Mayor of Montclair, New Jersey facts for kids

A mayor is an important leader in a town or city. They help make decisions and guide the community. In Montclair, New Jersey, many different people have served as mayor, helping to shape the town over the years.

Mayors of Montclair: Leading the Town

Montclair has had many mayors since the early 1900s. These leaders have helped the town grow and change. They work with a council to make rules and manage services for everyone living in Montclair.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor is like the head of the town's government. They usually lead meetings of the town council. They also represent the town at events and work to make sure the town runs smoothly. Mayors help decide on things like town budgets, public safety, and community projects.

Montclair's Leaders Through the Years

Here are some of the people who have served as mayor in Montclair:

• David Doremus Duncan, from 1904 to 1907.
• Henry V. Crawford, around 1907.
• Ernest C. Hinck, around 1911.
• Louis F. Dodd, around 1914.
• Howard F. McConnell, who lived from 1873 to 1933, served from 1920 to 1924.
• Bayard H. Faulkner, who lived from 1894 to 1983, served around 1950.
• Harold S. Osborne, from 1961 to 1964.
• Harold Hayes, around 1966.
• Matthew G. Carter, from 1968 to 1972. He was the first black mayor of Montclair.
• Peter Bonastia, from 1972 to 1976.
• Grant Gille, from 1976 to 1980.

Changes in Government: New Ways to Lead

Montclair's government changed over time. Grant Gille was the last mayor under an older system called the "commission form of government." After his term, Montclair switched to a "Township Council/Township Manager" model. This new system changed how the town was run and how mayors were chosen.

• Mary V. Mochary (born in 1942), from 1980 to 1984.
• James Ramsey, from 1984 to 1986.
• Laurence H. Olive, from 1986 to 1987.
• Robert D. Jackson, from 1987 to 1988.
• Clifford Lindholm II, from 1988 to 1992. He was the first mayor under the new Council-Manager system to be elected directly by the people. Before him, the council members chose the mayor.

Recent Mayors and Their Terms

In recent years, Montclair has continued to have dedicated leaders.

• James Bishop, from 1992 to 1996.
• William Farlie, from 1996 to 2000.
• Robert J. Russo, from 2000 to 2004.
• Ed Remsen, from 2004 to 2008.
• Jerry Fried, from 2008 to 2012.
• Robert D. Jackson, from 2012 to 2020. He is the only mayor under the Council-Manager system to have been elected both by the council and directly by the people. He is also the only mayor under this system to serve two full four-year terms and to serve terms that were not back-to-back.
• Sean M. Spiller, from 2020 to 2024.
• Renée E. Baskerville, who began her term on July 1, 2024, and is currently serving.