Job opening: Mayor wanted—apply within.
A posh waterfront village on Long Island is facing an electoral conundrum, as no one has officially stepped forward to run for mayor, yet residents must still cast their votes next week.
Bayville’s election on June 16 will see a blank slate for mayoral candidates, requiring voters to write in the name of their preferred choice for the North Shore village’s next leader, who will earn $5,000 a year.
This turn of events has turned the election into an open contest, inviting an eclectic group of impromptu candidates to vie for the top position in this village of 7,000, celebrated for its beaches and upscale residences.
“Everyone’s throwing their hat in the ring, but just because you’ve lived here forever doesn’t mean you understand the community,” former Mayor Victoria Siegel told The Post.
She described the unfolding scenario as “a mess,” pointing out that a sudden surge of interest has left voters with little knowledge about their potential leaders.
The unpredictable election, sparked when Mayor Steve Minicozzi opted not to run for re-election, has led to a cluster of about five or six candidates throwing their hats in the ring at the last minute. Some have no civic experience.
It’s the first time in village history no one will be on the ballot, a village official confirmed.
Minicozzi even said he would keep serving if he got the most votes, Bayville Chamber of Commerce head Vincent Moscato told The Post. The mayor did not return a message from The Post seeking comment.
Moscato said up to eight candidates have expressed interest participating in a mayoral forum with at least four who are definitely expected to appear.
Trustee Anne Walsh said she was shocked no one decided to run until it was too late to have their name printed.
“I think it’s disappointing now because everyone is saying how they want to do it, and I don’t know why they didn’t want to do it ahead of time,” said the longtime resident whose parents were also involved in the village.
Walsh, who is running for reelection to keep her trustee seat, called it “unsettling we’re at this point,” in which someone could slide into office even if they aren’t ready for the demanding gig.
Resident Kathy Notaro said she predicted chaos when Election Day comes next Tuesday.
“I honestly don’t know what to expect,” the 44-year resident said. “Somebody could get 50 people to vote for them and now they’re mayor? It doesn’t make sense.”
Her son, Chris, found the entire situation more nefarious. He thinks this is a dirty play by village government to hand-pick the next mayor.
“It’s crony politics,” he argued. “From the village, the little league, the school board, everything — that’s the story with this town.”
Dennis Finn, who has lived in Bayville most of his life, said most members of his 80-member fishing club were considering writing in their group’s president’s name for mayor.
He joked he might even back someone not old enough to drive.
“There’s a little kid in my fishing club, he’s a good little business person, we always kid that he should run for mayor,” the 68-year-old said.
The candidates’ forum will be held Tuesday at the Crescent Beach Club at 7 p.m.
