Thursday, October 1, 2026
Long Beach, “the city by the sea,” has a unique setup among Long Island municipalities using the council-manager form of government. The City Manager, currently Daniel Creighton, is appointed by the City Council — presently led the council’s president — Brendan Finn who administers the daily operations of the city's government.
Elections for three seats are held every two years. The top two vote getters receive four-year terms and the third-place finisher receives a two-year term. With a five-person council, control of the council is effectively up for election every two years.
In this election cycle, Democrat Roy Lester, who won a four-year city council term in 2021, is running for re-election. Republican Michael Reinhart won a two-year term in 2023, and is also up for re-election.
John Bendo won a four-year term in 2021, is not seeking re-election after serving on the council for eight years.
Peggy Butts and Lillian Mosley are the other Democrats running. George Ennis and Tracey Johnson are the other Republicans running.
Finn and City Council Vice President Chris Fiumara, both Republicans, won four-year terms in 2023 and still have two years remaining on their terms.
Long Beach is not divided into councilmanic districts, like the Town of Hempstead. Each councilmember elected represents the entire city. Early voting through Nov. 2 is a City Hall. On Election Day, Nov. 4, voting is at several locations across the city.
Incumbents Lester and Reinhart were interviewed by phone. Butts, Ennis Mosley and Johnson answered a candidate questionnaire.
Peggy Butts, 55
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for City Council to bring forth a change in how we operate as a community. My goal is to collectively ensure that we heal and grow as a community through ongoing meetings to offer information vital to our continued involvement with the necessary changes to achieve and maintain a quality of life that benefits all of the residents.
What knowledge and skills would you bring to the City Council from your varied civic experience and professional know-how?
The knowledge and skills that are offer is that of a lifelong resident born and raised here in Long Beach. I am a mother of three also raised here in Long Beach, and I worked as a health care professional at the Long Beach Medical Center until it closed due to Superstorm Sandy. I am also an entrepreneur, with a business in health care, which I own and operate here in Long Beach.
Although, my career history has been solely in health care, as a resident who have lived here in several phases of my life from youth, occupational, as a mother and a business owner, I have witnessed and share the same concerns and issues we face collectively. I appreciate and love this community that have gone through a lot of changes and would like to be part of decision making efforts along with the residents of the community to move forward together towards a productive and healthy environment.
If elected, what issues do you consider would be your focus?
If elected, my focus would be on creating a inclusive community, by continuing to meet with and or create an informative site for the residents regarding upcoming projects and or present issues that are brought to the city councils attention.
My goal is to engage our youth, through programs that will encourage and support growth in the work force and in becoming an adult with life skills and a pathway into a continued lifestyle while building a future here in Long Beach.
I would focus on continued support for our seniors including our veterans. Offering access to services that will support healthcare mobile units, and social activities.
What solutions do you have for those issues?
I would create intern and apprenticeship programs and workforce stations to educate and create workshop to workforce opportunities for our graduates and individuals looking to pivot into another career.
Create accessible mobile healthcare locations more often to ensure that individuals without or with limited healthcare insurance can continue to receive the care they deserve.
Increase food pantry access and quantity for our youth in need of paid lunch while in school and during the summer, as well as individuals struggling to afford the increase in food costs.
I would work on the walking and biking routes to ensure safe traffic crossings while regulating proper light sequencing and street signage. Increase additional bus routes and or trolleys to minimize the need to drive into town and struggle with poor parking accessibility, creating a parking solution for employees, merchants and visitors to minimize congestion at a rate conducive to gaining revenue without losing business.
I would like to sit with each public department to create a relationship that is not political to ensure that our workers and the community they provide service to are working together and for the best interest of all involved.
Creating a budget plan that we can adhere to that will prepare for future projects that will not create a heavy burden for the taxpayers. Minimizing the need to rely on grant assistance by creating a plan to offset yearly expenses and create additional income throughout the year to handle onset of repair and maintenance cost.
I will support creating educational, social activity programs and productivity programs in our community to increase revenue and create a united community for yearlong success. I want to create more jobs and activities here for our residents and bring in revenue from visitors patronizing these facilities.
George Ennis, 70
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for City Council because I moved to this great city 22 years ago and almost immediately became involved with various organizations and charities. Through this, I have met so many great people and now it is my time to advocate for them and help enrich their lives and the lives of their children.
I am a person who loves Long Beach deeply and believes in the greatness this city has to offer. I am totally vested in this city and am absolutely confident that I have the skills, energy and passion to keep this city moving in the right direction and making it an even greater place to live.
