The small shore community of Bradley Beach is gearing up for a competitive election this November to replace the current Mayor, Larry Fox. Elected in 2020, Fox’s administration has since been mired in scandals and lawsuits.
These controversies led Mayor Fox to announce in August that he would not seek re-election this year. Councilman Al Gubitosi and resident Bill Psiuk are both vying for the mayoral position. Additionally, there will be a special election for a Council seat previously held by Meredith DeMarco, who was elected in 2022 as the top vote-getter but resigned just nine months later to become Business Administrator, a position appointed by Mayor Fox, with a salary of over $120,000 plus benefits.
Shana Greenblatt and Don Warnet are both seeking to fill the unexpired Council term.
Mayor Fox has publicly endorsed Don Warnet for Council and has been working closely with Bill Psiuk for Mayor, according to sources. Recently, Fox took to Facebook to criticize Mayoral Candidate Al Gubitosi and his running mate Greenblatt for “misrepresenting his financial record and the state of our (Bradley Beach) community.”
Al Gubitosi has been a vocal opponent of Mayor Fox and his administration during his tenure as a Councilman. He led calls for disciplinary action against retired Chief Leonard Guida after body camera footage showed Guida initiating a fight with a police sergeant during a motor vehicle incident last November. Following this, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago released a report detailing several incidents involving Guida, including a racial profiling case where Guida violated the civil rights of a Black man.
“Chief Guida has been an active hindrance to the very law enforcement agency he was entrusted to lead,” Santiago stated. “The picture painted by the report is not pretty.”
Many Council members, including Gubitosi, believe that Guida should have faced punishment rather than being allowed to retire with full benefits.
The election between Mayor Fox’s team, led by Psiuk for Mayor, and Gubitosi’s team is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, filled with discussions on redevelopment of town-owned property, administrative concerns, and tax increases.
(Visited 70 times, 70 visits today)
Click here for the full Insider Index
After the recent departure of the current mayor of Bradley Beach, residents are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the incoming mayor who will be taking over the reins of the town. The transition of power in local government is always a significant event, as it can bring about changes in policies, priorities, and overall direction for the community.
The incoming mayor, whose identity has not yet been revealed, will have big shoes to fill as they step into the role previously held by the departing mayor. It is crucial for the new mayor to hit the ground running and establish themselves as a strong leader who is dedicated to serving the needs of the town and its residents.
One of the key responsibilities of the incoming mayor will be to continue the progress and development initiatives that were started by their predecessor. This may involve working on infrastructure projects, economic development strategies, or community engagement programs that aim to improve the quality of life for all residents of Bradley Beach.
Additionally, the new mayor will need to build relationships with other local officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in order to effectively govern the town. Collaboration and communication are essential skills for any successful mayor, and it will be important for the incoming mayor to foster a sense of unity and cooperation among all parties involved in local government.
As the new mayor settles into their role, they will also need to address any pressing issues or challenges facing Bradley Beach. This could include addressing budgetary concerns, implementing new policies or regulations, or responding to community feedback and concerns. It is important for the incoming mayor to be proactive and responsive in their approach to governing the town.
Overall, the arrival of a new mayor in Bradley Beach is an exciting time for residents and officials alike. With the right leadership and vision, the incoming mayor has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the town and help shape its future for years to come. Residents can look forward to seeing what changes and improvements the new mayor will bring to Bradley Beach as they take on this important role in local government.
