Bradley Beach Mayor Feted at Dinner in His Honor
By TOM SHORTELL
 Coaster Photo: Bradley Beach Mayor Steve Schueler (left) with Charles Uliano, an attorney with offices in West Long Branch at Schuelers retirement dinner at The Breakers On The Ocean in Spring Lake. |
Over 130 people attended Bradley Beach Mayor Stephen Schuelers retirement dinner last week, which honored him for his 16 years of service to the borough.
Speakers ranging from friends, co-workers and a state legislators praised Schueler for his impact on the community. Among Schuelers accomplishments as mayor are rebuilding the boardwalk, cutting the crime rate by two-thirds, renovating the train station and fire and police departments, and paving every road in town.
It took a man with a vision and a plan to make Bradley Beach the town it is today, said Warren Siri, who emceed the event held at The Breakers On The Ocean in Spring Lake.
He thanked Schueler for his active role in restoring the borough to its former glory, using a quote from a letter of Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams. You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to see you, an inactive spectator, she wrote in a letter to her husband during the Revolutionary War. We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” Schuelers action paved the way for the boroughs restoration, he said.
Pat DAngelo, a former Borough councilman and the sergeant at arms in the state legislature, read a letter from from Governor Jon Corzine to the assembled guests.
Throughout your 16 years of service, you have brought professionalism and expertise to your challenging work. Your dedication and perseverance has made a difference in the lives of many residents, the letter read.
DAngelo later added his own remarks, pointing out that over 130 attended the event to show their gratitude. Good luck Mr. Bradley Beach. I love you, he finished.
Police Chief Lenny Guida presented Schueler with a statue for his support of the police department over the years.
I am so disappointed this guy is leaving, he said. I feel cheated that I wont have this man as mayor of Bradley Beach.
Business Administrator Phyllis Quixley emotionally recounted Schuelers drive to improve Bradley Beach and the headaches it could cause her.
Hed come in in the morning and say, You know what I was thinking last night? and Id think, Oh no, how much is this going to cost? she said while arm in arm with Schueler.
Councilman Gary Engelstad remembered his first town meeting in Bradley Beach after moving from Maryland. As he entered the building, a police officer jogged in next to him. DAngelo and a resident were in a heated argument, and while most of the other council members had their heads in their hands, Engelstad said Schuelers expression had a calm demeanor. I thought, at least someone here is in charge, he said.
Monmouth Country Freeholder John DAmico passed along news that U.S. Representative Frank Pallone had thanked Schueler from the floor of the House of Representatives. I am proud to call Steve my friend, and I wish him the best as he ends his time as mayor of Bradley Beach. While he may no longer be mayor, his example will continue to inspire us all, and families will continue to enjoy their visits to Bradley Beach because of the path he has set us on, Pallones speech ended.
Schueler was the last person to speak and thanked everyone for coming. He described the event as sitting in on his own funeral, joking, No one says at a funeral what a rotten son of a bitch you were.
When Schueler first ran for office, he said he felt torn about his town. The crime rate was the highest per capita in Monmouth County and much of the town had fallen into disrepair.
I loved Bradley Beach, but I hated what it had become, he said.
Schueler said he wanted to make the town what it had been during the 1950s, but many residents didnt share his vision. He said he remembered one woman saying, But were only Bradley Beach. Schueler went on to say that he got the opportunity to change the attitude of being only Bradley Beach when the borough hosted a black tie gala on the beach. They imagined how things used to be and saw what Bradley Beach could become, Schueler said.
Thank you for believing in me and supporting that shared vision, he said.
 Coaster Photo: Bradley Beach Mayor Steve Schueler is pictured with longtime friend Pat DAngelo at the retirement dinner. |
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