Community First.Accountable to All.
Antoinette “Toni” Martin
for Councilor‑at‑large
A message from Toni
Neighbors, I came to Montclair 30 years ago with two young children and fell in love with this town’s unique character, green spaces, neighborhoods, and mix of people.
Today, my grandchild attends school here. I’ve been a homeowner, renter, journalist, nonprofit tutoring director, and advocate for tenant rights, open government, and residents-first planning. I stand for thoughtful budgeting that prioritizes our people and bridge-building to get things done. As a candidate for at-large Councilor, I am committed to every ward and all the people, young and old, who call this town home.
Why I’m running
I believe in Montclair.
We have a national reputation for inclusiveness, tolerance, beautiful parks, vibrant neighborhoods, great schools, the arts, and proximity to the city. I have lived here 30 years, and I am proud of our town. As a candidate for Councilor-at-large, I am running for each and every resident.
I will always be guided by community first. My first instincts and considered opinions spring from caring and respect for my fellow neighbors, not cronyism or catering to corporations seeking to make their profits here. I have been a homeowner in the 1st Ward, then a renter in the 3rd Ward, a journalist and director of a community tutoring program. I’ve also been a citizen advocate for tenant rights, open government, and a residents-first planning approach. I’ve attended nearly every town council meeting across the last eight years. I know the players and the field.
I stand for: good governance, not throwing money at unproven or un-vetted contractors and vendors; setting priorities that benefit the largest number of people and protect neighborhoods; sufficient public meetings—from the get-go—regarding new development and projects. Too many important decisions have been made in backrooms at the last minute. This absolutely must change.
The reality is economic pressures are challenging our values. Past mistakes have compromised our financial health. Too much bickering among town leaders only served to fray our unique culture. As costs continue to climb, the decision-making just gets harder and harder: Insurance, maintenance of our buildings, parks and streets, all weigh heavier on the ledger. Like any of us at the grocery store or the gas pump, our Town Council must be mindful of overall priorities with every single expenditure. To do this, there must be honest and open communication among Council members, citizens, and community leaders, and maximized responsiveness at Town Hall.
I offer steadiness, civility, bridge-building, and a commitment to ethical behavior and integrity.
Issues
I want to protect and enhance
our Montclair way of life.
Our government must support the special character of each of our treasured neighborhoods, honor all wards equally, and all residents, old and young alike.
Here are the key issues I believe we must focus on in these next two years:
Affordability / Livability
I want the people who made this community to be able to stay here. We can welcome investment and growth while still protecting the economic diversity Montclair was built upon. Our government must focus on what benefits all residents, not just those who can afford our increasingly expensive town.
Land Use / Sustainability
I want to fiercely protect our legacy of natural resources, especially our tree canopy now under threat. Flood prevention is increasingly critical. Neighborhood-focused development, not developer-led projects is the way to build a lasting future.
Good Governance / Accountability
I want our government to spend responsibly. Open discussion of priorities is also fundamental to a high-functioning municipality. Information is power, and it must be shared and freely exchanged.
“Courageous, constructive, compassionate, Toni Martin cares deeply about our town.”
— Alice Elliott Dark, 2nd Ward
Meet Toni
Antoinette “Toni” Martin
My family came to Montclair 30 years ago with two small children. Now, I am the grandparent of a scintillating 6-year-old entering first grade at Edgemont.
As a journalist, my work appeared in numerous publications, notably over a decade with the Detroit Free Press, and another decade covering real estate for The New York Times.
My Montclair community work includes seven years working with the nonprofit Succeed2gether where I directed its free after-school tutoring program for students who qualified for free and reduced lunch. I was the first person to attend and graduate college in my own family, and felt driven to give back in this way. (Also, I LOVE kids.)
I was one of the organizers of the Tenants Organization of Montclair, which in 2019 brought together a coalition of renters, homeowners, clergy, the NAACP, and other civic groups to push for rent stabilization in a red-hot real estate climate. I am the current deputy chair of the town’s Rent Control Board which enforces the ordinance protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants.
