Montclair Mayor Reportedly Not Running Again: 2020 Election

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Robert Jackson is reportedly passing on another run as Montclair’s mayor. And at least one council member is planning to take his place, if so.

Earlier this week, Jackson told Baristanet that he “cannot refute” rumors that he’s declining to run for a third term as mayor in the nonpartisan 2020 municipal election this May. Patch has reached out to Jackson for comment; we’ll update this article with any reply we receive.

Several Montclair officials may be considering a run to replace Jackson, should he pass on another mayoral campaign.

Montclair Town Council members Renee Baskerville and Sean Spiller reportedly announced they plan to run for mayor at an Essex County Democratic Party committee meeting on Monday, according to Montclair Local.

Patch has reached out to Baskerville for comment. She represents the town’s fourth ward.

On Tuesday, Montclair Councilman Sean Spiller confirmed he’s running for mayor.

Spiller, who represents the township’s third ward, released the following statement about his campaign:

“Montclair is more than a place. It’s an ideal. Our beautiful community is a beacon of progress, justice and equality. That’s why my wife Lauren and I chose Montclair to call our home and raise our growing family, and why today, I am proud to announce my candidacy for mayor.

“Preserving the Montclair ideal is a collective effort. During my term on council, we’ve worked to protect and enhance the things that make Montclair so special. We’ve made critical investments in infrastructure and parks, stood up for our progressive values, all while significantly reducing our municipal debt.

“I have always believed that progress begins on the local level -- that local government can do much to improve the lives of many. Communities throughout the state look to Montclair as an example of what government can do when we follow through on our progressive values.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together. Hand - in - hand, we stood up for working families and finally made paid sick leave in Montclair a reality. We did our part for our climate by passing a ban on single use plastic bags. We invested in our future by increasing funding for our library and Pre-K. And, together we sent a message to Washington D.C. that everyone has a place in Montclair, including our undocumented neighbors.

“We've made great strides, but there's still much to be done.

“Over the course of the next few months, I look forward to meeting with residents, exchanging ideas and sharing my vision for how we can continue to preserve the things that make Montclair special. By working together, I'm confident we can create a bright future for the town we all love.”

Spiller is also vice president of the New Jersey Education Association. He was recently named as one of the inaugural members of the state's new Public Bank Implementation Board.

• See related article: Montclair Councilman Named To NJ Governor's Public Bank Board

2020 COUNCIL ELECTION

On May 12, six council seats in Montclair will also be up for grabs.

Martin Schwartz, a member of the Montclair Planning Board who was appointed by Jackson, told Patch he’s considering a council run.

“I am still seriously thinking about running as we need balanced leadership on key issues impacting over-development, housing and the board of education,” Schwartz said. “If I do run, it would be for a town-wide or third ward seat, depending on what other candidates are at the table and their stated views in these core areas… These quality of life issues are key.”

• See related article: Montclair Mix-Up May Mean Big Profit For Developers, Schwartz Says

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