Contested Atlantic Beach mayoral race

For the second time in two mayoral elections, Village of Atlantic Beach Mayor Stephen Mahler, running for his ninth, two-year, term, is again being challenged by former village Trustee Edward Radburn.

Mahler, who has lived in the village for 17 years, doesn’t think Radburn is worthy of the position. “I wouldn’t dream of turning it over to my opponent, that would be a detriment to our residents,” said Mahler, who added that he enjoys the position and thinks he has done a great job for the community. “[Radburn] hasn’t been to a village meeting or participated in the slightest way in village tasks.”

If re-elected, Mahler seeks to continue the many ongoing projects in the Village of Atlantic Beach. “We’re always continuing to improve the infrastructure in the village and upgrade our roadways and playgrounds as well as eliminating flooding,” he said. “I have done a myriad of things to keep this village in top shape both financially and physically and we rank at the top for well-run villages in Nassau County. There will always be people who will be disgruntled but by and large, the people who live in my village love to live here.”

A village resident for 20 years, Radburn said things have gotten progressively worse since he ran against Mahler in 2010 and was urged to run again by village residents. “They think the mayor has been there too long and they want someone with fresh ideas and with a business background,” he said.

Radburn, who chartered aircraft in the aviation business for 40 years, served as a village trustee from 1996 to 2000, and believes he understands how village government works. “I stand for an open government and I want people to go to village meetings and not be threatened if they don’t agree with the administration’s positions,” he said. “I want to have open and honest discussions.”

According to Radburn, Mahler hand picks the Board of Trustees and controls the board of zoning appeals. “He will do anything in his power to stifle any opposition,” Radburn said. “His self serving actions and conduct has alienated our residents and I agree with them that we need new leadership and I will provide that leadership through anopen and honest government that will put the will of the people first.”