Monterey Alderman J.J. Reels Wins Mayor Race

Alderman J.J. Reels will become the next mayor of Monterey.

Reels beat out Mayor Bill Wiggins 57 percent to 42. Reels said he is ready to be the voice for the citizens of Monterey.

“When I was announcing that I won, I got emotional,” Reels said. “I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I got through the community and through the donors and people who supported me. I said from the get go that this race was not about me or my opponent. It was about the citizens of Monterey.”

Reels said Monterey has great opportunities to grow steadily over the years. Reels said he wants to help establish more retailers and restaurants in the town.

“There is great opportunity for growth,” Reels said. “I am not talking about explosive growth, but steady growth in the retail and service industry. Everybody wants some new sit down restaurants.”

“I have been a public servant since I was 17 when I joined the Navy,” Reels said. “I just do everything I can do to help the people of Monterey. That is the way I intend to be as mayor.”