Belleville Mayor Michael Melham declared his intention to seek a second, four-year term for Mayor on Tuesday night.  Belleville will hold non-partisan elections next May.

Because of the unexpected crowd of supporters, the Melham campaign made the last-minute decision to move the event from the “library” at Nanina’s in the Park to the grand ballroom. Supporters even filled an adjoining bridal suite.

Attendees included township residents and volunteers, as well as a bi-partisan group of mayors and other public officials from surrounding towns who have worked closely with Melham since he took office in 2018. Notable among the eclectic group was Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and former gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli.

“What makes our Township truly unique is that fact that we tend not to care about political affiliation,” Melham said. “If you care, like we do, about ways in which to make Belleville even better, we want you on our team. We aren’t interested in politics or posturing. We just want to do right for the people of Belleville, in any way we can.”

Melham made his announcement in a party-like atmosphere, filled with a DJ, dance music, photographers, videographers, and a Melham-branded 3D photo booth.  Public officials from surrounding communities mingled with Belleville residents.

In his speech, Melham listed a number of major redevelopment projects in Belleville, and discussed the number of developers who regularly come knocking on his door to pitch their vision for underused properties.

“There was once a time, not too long ago, when no outsider wanted to invest in Belleville,” Melham told the crowd. “Well, that has certainly changed. Now, developers are asking us what we want and are eager to share a new vision for Belleville. This is certainly an exciting time to be here.”

There’s even plans for a Starbucks, the mayor noted, showing how far Belleville has evolved under fresh leadership.

Melham said he wants to continue to have a “superb” working relationship with his two initial running mates, Deputy Mayor Naomy De Peña and Councilman-at-large Thomas Graziano, both of whom were in attendance.

The mayor has amassed a war chest for his re-election campaign, currently six times the amount he spent in his victorious 2018 election.