This is an important year as there is a presidential election, and although we have a 77-year-old and an 81-year-old running for office, these are the current choices we have. (Oy vey!) Regardless, it is important to get out and vote for one of them.

In addition, one of New Jersey’s U.S. Senators and various Congressman are on the ballot as well. Many of these votes are unchallenged, and we can vote or not. But voting in the primary sends a message to the Bergen County political committees and the New Jersey committees (Democrat and Republican) that every one of our votes matter and we care about what’s happening in Teaneck and in other elections as well.

In addition, there are elections for the local (Teaneck) Municipal Committees—Democrat and Republican. I am running in District 18 for the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee (TDMC), but I’ll get to that later.

What are the TDMC and TRMC? The Teaneck Democratic (Republican) Municipal Committee is the party’s local representative body. It consists of two elected representatives from each of Teaneck’s 23 electoral districts. The body passes resolutions, endorses candidates, and when a vacancy occurs in a party-held position, that political party appoints a replacement until the next election. Its members are also part of the larger Bergen County and New Jersey State Committees.

TDMC Candidates by District

Why are the TDMC (and TRMC) important? The TDMC (and TRMC) are significant both locally and statewide. Locally, the TDMC cultivates candidates for various political offices, and its endorsements matter and can influence local elections. As a result, the TDMC cultivates candidates that reflect the views of the local representative body for higher state, county and federal office. The TDMC is the largest municipal committee in Bergen County, which is the largest county in the state of New Jersey. As a result, Teaneck can have influence in the outlook of the party as a whole and can better reflect the diverse community that Teaneck is by having candidates who reflect the needs and views of the residents. There are numerous new candidates running.

As a result, Jennifer Montag and I are running for TDMC in District 18. Jennifer and I have very different experiences and, I feel, we can both benefit Teaneck in different ways:

I am committed to the long-term view of a greater unified Teaneck. I am a finance professional who has written numerous articles on Teaneck Taxes and Debt, voting (OTOV) and other topics for The Jewish Link, Teaneck Tomorrow, and my Facebook group Teaneck Newsroom, which I moderate. (Please Google my articles.) I am a devoted husband and father, and you can always see me and my family at Teaneck Soccer, Teaneck Junior BB League at the Rodda Center or AAU Basketball leagues, a few of which I have coached over the years. I am an advocate for a safer, better Teaneck.

Jennifer Montag is a co-founder and co-leader of Teaneck Women Together; she champions unity and empowerment among women in Teaneck. She actively participates in interfaith and cross-cultural outreach programs, fostering understanding and cooperation on broader scales. With more than 20 years of experience as a corporate executive, she brings invaluable leadership and managerial skills to her endeavors. Along with her husband David, Jen is a devoted parent of three, all of whom have greatly benefited from wonderful town resources such as its parks, sports and arts summer camp, TBO, and TJSL where Jen volunteered as a team parent.

I humbly request your support and vote in the Democratic Primary election for Jen and I. There are many new faces running for TDMC and TRMC, and you should vote for them in your respective districts (list / district map on page x) as change is good. Until this year no one even knew the TDMC or TRMC even existed (so much for transparency of the incumbents). We, the many challengers, are committed to you, the Teaneck residents and it’s time the TDMC (and TRMC) better represent you and your needs.

You can vote by mail, vote at the Rodda Center during the early voting dates May 29-June 2, or vote on the primary election day, June 4, at the Teaneck High School gym (entrance on Elizabeth Avenue) or your district’s voting location.

TRMC Candidates by District

Whether Democrat, Republican or undecided, the most important thing is to show up and vote. Undecided voters can choose and vote in the primary for one of the parties. This is an opportunity to have your voice heard.

If you have any questions about the TDMC or how to vote, please feel free to message or call me at 917-748-4580.