Montclair Accountability Project

06/16/2026

Welcome to the Montclair Accountability Project 🏛️

​To everyone who stood up, voiced their concerns, and demanded better for our city during the recall campaign—welcome.

​The petition was just the beginning. True civic accountability isn’t a one-time event; it requires continuous, independent oversight. That is why we have launched the Montclair Accountability Project.

​Our Mission Is Simple:

​Shine a Light: We will continue to monitor municipal governance, track city council proceedings, and keep our neighbors informed about what is happening at City Hall.

​Protect Taxpayers & Workers: We are committed to holding local officials accountable to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

​Empower the Community: This page is a space for facts, public records, and real conversations about the future of Montclair.

​We proved that when Montclair residents stand together, our voices cannot be ignored. Let’s keep moving forward, staying vigilant, and building a stronger, more transparent city government.

​Thank you for staying in the fight with us. Please invite your neighbors to follow this page!

​ Now

06/15/2026

In this city council clip, incumbent Councilmember Bill Ruh expresses how "disheartened" he is by campaign mailers, calling them "vile" and demanding accountability for who funded them.
​Yet, despite having full access to internal investigation reports and public court documents, Bill Ruh has remained completely silent regarding the actions of Councilmember Ben Lopez—who a judge found liable for sexual harassment, oppression, and fraud.
​Why is a flyer more upsetting to him than documented workplace misconduct that cost Montclair taxpayers over half a million dollars?
​Local leaders should protect employees and taxpayers, not their political allies.

​

06/14/2026

Court records show Councilmember Ben Lopez was found liable for sexual harassment, with the court finding malice, oppression, and fraud.

​This misconduct has already cost Montclair taxpayers over half a million dollars in legal expenses and fallout. As voters, we have a responsibility to keep our city leaders accountable.

​Don't let him move up. Remind him who holds the power when you vote this November.

​

06/11/2026

This is what happens behind the closed-door culture of Montclair City Hall. Watch closely as tired politicians resort to schoolyard bullying, personal attacks, and profanity on a hot mic, while leadership completely fails to maintain basic decency or order.
​When we say Montclair needs fresh leadership that actually respects the community and each other, this is what we mean. They think they can call a quick break and sweep this under the rug—but the watchdog is keeping the receipts.🛑 Tired of the toxicity? Demand better. Join the movement and see the unedited public records at recalllopezmontclair.com

06/11/2026

This is what happens behind the closed-door culture of Montclair City Hall. Watch closely as tired politicians resort to schoolyard bullying, personal attacks, and profanity on a hot mic, while leadership completely fails to maintain basic decency or order.
​When we say Montclair needs fresh leadership that actually respects the community and each other, this is what we mean. They think they can call a quick break and sweep this under the rug—but the watchdog is keeping the receipts.
​🛑 Tired of the toxicity? Demand better. Join the movement and see the unedited public records at recalllopezmontclair.com.

06/10/2026

A NEW CHAPTER FOR MONTCLAIR: Bringing our community together for a better tomorrow.

True progress doesn't belong to any one political party, faction, or insider group. It belongs to the families, the small business owners, the workers, and the everyday residents who call Montclair home.
​The Montclair Accountability Project was founded on three simple, universal values that every single neighbor deserves from their local government: Honesty, Empathy, and Helpfulness. >
We aren't here to play political games or divide our neighborhoods. We are here to build a safe, transparent, and welcoming space where every resident feels heard, every public dollar is used wisely for our parks and roads, and our city leaders hold themselves to the highest standards of professional conduct.
​Whether you have lived here for 20 days or 20 years, your voice matters, and your vision for a cleaner, safer Montclair deserves a seat at the table.
​✉️ We want to hear from you! Reach out, share your ideas for our community, and let’s work together to make Montclair a place we are all proud to pass down to the next generation. Connect with us at: [email protected].
​

06/08/2026

Ben Lopez brings up past criticism during unrelated vote.
​Watch this clip from the recent Montclair City Council meeting. During a passionate discussion about a local immigration proposal, Councilmember Ben Lopez chose to bring up his personal grievances, complaining that residents have been 'bad-mouthing' him for the past two months.

Council

06/06/2026

🚨 REMEMBER WHO HE IS: THE RECEIPTS DON'T LIE. 🚨
​As we transition into the long-term watchdog phase of the Montclair Accountability Project, it’s vital to remind our community that the toxic behavior at City Hall didn't start yesterday.
​This article from the Los Angeles Blade reminds us of the history we are fighting against. Long before the historic $1.5M+ sexual harassment liability verdict and his official city censure, Ben Lopez was already creating an environment of fear, targeting community members, and actively fighting against safety and acceptance in Montclair.
​This isn't just about a single incident; it's about a years-long pattern of behavior. The survivors and residents of this city deserve better than leaders who abuse their power.
​We are keeping the floodlights on. We aren't backing down, and we aren't forgetting.
​📖 Read the history here

​

“I want the LGBTQ+ residents of Montclair to feel safe, accepted, and represented.”