From living in Long Beach for more than 20 years and your varied professional experience, what knowledge and skills would you bring to the City Council?
As mentioned previously, I have been very involved with dozens of charities and organizations over the past 22 years including the Waterfront Warriors, The Michelle O’Neill Foundation, the George Ennis Film Festival and most recently have been chairman of the immensely successful and most highly ever attended, St. Brendan the Navigator Irish Heritage Parade and Festival.
Professionally, I taught and coached high school for five years after graduation and for the past 40 plus years have been in sales and marketing management. Although nearing retirement, I manage a sales territory in excess of $50 million per year.
Not only does this demonstrate my commitment to the community but it also highlights my managerial, marketing, business and leadership skills. These are all skills that are vital in running a city government. In addition, I bring with me very high energy, great work ethic, and a fair and open-minded approach to issues.
If elected, what issues do you consider would be your focus?
Stabilizing taxes and affordability, safety and quality of life Issues and tackling overdevelopment
What solutions do you have for those issues?
The current Republican majority has stabilized taxes in their first two years and I would work closely with the council to continue making that a No. 1 priority. Regular audits as well as working on ways to generate new revenue streams would be one of the first things I would do.
I would work closely with our police commissioner and police personnel to keep a regular and open dialogue to work on ways to ensure the safety of our citizens as well as adopting trials for innovative policing policies aimed at reducing crime.
Other issues that are most brought to my attention are parking, e-bike usage, and town beautification to name a few. I would encourage planning commissions, work on securing both private and current grants, and look into a tourism board to attract visitors as well as new businesses. Beautifying the Park Avenue and West End business areas would be a priority.
I would work very closely with current planning board to prevent overdevelopment, especially from absentee homeowners and developers. And I am firmly against the Equinor Project, which I see as a major health and quality of life issue for our residents.
Tracey Johnson, 57
Why are you running for City Council?
I’m running to continue the amazing progress we’ve made under strong Republican leadership. Holding the line on taxes is critical to keeping Long beach affordable for families and residents. Public safety, fiscal responsibility, supporting local businesses and quality of life will always be my top priorities.
From growing up/living in and working and owning a business in Long Beach, what knowledge, skills do you think you could bring to the City Council?
I am a fourth generation Long Beach resident. I am committed, experienced and deeply invested in the success of this city. I am not just a candidate. I am your neighbor and your voice — someone who has lived, worked and raised a family here, who knows your struggles, believes in our potential, and is ready to fight for Long Beach every day.
If elected, what issues do you consider would be your focus?
My goal is to continue moving Long Beach forward through sound judgment, collaboration and transparency. My top priorities will always be protecting quality of life, maintaining fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes stable, and ensuring public safety for every resident.
What solutions do you have for those issues?
To continue holding the line on taxes as the current council has done phenomenal job. Work with the zoning and planning boards to make sure that the city remains the way we like it without overdevelopment.
And that any project that moves forward would have a direct benefit to our community, and not the other way around. Providing the right equipment and support for our police and fire departments to endure the safety of our residents.
Roy Lester, 75
Roy Lester, an attorney, has spent more than 30 years in public service, including five terms on the Long Beach School Board. A lifelong Long Beach resident since 1952 and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Lester says his love for the city is what keeps him running for re-election.
“I’ve never been one to say, ‘this is good enough,’” Lester said. “There’s always more we can do to make Long Beach better for the people who live here.”
During his first term, Lester helped the city build a “rainy day fund” that grew to $14 million — money meant for true emergencies. He is critical of how later administrations used those reserves, noting that fiscal discipline and contingency planning are essential to protecting taxpayers.
“When we faced a $150 million judgment and $1.3 million in monthly payments, we didn’t raise taxes — we cut spending and managed our way through it,” he said. “That’s why Moody’s upgraded our credit rating four times. We went from one step above junk bonds to a respectable middle rating. Every dollar matters.”
He emphasizes that his approach has always been about treating public money as carefully as his own.
“A nickel is a nickel — I don’t want to see it flushed down the toilet,” he says. “I’ve been consistent for 30 years, voting ‘no’ on wasteful spending and questioning contracts that don’t make sense.”
One of his top priorities is tackling Long Beach’s persistent parking problems, especially in the East End and near Broadway and the Shore.
“People in those neighborhoods have been struggling with parking for decades,” he said. “The city’s current solutions don’t go far enough. We need to address it seriously — not just go after low-hanging fruit.”
He also stresses the importance of responsible infrastructure planning, including continued upgrades to sewage systems, water mains, and grant-funded public works.
Lester believes Long Beach’s recreational facilities should be a point of pride once again.
