Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller Sworn In; Gov. Phil Murphy Applauds

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy is a fan of Montclair and its new mayor.

On Wednesday, Murphy appeared at a reorganization meeting of the Montclair Town Council to welcome newly elected mayor, Sean Spiller. Clad in a face mask – as were the rest of the attendees – the governor stood at the podium and called Montclair one of his “favorite communities in the whole, wide world.”

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to be here – specifically to be here for you, Sean,” Murphy said. “You’re a dear friend and it’s a real thrill.”

Murphy also thanked Spiller’s predecessor, Robert Jackson, for doing “great work” in the township.

“Montclair is one of New Jersey’s true treasures,” said Murphy, who added that the town is a “vibrant and diverse community” with active and committed residents and a long history of progressive leadership.

When his turn at the podium came, Spiller thanked the voters of Montclair for his election day victory, and said Montclair’s strongest asset is its people. The town’s new mayor said he will be focused on making sure the town emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic as strong – or stronger – than before.

Spiller pointed out that the town has beefed up its financial footing over the past eight years, reducing its debt by more than $60 million, while also addressing needed infrastructure improvements such as street paving and new sewer lines.

The town will also continue to tackle social justice issues, he added.

“We are, as a nation, rightfully focused on racial and social justice, and we will continue to lead with important conversations and meaningful action,” Spiller said.

Watch a video from Wednesday’s council meeting below.

Spiller was elected in a tight race during the town’s nonpartisan municipal election in May, which took place via mail in ballots due to the coronavirus crisis. He beat out his challenger, Councilwoman Renee Baskerville, by less than 200 votes.

• See related article: Montclair Election Results: Spiller Is Mayor, See Council Winners
• See related article: Montclair Election: Spiller Claims Win, Baskerville Says 'Wait'

Prior to being elected mayor, Spiller was elected councilor in the Third Ward in 2012. He’s served on the township’s Economic Development Committee, Education Committee and the Board of School Estimate, as well as a member of the Montclair Business Improvement District. He’s a member of the Montclair NAACP and the League of Women Voters, and also serves as vice president of the New Jersey Education Association, one of the largest teacher unions in the state.

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