Local Briefing - Weekly News

 Montclair’s Council Drama—Power, Profanity, and Paychecks

Montclair’s December 18, 2024, council meeting was meant to address the routine but critical business of appointing a new township attorney. Instead, it became a lightning rod for controversy when First Ward Councilor Erik D’Amato allegedly directed multiple expletives at Mayor Renee Baskerville and Fourth Ward Councilor Aminah Toler during a closed session. This contentious exchange has since fueled calls for D’Amato’s resignation and exposed deeper tensions within the council and the community.

A Tale of Two Attorneys: Burr vs. Garcia

At the heart of the heated session was the council’s discussion over replacing outgoing township attorney Paul Burr with Joseph Garcia as interim township attorney. Burr, known for his extensive experience and recognition as a top Essex County lawyer, had no specific cap on his work hours and likely commanded a higher overall salary during his tenure. In contrast, Garcia’s appointment brought significant changes:

- Work Hours: Garcia’s schedule is capped at 28 hours per week, a stark reduction compared to the undefined workload of Burr’s tenure.

- Compensation: Garcia will earn a maximum of $10,000 per month, reflecting a tighter fiscal approach by the township.

These limitations on Garcia’s role suggest a shift in Montclair’s priorities, potentially aiming to control legal expenditures while searching for a permanent township attorney. This change, while financially prudent, has likely added pressure to ensure legal continuity and support during his interim term.

Residents React to D’Amato’s Outburst

The public fallout from the December meeting was swift and fierce. Residents packed the council chambers on January 7, demanding accountability from D’Amato, who allegedly yelled “f--- you” at Mayor Baskerville during the closed session. Baskerville, Montclair’s first African American female mayor, later filed a police report citing concerns of intimidation.

The comments sparked outrage among many in Montclair’s community. William Scott, a longtime resident, declared that D’Amato’s resignation was the only way to “restore civility.” Meanwhile, progressive activist Joseph Fortunato criticized D’Amato’s behavior, apologizing on behalf of the First Ward and labeling D’Amato “a disgrace” to the township.

D’Amato, who has remained mostly silent in the wake of these events, issued a prior apology, referring to himself as a “potty-mouth jerk” but rejecting accusations of racism.

The Acorn of the Day: Balancing Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

The debate over Montclair’s interim township attorney—and the contentious meeting that surrounded it—reveals a broader struggle in municipal governance. Fiscal responsibility is critical, but so is ensuring leadership fosters respect and decorum. Replacing Burr with Garcia may save money, but how will the township ensure the new attorney’s limited hours meet its needs during this politically fraught period?

As for D’Amato, his behavior reflects a deeper challenge: How can leaders engage in spirited debate without crossing lines of respect? Offense, though subjective, cannot dictate intent, and conflating offensive language with systemic prejudice risks undermining genuine conversations about equity and governance.

Montclair faces an inflection point. Can the township address the gaps—financial, political, and cultural—that this controversy has revealed? Or will it deepen the divisions within its leadership and community? Only time will tell.

By James Dargan, The Daily Squirrel

Reporting supported by ChatGPT’s research and editorial insights.

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