Roger Terry Joins Montclair Council: ‘Let’s Agree To Disagree’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — When Montclair’s newest town council member was appointed, his supporters said they hope he will bring some stability back to a body that has seen some emotionally charged debates in the recent past.

Terry’s first message as a councilman didn’t disappoint.

Terry was appointed to fill former councilman Peter Yacobellis’ unexpired term earlier this month. Read More: Montclair Council Chooses Terry To Fill Empty Seat After Fiery Meeting

Yacobellis was elected to an at-large seat in 2020. He announced his resignation on Oct. 12, citing “happiness” and the stress of serving as an elected official as key factors. . Read More: Yacobellis Resigns From Montclair Town Council, Will Move To WA

The post will be up for re-election again in 2024.

During last week’s town council meeting, Montclair Deputy Mayor Bill Hurlock welcomed Terry to the dais, calling him an “old, good friend.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled that you’re here,” Hurlock said.

Terry formerly served as an at-large council member in Montclair from 2008 to 2012. He is a former deputy police chief, and is the president of the Montclair NAACP. The Montclair High School alum was born and raised in the township.

Here’s what Terry had to say at the Oct. 24 meeting:

“First of all, I just want to thank the councilors for the opportunity to come and serve the community again. For me, service has been very important in my life, and in my parents’ life. So I've served this community probably for most of my life.

“Everybody up here, I know them. We've had an opportunity to work together before. I'm looking forward to working together with you right now. I think everything that I said that was printed in the papers, you know, I kind of stand by. I know that there's been a tough time for the council and the community here. But one thing about Montclair – we've always been a community to try to work together and to try to figure things out.

“Now, I understand that people have strong feelings about certain issues. But we all should be able to agree to disagree. And there shouldn't be any time where people come up here and make fun or badger or call names of individuals because of a decision that they made. So hopefully, we’ll be able to stand by that and act like Montclairions really do.

“This isn't like the federal government. We all live together in the same community here. So we should try to work together a little bit better. And not just for us here – before the community also. And I know. I've talked to quite a few people in the community and that's what they're looking for. They're looking for a civil group that can work together – even though what comes before us may not be like that sometimes, at least that we'll try our best. Hopefully, that everything will go well. And again, thank you very much, and I'm glad for the opportunity.”

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