Russo Seeks Another Term On Montclair Town Council: Election 2024

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There are going to be some big changes in Montclair’s municipal government this year, but at least one familiar face may return to the township council: Bob Russo.

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

Russo, who is trying to recapture his councilor-at-large seat, is the only incumbent running for re-election this year. See Related: Montclair Town Council Will See Big Turnover In 2024

The longtime Montclair resident served as mayor from 2000 to 2004. He was first elected to the council in 1992.

“My view of the Montclair election is that I – as the only incumbent seeking re-election – have already achieved my goal of changing the council to fresh leadership, with a new mayor who will be a woman and a group of council members who will be very diverse and uncontrolled by any narrow financial or partisan political interests,” Russo told Patch.

Candidates do not declare party affiliations in a non-partisan municipal election.

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

Russo, who is running as part of the “Montclair Good Government Team” slate, said change is a constant theme in the township: there has never been a directly-elected mayor re-elected in nearly 40 years – except for Robert Jackson in 2016.

However, seeing an entirely new council is a rare occurrence in Montclair, Russo added.

As the lone council member trying to recapture his seat, Russo said that he feels like he’s been “drafted” by residents to serve another term, helping the new council to get over the post-election learning curve.

“This Montclair Good Government Team will be a majority on the council of diverse, professional and responsive leaders who will return our township to honest, transparent government which our residents demand and deserve,” Russo said.

As for his personal political platform, here are Russo’s priorities if he gets elected:

1. Dedicate all payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) funds for schools
2. Reduce and enforce all speed limits to 25 everywhere in Montclair and 15 mph near schools
3. Freeze all municipal hiring and cut excessive management consulting and outside attorneys fees
4. Protect the environment through a stronger tree ordinance, leaf blower, town vehicle and school bus transition to electric
5. Stop excessive overdevelopment and renegotiate any agreements that don't serve the interests of protecting Montclair residents and quality of life, such as the Glen Ridge fire services contract, which cost us a $150,000 loss of revenue each year
6. Restore our democracy by returning all council meeting agendas to our traditional public comment period on all topics to before and after council business – with a three-minute limit, not two, and flexibility for residents to complete their comments
7. Finally establish a fully functioning senior citizen center, and increase the staffing of the Montclair Senior Services Division and programs

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.