Point Beach Mayor Stephen Reid Running Again, Drops Assembly Bid

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Stephen Reid announced this week that he's running for re-election, dropping his bid for the GOP nomination to the Assembly.

Reid said he's seeking to build on his administration’s last four years of success along with his running mates, Council President Tom Vogel and Councilman Tom Toohey.

“Point Pleasant Beach is the town I grew up in and the place I will always call home. These last four years as mayor have been an incredible experience and I am excited to announce my re-election campaign," he said. "Point Pleasant has given so much to my family and I want to continue to build on the success of my first term to continue giving back to this amazing community.”

Reid made his announcement after failing to secure the endorsement of Ocean County Republican leaders in his bid for the 10th district Assembly seat.

In the Republican Primary for mayor, Reid will oppose Councilman Paul Kanitra, who charged that the mayor "fights against everything I've ever worked toward during my whole career as well as giving people a voice."

"There is no appetite for listening to the residents," Kanitra said. "Decisions are made in a vacuum."

Reid responded that the portrayal was unfair and that he has been responsive to the residents' needs.

"People know who I am," he said. "They know what kind of leader I am."

Reid says Point Pleasant Beach has enjoyed the lowest tax rate of any town in Ocean County with a K-12 school system. Point Beach’s downtown business district has returned to its
former vibrancy, he said in a release announcing his candidacy.

Reid also noted he has banned marijuana dispensaries and brought improvements to the town's police force. Reid said he's also reunited the town and returned a sense of community, according to a press release announcing his candidacy.

“I make this announcement with the full support of Council President Tom Vogel, Councilman Tom Toohey, Councilman Bob Santanello, and Councilman Andy Cortes," he said. "I have proudly worked with our council to improve the lives of every resident and look forward to our continued work of making Point Pleasant Beach the best shore community in New Jersey."

Reid said he's giving his endorsement and full support to John Catalano for the soon-to-be vacant Assembly seat in the 10th District.

"I am confident I would have made an excellent legislator for the residents of the 10th District," he said. "However I respect the Ocean County GOP screening process results and intend to work very hard to elect John to the state Assembly.”

Point Pleasant Beach photo