UPDATE: More Campaign Flyers Means More Charges—Cary Chevat Endorses Jackson

The local election on Tuesday, May 8 is now only a little more than a long weekend away.

Therefore, today will bring another flood of campaign flyers to your already bulging mailboxes. And the next few days will also undoubtedly bring more endorsements.

On Friday afternoon, for example, Cary Chevat—a well-known community activist and a member of the Montclair Municipal Election Review Commission—announced his endorsement of mayoral candidate Robert Jackson.

Meanwhile, from the Montclair 2012 slate, led by Jackson, comes a "Fact Check" flyer criticizing mayoral candidate Karen Turner, who is leading the Real Progress Montclair slate.

It reads: "1-Fact check: In 2010, Karen Turner questioned the need for a public library and public arts program. Montclair Council Meeting Minutes, 9/30/10. This is the supporting documentation for the No. 1 citation. (At that link, scroll to near the end of the council meeting minutes.)

2-Fact Check: Baristanet, 4/27/12."

It also goes on to say that: "The Montclair 2012 team is unwavering in its support of bedrock and beloved institutions and programs that make this such a great place to live. We are squarely behind the Montclair Public Library, a resource and town asset we cherish, and for public arts programs. Like the last mailer, we wanted to contrast our values with those of someone who has questioned the existence of the library and town arts programs and doesn’t stand behind our pre-k. When the smoke clears on Tuesday, we are confident Montclair residents will affirm our pathway to the future and reject a road that would gut the essence of our town." 

Meanwhile, Real Progress Montclair has sent out a flyer that tells voters to challenge the status quo by voting for Turner, Peter Zorich, Chris Swenson, and LeeAnn Carlson.

In it, Turner says: "I love this town and recognize it is facing incredible financial issues. In order to put Montclair on a more sustainable path and continue our valued programs and initiatives, we will need strong, thoughtful, solutions-oriented leadership. I have proven financial and leadership skills, and the vision to succeed. My goal is simply to put Montclair on a more sustainable path without losing the character or values that define the Montclair we all love. Most of all, I have surrounded myself with a team that is determined to act. I ask for your vote on May 8th—We won't let you down."

Finally, the For Montclair slate also has sent out a flyer detailing the qualifications of mayoral candidate Harvey Susswein as well as candidates Tim Barr, Bill Hurlock, Walter Springer, and Jeff Jacobson.

The flyer talks about the slate's positions on various issues including the budget, education, and economic development.

For example, the slate promises it will save at least $1 million by introducing competition into municipal services. "We have the experience to succeed at this where others have failed or refused to try," the flyer said.

For Montclair also promises to increase police patrol staffing and to establish an Economic Development Office.

Which slate do you believe is getting out their message most effectively? Let us know in the comments section below.