Bloomfield Council Selects Monica Charris Tabares to Serve as Interim Council Member

Charris Tabares Will Run With Jenny Mundell in June Primary, Become Bloomfield’s First Latina Council Member 

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – The Bloomfield Township Council has appointed Monica Charris Tabares as the community’s new Council member at-Large. After being sworn-in next week, Charris Tabares will be the first Latina to serve as a member of the Council, and she will run for the seat in the upcoming Democratic Primary election along with mayoral candidate and First Ward Councilwoman Jenny Mundell.

“I am incredibly honored to be trusted with this tremendous responsibility and will do my absolute best to uphold Bloomfield’s long-standing values of integrity, professionalism, and transparency,” said Council Member Charris Tabares. “I’m excited not only to serve on the Council, but to run for the seat alongside Jenny Mundell in the upcoming Primary Election where we will have the opportunity to keep Bloomfield moving forward.”

Graduating from Kean University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Master’s Degrees in Bilingual Education and Educational Leadership, Charris Tabares joins the council as a lifelong educator. She is currently the Director of the North Hudson Community Action Corporation Head Start Program, where she monitors program quality and serves as a resource to all members of the Head Start department. She has been recognized as the North Hudson County Educator of the Year and the Orange School District Teacher of the Year, and is currently pursuing her doctorate while holding teaching licenses in P-3, K-5, Bilingual, Education Supervision, and Principal CE.

“Monica is an exceptionally qualified community servant, and I congratulate and thank her for stepping up and filling this important role,” said Council Member Mundell. “I’m excited not just to serve with Councilwoman Charris Tabares, but to run alongside her in the Democratic Primary Election where we will have the opportunity to share our vision with the community.”

Council Member Charris Tabares was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and immigrated to the United States with her parents and sister when she was two years old. She currently resides in Bloomfield with her husband and two children.

“I want to congratulate Monica Charris Tabares on her appointment as the first Latina Council Member in the history of Bloomfield,” added Assembly Member and Democratic County Committee Chairman Michael Venezia. “This momentous occasion reflects the diversity and inclusivity of our Township, and I look forward to the invaluable contributions she will undoubtedly make to our vibrant community. Together, Monica Charris Tabares and Jenny Mundell represent a new generation of leadership that will continue to move Bloomfield forward.”