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Montclair certifies election results; Benjamin Lopez and Xavier Mendes sworn in as councilmembers
Summary
The Montclair City Council adopted a resolution certifying the Nov. 5 election and unanimously voted to seat Benjamin Lopez and Xavier Mendes. Lopez and Mendes were sworn in during a ceremonial meeting that included congratulatory remarks and the selection of Councilmember Martinez as mayor pro tem.
The Montclair City Council on Dec. 16 adopted a resolution certifying the results of the Nov. 5 municipal election and formally seated two newly elected councilmembers.
Council adopted Resolution No. 24 3466, reciting the general municipal election results and declaring the winners. The motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded and passed on a 5-0 vote. The council then conducted a ceremonial swearing-in for Benjamin Lopez and Xavier Mendes.
Outgoing Mayor Duree offered brief closing remarks about the privilege of serving six years and handed the meeting to Mayor John to lead the swearing-in. Benjamin Lopez repeated the oath of office after being sworn in by Marle Tulle, and Xavier Mendes was sworn in with his brother Mike Mendes administering the oath. Both received applause and brief remarks of thanks.
Lopez used his first remarks as a councilmember to thank supporters, recount a contentious campaign and outline policy priorities. He cited the vote total for his race—"4,024 voters actually 4,023"—and called on city officials to drop what he described as the city's counter-suit against him, saying the voters had rendered their verdict. He also listed priorities including street safety at school sites and intersections, affordable housing for working families, local-hire agreements for new businesses, increased police and fire staffing and continued park upgrades.
Xavier Mendes thanked family, colleagues and residents, noted his prior service on the Planning Commission and pledged to put residents and small businesses first in his work on the council.
A representative from Senator Susan Ruia's office, identified as Nia, presented congratulatory remarks and a small token on the senator's behalf. Councilmembers and attendees offered recognitions for the incoming and outgoing members.
Later in the meeting Mayor Duree nominated Councilmember Martinez to serve as mayor pro tem. The council conducted an electronic vote and adopted the nomination by a 5-0 vote.
The meeting concluded with brief closing comments and an adjournment by Mayor John. No substantive policy votes beyond the certification resolution and the mayor pro tem selection were taken at the session.
