Lifelong resident and veteran Council member for the past 7 years, Rick Delucry, is finally running for Mayor of Brigantine. Delucry will battle Councilman Andy Simpson in the upcoming November election, both looking to fill the seat of exiting Mayor, Phil Guenther.
Delucry, arguably one of the more able and respected members of Council, is a Democratic stand-out on an island considered a GOP stronghold. BUT, that GOP hold on Brigantine could be showing signs of cracking.
Just a coincidence? Republican long-timers like Congressman Frank Lobiondo and EHT Mayor, Sonny McCullough recently announced their retirement. Brigantine’s Guenther calling it quits was another head-scratcher. The exit of Guenther pal, Brigantine City Manager Ed Stinson is another curious move. Stinson recently jumped ship to Ventnor to become the head of public works for that Downbeach town.
Most Brig Dems on Council come and go quickly over the years. But, Delucry has accomplished what many other Brig Dems have not. Longevity in office and respect.
Delucry often reaches out across the aisle, something rarely seen on the GOP side. Privately, a few Republican Council members praise Delucry for his balanced approach on tough issues. Even dyed-in-the-wool Republican residents in Brigantine see Delucry as a very strong contender in the upcoming Nov 2018 election. A contender that could inject a fiscally conservative approach to Brigantine’s finances and operations.
One particular Brigantine Republican that won’t be singing Delucry’s praises is Councilman Andy Simpson. He wants to be Brigantine’s next Mayor too.
It won’t be a cake walk for Simpson. He’s just not as well-liked as the current Mayor, Phil Guenther. In fact, Simpson seems to be more feared, than respected, by city employees. Maybe City Manager Stinson was happy to escape the discomfort of reporting to Simpson? Lot’s of anecdotal evidence to defend that statement.
Why did Brigantine Mayor Phil Guenther decide to hang it up? Good question. Maybe Phil simply realized the party was over?
A few educated guesses why Brigantine Mayor Guenther is stepping down:
- Guenther sensed the winds of change. A new Governor and Democratic momentum through-out South Jersey.
- Phil missed chance to fight back against Gov. Christie last summer, when State warned Brigantine of north end beach take-over, within a year.
- Still handing out longevity pay, even after changing rules 4 years ago.
- Home values and tax assessment issues
- More pressure to combine Brigantine’s 2 schools
- Over-taxation created wasteful, $6 million surplus
- Mismanagement of Brigantine Links golf course, mishandling Ron Jaworski negotiations.
- More pressure from State to consolidate, increase use of shared services
Rick Delucry brief backgrounder:
- Elected to Brigantine City Council in 2011.
- Attorney with Cooper Levenson Law Firm in Atlantic City
- His wife, Bobbi, moved to Brigantine in 1980
- Rick and Bobbi raised two sons, Mickey and Steven. All went through the Brigantine school system.
- Rick is a CCD instructor & member of St. Thomas Pastoral Council.
Rick quote: Never forget that Council makes decisions with other people’s money. Residents trust us. Taxpayers count on us to do what’s fair and best, for the entire City of Brigantine.
In your heart you know he’s right
Let’s hope it Rick. The only council member who works for and on behalf of the people he is elected to serve (and acts and votes accordingly). A change on behalf of residents AND second home owners is LONG overdue.
Brigantine council meeting
Absolutely no sound
Terrible
In your heart you know Andy Simpson is wrong
We need more people like Rick running Brigantine
I don’t care about second homeowners
wrong philosophy bob. those ‘second homeowners’ that you dont care about, well they care a substantial portion of the tax burden in town. just because it isn’t their primary residence doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a fair shake as everyone else does. don’t be so closed-minded.
Thank you, Dave…..”second homeowners” are HOMEOWNERS!! We pay the exact same taxes as primary homeowners and do not utilize the services in the city on a full-time basis. It is a choice, but to be constantly criticized because we don’t reside in Brigantine full time is unfair. We chose Brigantine for good reasons……small town feel, quiet and safe community, beautiful beaches, local businesses (not just chain businesses/restaurants). We would love the opportunity to vote so that we could also have a say in how the city uses our tax dollars to do more for ALL of the city homeowners!!!! People who talk about us like Bob did are rude and unfair…..but glad there are people who are kind and fair-minded like you, Dave, who are willing to speak out about the issue.
This is the attitude that keeps Brigantine down and an amateur clown shore town compared to many others. The best beaches and the worst leadership. These local gamokes have no sense of how to build value so all boats rise with the tide. Shameful.
They pay the majority of your taxes in this town, Bob. So small minded. This is why we need a CHANGE in this town. Having Simpson as mayor would be more of the good old boys’ club for God knows how many years. We got to back Rick DeLucry!
never i wonder what he did in college and high school… his party is ruining a great mans career
judge kavanaugh. i will do everything in my power to help him loose
What in the world does DeLucry being Democrat have anything to do with the mess in Washington? Check your spelling.
I would love to work for the DeLucry campaign and help turn this town around. Please let me know what I can do.
Please contact us info@brigantinedemocrats.com
The workers at Brigantine city hall are terrible
They are either always on break when I go there or they treat you very rudely
So you want a law firm to run Brigantine? Do a little research before you vote…