I am an enthusiastic walker, usually in the company of my dog Sunny. I try to visit Avis Campbell Gardens in my downtown neighborhood every day, to breathe in the beauty. I frequent the Montclair Public Library, the Claridge and Bellevue theaters, and the ballfields whenever a kid I know is playing. I’m an arts lover: Vanguard Theater productions, dance at MSU, smaller stages whenever my Grandchild is appearing. I’m a member at the Montclair Art Museum and Studio Montclair, and I am an adoring fan of independent artists who bring joy in fresh ways to our public places.
Endorsements
Neighbors from every ward.
Toni, a long time Montclair resident, has been a community advocate for all and has consistently operated with care and professionalism. Toni would be a great asset to the Montclair Council as a person who listens, acts, and meets the needs of the people. I am fully supporting Toni Martin as Councilor-at-Large.
Kim LaTortue3rd Ward
I’m proud to endorse Toni Martin for Montclair Town Council. Toni has already demonstrated her commitment to our community through her service on Montclair’s Rent Control Board, where she gained firsthand experience addressing issues that directly affect Montclair residents. Her service reflects a willingness to listen, engage thoughtfully, and work toward practical solutions. Toni understands the challenges facing our community and has shown that she is ready to put in the work to make a difference. Montclair deserves dedicated, thoughtful, and community-minded leadership. That’s why I’m supporting Toni Martin for Town Council, and I hope you will too.
Dan Gill2nd Ward
As a young progressive, I’m beyond proud to support Toni Martin for Town Council. I am inspired by her vision for change and her track record of getting things done in Montclair. Toni will fight to keep housing accessible in Montclair, tenants protected, and to ensure young folks have what we need to thrive here. I am confident that her willingness to shake things up is exactly what will make it possible for everyone in Montclair to thrive.
Sara Samuel3rd Ward
I’m fortunate to know Toni for her unwavering commitment to the township of Montclair. She is an affordable housing advocate and a strong supporter of rent control, which she supported to its implementation, and she is currently vice chair of the Montclair rent control board. Ms. Martin knows the Montclair community. She is fair and balanced in her approach and views.
William Scott4th Ward
In order to effect change in a town like Montclair, you must first be aware of how people are experiencing the town. You can’t do that on a whim and certainly not from behind a screen. You need to be out and among the people listening to what they have to say. Toni Martin has been out among the people and engaging with their lived experiences for a very long time, many years in fact. She did this as a citizen, and as a participant in the workings of many community based organizations. Toni has been regularly present at events that bring our town together, both to have that natural communal experience, but also to learn and better understand what we need as citizens of Montclair to make it the place we believe it to be. Toni Martin believes in Montclair.
Armando “Out There” Diaz4th Ward
As a recent MHS grad who participated in the Civics and Government Major small learning community, I am proud to support Toni Martin for Councilor-at-Large. I have attended numerous town council meetings and watched Toni advocate for the residents of Montclair. Her strong, calm demeanor, her deep knowledge of the issues, and her love of our community are the qualities we need in a councilperson.
Olive Sterry1st Ward
Toni in the news
Coverage
Here’s Who’s Running for Montclair’s Town Council Vacancy
Montclair Local reports that Antoinette “Toni” Martin has filed a petition for the at‑large vacancy on the Township Council, alongside two other candidates.
Montclair Grapples with Rules for Public Comment, Floats Remote Option
As the council weighed changes to how residents address it, Toni spoke against any revision that would shrink the public comment periods or combine the two separate sessions.
Montclair Bands Together to Back Tenant Advocate After Fire Guts Her Salon
After a fire destroyed a fellow tenant advocate’s salon, Toni set up the fundraiser that neighbors across town gave to.
Montclair’s rent cap to take effect in 20 days
Coverage of the council’s passage of rent stabilization. Toni, then vice president of the Tenants Organization of Montclair, pushed back publicly on the landlords’ association bid to postpone the vote.
Get involved
My campaign is about us, for us, and of us.
Neighbors, I would love your help. If you have time to knock on doors, hand out flyers, or host a meet and greet, please get in touch.
Questions? Email Toni directly. Want a yard sign? Request one here.
Contribute
Chip in.
Donations are gratefully received for campaign materials and expenses.
Contributions are not tax deductible. Paid for by ToniForMontclair.