2 Bradley Beach Officials Plan Run for Mayor
By TOM CARDINALE
Candidates are already emerging in the upcoming race for mayor in Bradley Beach, although the deadline for filing is still a month away.
Among the hopefuls are two current Borough Council members, Gary Engelstad and Julie Schreck.
Mayor Stephen Schueler announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election after serving four terms as mayor.
Engelstad is in his second term as a councilman, having won the most votes in each of his elections. He said he feels this experience and support make him a prime candidate to take over the borough’s top position.
 Gary Engelstad |
“With my inclusive leadership style I’ve been successful in my 17 years of experience at the director level in government and at Seabrook Village, where I’ve worked for 10 years,” Engelstad said. “I think it’s about taking Bradley Beach to the next level.”
Engelstad said he feels the power in the town has been “closely held” and he hopes to change that if elected.
“As a council member at times I’ve been frustrated,” he said. “I’d be a mayor who would empower the council. I feel they should have more say.”
Engelstad said controlling and cutting costs are also at the top of his agenda, as is a more focused plan for Main Street, an area that has been the center of controversy in the borough
“We need a joint vision for Main Street,” he said. “We need to get everyone involved, not just businesses and council.”
Despite his confidence in his abilities, however, he says he isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I never assume anything. I always run as hard as I can,” he said. “I’ll knock on every door and take every call. That has worked for me twice and I’ll continue that way.”
 Julie Schreck |
“I feel I have a strong vision for where this town should go and I have the experience and time to work hard at it,” she said.
Schreck said openness and accountability are her major concerns and she wants the public to have more trust in their council.
Schreck said she knows her status as the newest member of the council could provide an obstacle in her run for mayor but she is not deterred. She said she is currently assembling a team to work on her campaign and she feels confident that she will gain support from the borough residents.
“I think there are people in this town that support the kind of change I work for,” she said.
Former councilman Ben Waters has already handed in his paperwork to run in the election. Water served one term on the council and last year lost his bid for re-election. He could not be reached for comment.
The deadline to file as a candidate for the election is March 20. The election is scheduled for Tues., May 13.
Contact Tom Cardinale at tom@thecoaster.net.
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