Mike Martin for Montgomery Township Committee, In His Own Words

The 2025 Montgomery Township Committee Candidates

The Montgomery News | October 9, 2025

Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Montgomery Township Committee, following a summer of crowded meetings concerning the township's plan to build a high-density affordable housing development on the former J&J/Kenvue corporate site in Skillman. The current committee of five Democratic members are united on the issue, and say they are seeking alternatives.

The local chapter of the League of Women Voters and The Montgomery News invited all township committee candidates to a participate a candidates' forum during the month of October - as has been held in the past. All four candidates declined.

The candidates' answers in this "In Their Own Words" series are unedited. The Montgomery News is donating this space.

Mike Martin was appointed to Township Committee in February 2025 to fill the seat vacated by Devra Keenan, the former mayor and township committee member who resigned from her seat on Jan. 29.

Mike Martin

Pharmaceutical Analytics & Insights

Michel “Mike” Martin of Skillman is a pharmaceutical executive and current member of the Montgomery Township Committee — the five-member governing body elected to lead the township. He has 25-plus years of experience in life sciences, and was on the List of Top 100 Global Pharma Executives in strategic data management by “CDO Magazine” in 2021. 

Education & Career

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked in analytics, data management, and market research within the pharmaceutical industry. I currently serve as Head of Commercial Analytics & Insights at Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, where I oversee forecasting, performance tracking, data governance, cross-functional strategy, vendor selection, and budget management. In 2021, I was honored by CDO Magazine as one of the Top 100 Global Pharma Executives in strategic data management.

Education: B.A. in History with Honors – McGill University; M.A. in History – University of Vermont; ABD for Ph.D. in History – Temple University; MBA – Drexel University.

Family/Personal: I’ve lived in Montgomery for 10 years with my wife, Ellie, and our daughter Karina.

Three Main Issues

Taxes and Services: We must budget responsibly—prioritizing essential public services while reducing unnecessary costs.  I support smarter, data-driven fiscal planning that reflects residents’ needs. We need to gather feedback regularly and work towards common-sense solutions.  The tax issue is especially relevant now that a state-mandated reassessment is to take effect in 2028. That reassessment must be done with the utmost rigor and fairness.

It takes a long time to get permission to do anything to your home outside of the master plan.  Cases take years and incur significant consulting and other costs to homeowners.  We need to take a close look at these requirements and ask how we can better meet the needs of residents.    

Traffic and the lack of public transportation: This issue is important to employers and residents. I’ve started working with state and county officials and organizations to define the problem and explore solutions. Providing public transportation can reduce traffic and lessen our carbon footprint.

Development: I support strong oversight of development to ensure projects align with Montgomery’s environmental, fiscal, and quality-of-life priorities. This includes support for affordable housing, something we need to help low to moderate income residents.  I will advocate for expanding and preserving Open Space and leveraging state grants and partnerships with Somerset County, the Friends of Open Space in Montgomery, and non-profit partners.

The recent affordable housing debate showed how we are listening and working towards better solutions. In the leadup to the June 30 deadline, the best option involved the Kenvue site that included a deal for over $1 million from the developer to buy extensions of affordable units at McKinley Court, as well as an Open Space grant of 125 acres to the township north of Grandview Road. Extending existing affordable units is the best possible solution because it minimizes new construction. This was always the goal.  

After June 30, when concerns were heard and a new option to extend controls emerged, we began working on a deal that would allow for a significant extension of Pike Run affordable units. This would remove the need for the Kenvue site. I’m proud of the pivot and thank the public for speaking up.   

Preserving Township Character: Montgomery’s identity is rooted in its open space, clean air and water, top-tier schools, and low commercial density. I support smart enhancements—such as walkways, bike paths, and improved public transit—to promote healthy, balanced growth without sacrificing what makes this community special.

Top Priority If Elected:  

Preserving Montgomery’s Unique Character: The qualities that make Montgomery exceptional—green space, strong schools, low-density neighborhoods—are increasingly rare.  Other communities have lost these assets to overdevelopment. My top priority is protecting what makes Montgomery special today, and ensuring it’s preserved for future generations.

On Immigration and Local Policing

Montgomery’s police provide excellent protection and should remain focused on public safety—not immigration enforcement.  The 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive rightly limits local involvement in federal immigration matters, ensuring all residents can report crimes or cooperate with police without fear.  This approach promotes safety and trust, while still allowing law enforcement to act when individuals commit crimes.  I do not support involving Montgomery police in ICE enforcement efforts, especially now that we see ICE ignoring due process; detaining and disappearing US citizens, visa card holders, and those without any criminal record; profiling by race; and treating detainees inhumanely.  I strongly support the Immigrant Trust Act currently in the New Jersey legislature to codify the Directive and extend protections to traditionally safe places like schools and hospitals.  Let’s envision a future driven by the character pillars we teach our kids:  a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.  

What Sets Me Apart from Other Candidates

My academic background in history provides insight into how past decisions shape our present—and how to lead with perspective.  I was raised on a 200-acre former sheep farm in Vermont, instilling a lifelong respect for environmental protection.  As the son of two teachers, I understand the value of public service and the importance of spending tax dollars wisely.

My advocacy work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association has strengthened my commitment to inclusion and accessibility.  Professionally, I bring decades of experience in data-driven decision-making and collaborative leadership—skills essential for effective governance. ■

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