City Council announces search for Goggin’s replacement

The Long Beach City Council is looking to fill a vacant seat after Councilwoman Eileen Goggin’s term ended on Jan. 1.

Goggin, who was elected as a Nassau County District Court judge in November, was one of five Democrats on the council. Last month she called for a special election, saying that she was concerned that a political appointee would toe the party line and not listen to residents' concerns.

The move came amid a rift among Democrats in Long Beach, who are divided between the Independent Democratic Club of Long Beach and the Long Beach Democratic Committee.

Council President Len Torres said it was unlikely that Gov. Andrew Cuomo would approve a special election, and denied Goggin’s claims. He said that the council would conduct an interview and vetting process when searching for Goggin’s successor.

There had been talk that the council might appoint a replacement on Tuesday, after the Dec. 20 meeting was canceled, which sparked the ire of Goggin and a number of residents, who questioned the decision and speculated that the move was political. City officials said there was no new business before the holidays.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Council Vice President Anthony Eramo said that the council would not hold a special election. Rather, it would abide by the city’s charter, he said, and vote to appoint the next council member, ideally at the next meeting on Jan. 17.

“We haven’t decided yet, but we hope it’s going to be a quick process,” Eramo said.

He added that he and the other remaining Democrats — Torres, Councilman Scott Mandel and Councilwoman Anissa Moore — are seeking resumes and cover letters, and encouraged those interested in serving on the council to email LBCityCouncil2017@longbeachny.gov beginning this week.

Goggin, who was appointed in 2013 before she was elected to a four-year term, had intended to raise the issue of a special election to fill her spot on the five-member council at the canceled Dec. 20 meeting. An appointee would serve the remainder of her term and run in the November election.

Resident Marcus Tinker asked about the qualifications that the council is seeking in a candidate, saying that a council member should have a record of public service.

“The only requirement is that you have been a resident of Long Beach for two years,” Eramo said. “We all have our personal desires — a team member and someone that shares our vision.”

Some residents continued to call for a special election.

“I’d like to see them hold a special election and let the people decide,” John Bendo, president of the West End Neighbors Civic Association, said after the meeting.