“When I was a kid, the Long Beach Aquatic team was nationally ranked,” he recalls. “We need a modern pool that can draw teams and events back here — something like Eisenhower Park Pool — ideally through a public/private partnership.”
He also advocates for improved bike infrastructure. A passionate cyclist who has biked in cities around the world, Lester envisions safer, more connected bike lanes across Long Beach. “Even New York City has great bike infrastructure now. “There’s no reason we can’t,” he says, pointing out that Beech Street could easily accommodate a new bike lane.
Considered one of the most fiscally cautious members of city leadership, Lester often votes against contracts or spending proposals he feels lack transparency.
“I watch every City Council meeting,” he said. “I vote ‘no’ more than anyone else because I don’t believe in treating taxpayer money like free money.”
He’s also concerned about fairness, saying that small businesses are sometimes overlooked in favor of larger ones. “Everyone should be treated equally,” he added.
Lester said his decision to seek re-election comes down to his deep-rooted connection to Long Beach and his desire to keep improving it.
“I’ve spent my life here, raised my kids here, and I want to keep giving back,” he says. “This is about the people — about making sure Long Beach stays strong, fair, and financially sound.”
Lillian Mosley, 50
Why are you running for City Council?
I am dedicated to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, with full transparency and a focus on enhancing essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and recreation.
I’ve seen how thoughtful decision-making and fiscal responsibility can strengthen a city. I want to bring that same problem-solving mindset to City Hall, protecting our neighborhoods from overdevelopment, supporting local businesses, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and creating a community where every resident can thrive.
By emphasizing quality of life and prioritizing residents, we can maintain the charm and livability that make Long Beach a community we’re proud to call home.
What knowledge and skills would you bring to the City Council from your varied civic experience and professional know-how?
I would bring to the City Council a unique combination of legal, business, and civic leadership experience that equips me to analyze issues critically, manage resources responsibly, and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
As an attorney and small business owner, I understand contracts, budgets, and regulatory compliance; as a community advocate and bar association leader, I’ve honed skills in governance, policy development, and coalition building. These experiences have taught me how to balance accountability with compassion and how to turn complex challenges into practical, transparent solutions that serve residents first.
If elected, what issues do you consider would be your focus?
Michael Reinhart, 53
In just his first year in office, Michael Reinhart made history by leading the effort to freeze city taxes for the first time in a decade — a milestone that reflected his commitment to making Long Beach more affordable and fiscally strong. Now, as he seeks re-election, he says his goal is simple: to continue the momentum.
“We’ve made real progress in making Long Beach more affordable,” Reinhart said. “This is our second year under the state tax cap, with a zero percent tax increase. Moody’s even upgraded our bond rating to A2 — the highest in a decade —because they saw our financial potential for growth and stability. We’re in good standing, and I want to keep it that way.”
As Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County Parks & Recreation, Reinhart brings extensive management experience to City Hall. He oversees the development and implementation of contracts, grant proposals, and event planning initiatives — skills that have translated directly into his work for Long Beach residents.
Before entering public service, Reinhart built a successful private-sector career as a vice president of product development and marketing executive for a global leader in apparel, fashion, and luxury lifestyle products, where he managed a $150 million budget and led teams in strategic innovation and growth.
One of his key priorities has been addressing parking challenges across the city.
“Parking in Long Beach has been talked about for years, but never tackled,” he said. “We’ve launched a comprehensive parking study that looks at the needs of each neighborhood — because one size doesn’t fit all. The company we’ve partnered with will come back with suggestions, and we’ll test different approaches in specific areas to see what works before expanding citywide.”
Reinhart also points to the city’s efforts to boost local revenue without increasing costs for residents.
“When we stepped in, we really focused on maximizing our assets,” he explained. “By modernizing beach access systems — like allowing adults and teens to scan in at the booths — we generated $5 million in beach revenue, up $650,000 from the previous year. And we did it without raising beach rates. Better management brought better results.”
Public safety remains another major success story under Reinhart’s watch.
“This year, with our great Long Beach Police Department, crime is down 19 percent” he said. “We’ve increased patrols, strengthened narcotics enforcement, and made our community safer.”
A lifelong resident and proud member of the Long Beach sports community, Reinhart’s local ties run deep. He manages the Long Beach Lightning youth hockey team, supports the middle school hockey program, plays beach volleyball, and coaches various CYO sports. He also helped revitalize the Long Beach Ice Arena, adding a new Zamboni, snack bar, and pro shop.
“We turned the ice arena from losing money to turning a profit,” he said. “Long Beach is a hockey town.”
