Carmine Mattia, Jr. Declares Candidacy for Belleville First Ward Council Seat

Lifelong Resident is Ready to Serve

BELLEVILLE – February 13, 2020 – As Belleville Mayor Michael Melham looked on last night, lifelong Belleville Silver Lake resident Carmine Mattia, Jr. formally declared his candidacy for First Ward Council in the non-partisan May 2020 municipal election.

Standing before a crowded room at Belleville’s Nanina’s in the Park, Mattia, a proud Union Executive (IBEW Local 827), stood with his family, friends, members of the Belleville Township Council, visiting dignitaries and of course, his Union brothers and sisters.

“I’ve seen the progress that Mayor Melham’s Administration has brought to our Township, which had seemingly been floundering over the past decade while surrounding municipalities have flourished,” Mattia said.  “I firmly believe in the Mayor’s vision and want to do my part for my neighborhood, Silver Lake, and the rest of Belleville’s First Ward.”

Mattia, 59, has been elected to several positions in his Union, has taken elected official training classes, serves on the IBEW Local 827 Executive Board and is the Union’s Business Agent to Essex County.   He has strong relationships at all levels of government and is eager to bring his experience to the Township Council.

“As a kid I sat on my parents’ stoop in Silver Lake, and I’m now a proud homeowner in this wonderful community,” the council candidate said. “I still fondly recall playing at the Friendly House, and I think it’s a shame what happened to that building.  From the deterioration of the original building, to the construction of a new, substandard Friendly House, to the lack of programs available for the children.   We must do better, and I believe we can do much more.”

As Mayor Melham introduced Mattia to the audience, he said he is looking forward to working with Mattia for the betterment of the First Ward, as well as the community as a whole.

“Carmine’s commitment to his neighborhood and the First Ward, coupled with his professional experience, will make him a tremendously valued asset on the Township Council,” Mayor Melham said.  “He has my total support and the support of our team. I appreciate Carmine taking this important step forward to serve his hometown.”

Mattia said he wants to focus his efforts in improving the quality of the municipal drinking water, introducing and enhancing recreational opportunities and expanding residential parking wherever possible.

Mattia also plans on working with the owners of a new mixed-use development in Silver Lake to create solutions that address the lack of current parking options.

“I plan on being well informed, making educated decisions and working with the business community for a better Belleville,” the council candidate added. “We must evolve and not be afraid of change. Belleville has become more diverse in the past decade; we are a wonderful, welcoming melting pot of backgrounds and cultures.

“As your Councilman, I will work hard to represent all ethnicities and foster stronger ties between the school district and the municipal government,” Mattia said. “Together, working with Mayor Melham, we will accomplish great things.”