New Jersey Democrats Should Not Embrace Trumpian Leadership Tactics

As a Montclair resident, I’m deeply concerned about the direction of our city under the current administration. Mayor Sean Spiller has shown himself to be woefully out of touch with the needs of our community, and his leadership style and approach to governance are reminiscent of the very worst of Trumpian politics.

Spiller was barely elected to office, winning the Mayoral election by only about 100 votes in 2020. The vote tally was marred in controversy, as Spiller outspent his opponent by about 50-1.

With the election taking place during COVID, there was also mass confusion on the vote-by-mail rules and deadlines. Like Trump, a series of court challenges followed the election.

Since taking office, Spiller has shown a lack of respect for democratic norms and the rule of law. He has repeatedly violated the state’s conflict of interest laws, and he has used his position as mayor to lobby aggressively for his own political interests. Spiller’s most egregious conflict of interest involves his role as President of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the most powerful special interest organization in the state. Spiller used his position as NJEA President to move the union dues of New Jersey teachers to support his own personal political campaign for office.

This move led to widespread protest and division in the community, and it ultimately cost Spiller his ability to control the Township’s school board. Spiller’s political career in Montclair has been marked by a series of ethical lapses and questionable decisions. His actions have left the city in turmoil and division, and his legacy as mayor will undoubtedly be remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of politics. We are now at a critical juncture in our city’s history.

The choices we make about our leaders will have a lasting impact on the future of our community. We must seize this moment and ensure that our city is led by someone who is committed to serving the needs of our community first.