Montclair Election Facebook Group Will Have ‘Minimum Moderation’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Can Montclair residents have a “respectful critiques of ideas and positions” when it comes to this year’s municipal election on social media – especially if they’re given “very little site moderation?” That’s what a newly launched Facebook group is banking on as several local races heat up in 2024.

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. The filing deadline for candidates was Feb. 29.

See the election timeline, ward maps and other important information here.

A new private chat group – Montclair Elections 2024 – has been launched in an effort to create more discussion about the local races. It can be seen online here.

The group is open to candidates, campaign supporters, voters and residents – “just about anyone with some connection to Montclair,” organizers say. Facebook users need to apply to the group for membership approval.

According to a statement from the organizers behind the group, it’s intended to be an “open discussion forum” where people can comment on the “qualities and presentations of candidates,” as well as other local issues involving the election.

One of its main draws? “Minimum administrative moderation,” organizers say.

“Too many Facebook site moderators say that they want real free speech and open debate but then, inappropriately jump into threads when too hot, ending the conversations prematurely,” said Martin Schwartz, a former Montclair planning board and environmental commission member.

Schwartz said he was considering a run for a town council seat himself, but decided against it.

“Some people wrongly fear political conflict, as if it’s something to be avoided, rather than engaged with,” Schwartz said. “But that’s really how people come to their own conclusions about what’s right and wrong.”

“When I hear a response to serious debate labeled as ‘toxic speech,’ or ‘bullying,’ I know that it’s just because someone hasn’t won an argument,” he opined.

Other moderators from Montclair have signed on to help Schwartz keep an eye on the Facebook group: John Sullivan, Fayna Figgins and Cathy Renna were listed as admins as of Tuesday.

Will the group’s members be able to keep the discussion productive – and respectful? According to Sullivan – a Bike & Walk Montclair board member and founding member of Radio Free Montclair – the answer is yes.

“If people just follow the few dos and don’ts rules we’ve posted here and stick to respectful critiques of ideas and positions, then even in today’s highly volatile political climate, very little site moderation should be required,” he said.

• See Related: Montclair Sees Jump In Number Of Women Seeking Office: Election 2024
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