in international trade and finance from New York University and has led business teams on international trade missions. A graduate of Duke University, Ilmar studied film, journalism, and political science.

THIRD WARD

RODDY MOORE – With a diverse professional background in engineering and banking, Roddy brings over 15 years of experience in risk, lending, and leadership roles to Montclair. In parallel with his banking career, he pursued his passion for real estate, eventually transitioning away from banking to focus on his investments in single-family homes. A Montclair resident for nearly 10 years, Roddy values his connection to town. His wife, Heather, a proud Mountie, and her mother, Betty Holloway, a long-time civic leader, have deep-rooted ties to Montclair, further enriching Roddy's dedication to the community. An avid gardener, Roddy is active with environmental education through the Nishuane School's PTA Grow Lab and supports urban agriculture through volunteering at Montclair Community Farms, an urban agricultural initiative located at the Montclair History Center. Beyond his professional and community endeavors, Roddy is passionate about the vibrant character of Montclair, where he, his wife, and 2 children are tightly woven into the fabric of town.

FOURTH WARD

AMINAH TOLER – A proud Mountie and native of Montclair, Aminah is a grassroots activist known as "The Connector" in the Montclair Community. She excels in connecting people to each other, to resources, and to the community. Aminah has founded various initiatives including Montclair Mutual Aid, Friends of the Howe House, and Adopt a Mountie. Her contributions have been recognized in profiles by reputable local sources like Baristanet, Montclair Local, Suburban Essex, and Montclair Neighbors magazines. She holds the position of Vice Chair in Montclair's Landlord Tenant Advisory Committee and serves on the board of Montclair Early Music. Additionally, Aminah is active in organizations such as Rock the Vote and the Montclair Chapter of the NAACP. Her outstanding work led her to be honored as one of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's NJ-11 Heroes for her impactful efforts in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. Recently, she was recognized at Montclair High School's CGI African American Achievement Dinner in for her significant contributions to the town. When not leading in the Montclair community, Aminah works as a fulltime administrative assistant for the East Orange Public Schools.

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