Point Beach Councilman​ Tom Toohey Will Run For Mayor If...

Point Pleasant Beach Councilman Tom Toohey announced his intention to succeed Stephen Reid as mayor should Reid be successful in his bid for a seat in the state Assembly.

Toohey will move forward and seek the endorsement of the Point Pleasant Beach Republican Club for the vacated office if Reid is elected.

“I love Point Pleasant Beach, and as a Councilman I am indebted to our residents for their support over the last five years," he said. "As a neighbor, I am humbled by the outpouring of encouragement over the last few weeks, and as a husband and father I am blessed to have a family who unequivocally backs my commitment to our community every day."

Every January 1st, Toohey said, he makes "the same statement at our reorganization meeting: Our town is made up of the most talented and compassionate individuals I have ever met in my life, and as elected officials, we all have a lot to live up to.”

“I make this announcement with the full support of Mayor Stephen Reid, Council President Tom Vogel, Councilman Bob Santanello, and Councilman Andy Cortes. This group has worked with our community members to keep Point Pleasant Beach affordable, and preserve our quality of life," he said.

"We have maintained the lowest tax rate of any municipality in Ocean County with a K-12 school district. We have taken concrete steps to make our schools safer for our children, banned marijuana dispensaries, and rebuilt Channel Drive in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. All that we’ve done has been at the behest of the residents of Point Pleasant Beach."

As a career educator, and public-school administrator, he said, he understands "the challenges of providing the highest quality services with limited taxpayer dollars."

"As municipal finance committee chair, I have demonstrated this expertise over the last five budget cycles. I have listened to our residents and acted to personally address issues brought to my attention. I want to thank each of you who have reached out to me and offered encouragement. The outpouring of support has amazed me.”

Tom Toohey photo