Elvin Montero running for city council at large seat
TRENTON » A self-described “proud member” of the LGBTQ community could be elected to Trenton City Council next year.
Elvin Montero, 42, announced Thursday night he is running for an at-large council seat in the city’s May 2018 nonpartisan election.
“I truly care about the city and its residents,” Montero said during his campaign kickoff speech at Trenton Social. “I am running because together we can make a difference in the lives of Trentonians.”
It was no coincidence that Montero made his campaign announcement during the LGBT Holiday Happy Hour Meetup at the popular bar and lounge on South Broad Street, but he told supporters not to vote for him based on sexual orientation but to vote for him because he is “ready to lead” the city to a better future.
“This will not be an easy campaign,” said Montero, a Trenton native of Latino heritage who lives in the redeveloped Ice House complex in the Chambersburg neighborhood. While there is no guarantee he will get elected, Montero is bolstered by a well-connected support base that includes the likes of New Jersey Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer).
“I am so pleased Elvin has stepped up to the plate,” Gusciora said in introducing Montero to a packed audience of electrified supporters. Gusciora, himself an openly gay politician who lives in Trenton, described Montero as a “good friend” and “great ambassador for the city of Trenton.”
Gusciora is suing Gov. Chris Christie over the governor’s 11th hour plan to build two new state office buildings outside of the capital city’s transit and economic development hubs without voter approval. Montero sided with Gusciora on the issue, saying he and the assemblyman are not opposed to development but “just want smart building.”
Montero since 2004 has worked in the city’s North Ward as a spokesman for the Chemistry Council of New Jersey, also known as CCNJ, a trade association and business advocacy organization that represents privatesector companies in the state’s chemistry field.
“Our city has problems,” Montero said. “I decided to run for office to do something about it.”
Montero talked about implementing “technology-based solutions” to help make Trenton an “attractive place” to live, work and play. He said the city must increase resources to enforce city ordinances and support initiatives to promote “clean, safe and secure neighborhoods.”
“I want to be a champion for our city,” Montero said, promising he will begin knocking on doors and scheduling meet-and-greet events to interact with Trenton voters and “listen to their needs and concerns.”
All residents of Trenton “deserve respect,” Montero said. “I believe that, in order for Trenton to be as great as it can be, we need to change the way people view our city and change the way the city views its citizens. To truly provide for public safety, our residents need a positive relationship with their government, and our government needs to act as a partner in encouraging community security.”
After delivering his campaign kickoff speech to thunderous applause, Montero posed for photos with Gusciora, Assemblywoman Liz Muoio (D-Mercer) and Mercer County Freeholder Anthony Verrelli (D-Hopewell Township), highlighting his connections with powerful Mercer County Democrats.
“I am not just running to be a councilman,” Montero told The Trentonian. “I know what is expected of a councilman. I will be able to deliver for Trenton, which is important.”
Montero and anyone else seeking to run for an at-large City Council seat must collect some 400 petition signatures to appear on the ballot next year.