The Montclair Pod News: The NJ Governor’s Race, Shuttle Bus Survey and Debate, Dining Updates, and More from August 14, 2025

Written by:

Farnoosh Torabi

August 14, 2025

In the August 14 episode of The Montclair Pod, hosts Mike and Farnoosh are joined by New Jersey Monitor editor Terrence McDonald to unpack a mix of political headlines, town debates, and local dining buzz.

NJ Governor’s Race & Lakewood DUI Case

Terrence offers an update on the New Jersey governor’s race, where Democrat Mikie Sherrill leads in early polls against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. But as he points out, polling in past elections has proven unreliable, and the race may tighten after Labor Day.

The conversation turns to a tragic Lakewood crash in which an undocumented immigrant, Raul Luna Perez, is accused of driving drunk and killing a mother and daughter. With two prior DUI arrests but no convictions, Perez was released on home monitoring, sparking fierce debate over bail reform and New Jersey’s “sanctuary state” policy. Republicans, including the Trump administration, are seizing on the case as a campaign issue.

Montclair Shuttle Bus Proposal

Montclair is considering a town-wide jitney or shuttle service and has opened a public survey in partnership with NJ Transit. Supporters see it as a way to connect residents to train stations, grocery stores, and schools. Others question costs, routing, and whether it will meet residents’ needs. Take the survey here.

Dining News

A new veggie-forward restaurant, Sam’s Table, is set to open this fall on Bloomfield Avenue, in the former Tosca space. Initially a pandemic-era popup, the restaurant will feature an intimate setting with both tasting and à la carte menus.

The hosts also dish on local favorites Tacoria, Tortas Lokas, and The Saint Clair, plus a debate over possible “shrinkflation” at Ani Ramen. Finally, Penndragon’s Smokehouse has officially launched BBQ delivery in Montclair.

Montclair Schools Budget Gap

The $11 million shortfall in the Montclair school budget could force the district to seek a state loan, triggering financial oversight. Farnoosh and Terrence discuss how the outcome of the governor’s race might affect the district’s relationship with the state, especially around funding priorities.

Clary Anderson Arena Fundraising Success

The beloved ice rink has surpassed its $350,000 goal, raising close to $400,000 for equipment purchases and critical repairs.

Statewide & Political Updates

  • U.S. Attorney Appointment Challenge: Alina Habba, a former Trump lawyer serving as New Jersey’s interim U.S. Attorney, faces a legal challenge to the constitutionality of her appointment.
  • Cory Booker’s Senate Floor Fight: Booker clashed with fellow Democrats over bills he said didn’t go far enough against Trump, raising speculation about his presidential ambitions and promoting his forthcoming book, Stand.

The Connie Chung Rest Stop Mystery

The episode closes on a lighter note, with the hosts swapping theories on why the Connie Chung rest stop’s back exit to Bloomfield’s Broad Street was abruptly closed, ranging from pedestrian safety to toll revenue protection, and questioning why the rest stop was even named after Chung.

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