Who’s running for Long Beach City Council?

Long Beach 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 led by 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.

Running this are Democrats Peggy Butts and Lillian Mosley and Republicans George Ennis and Tracey Johnson.

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 in 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. 

Published responses were summarized due to space constraints. Full responses can be read at LongBeach@liherald.com.

Peggy Butts, 55

Peggy Butts she’s running for Long Beach City Council to help heal and grow as a community. A lifelong resident, a mother of three, and health care entrepreneur, Butts brings deep personal and professional roots to her campaign.

I’ve lived here in several phases of my life — from youth, occupational, as a mother and a business owner. I share the same concerns and issues we face collectively.

Her platform centers on transparency, youth development, senior services, infrastructure improvements, and fiscal sustainability. She wants to establish more communication between the council and residents, including ongoing meetings or an information site. My focus would be on creating an inclusive community said.

Butts emphasized job readiness and local engagement, proposing internship and apprenticeship programs, especially for young people and those seeking career pivots. She supports expanded mobile health services and senior activities, and wants to improve pedestrian and bike safety, parking solutions, and public transportation access.

I’d like to sit with each public department to create a relationship that is not political, stressing collaboration over partisanship.

She also wants to create a long-term budget plan that won’t create a heavy burden for taxpayers, while boosting local revenue through year-round programs and job creation.

George Ennis, 70

George Ennis is running for Long Beach City Council after 22 years of civic engagement. A former teacher and longtime sales executive managing a $50 million territory, Ennis said he brings “managerial, marketing, business and leadership skills” crucial to city government. He’s chaired major events like the St. Brendan the Navigator Irish Heritage Parade and founded the George Ennis Film Festival.

“I am a person who loves Long Beach deeply,” he said, “and believe in the greatness this city has to offer.” Ennis’s platform centers on stabilizing taxes, enhancing public safety, and addressing overdevelopment.

He supports regular audits, new revenue streams, and collaboration with police to implement innovative policing strategies. Other priorities include “beautifying the Park Avenue and West End business areas,” improving parking and e-bike regulation, and forming a tourism board to attract visitors and businesses. He also opposes the Equinor wind farm project, citing health and quality-of-life concerns.

“I bring high energy, a great work ethic, and a fair and open-minded approach to issues,” Ennis said, emphasizing his deep local roots and readiness to advocate for residents.

Tracey Johnson, 57

Tracey Johnson, a fourth-generation Long Beach resident, is seeking a City Council seat to continue what she calls “the amazing progress we’ve made under strong Republican leadership.” A small business owner and longtime resident, Johnson said she is “your neighbor and your voice” and is deeply invested in the city’s future.

Her priorities include public safety, fiscal responsibility, and protecting quality of life.

“Holding the line on taxes is critical to keeping Long Beach affordable,” she said. Johnson emphasizes collaboration with zoning and planning boards to prevent overdevelopment and ensure that any new project “has a direct benefit to our community.”

She also supports equipping Long Beach’s police and fire departments with the resources they need to protect residents. “We must ensure public safety for every resident,” she said. Johnson believes sound judgment and transparency are vital in governance and pledges to maintain the current council’s approach to taxes and spending.

“I am committed, experienced and ready to fight for Long Beach every day,” Johnson said, positioning herself as a stable hand for continuing the city’s current path.

Roy Lester, 75

Roy Lester, an attorney and lifelong Long Beach resident, is seeking re-election to City Council. With over 30 years in public service — including five terms on the Long Beach School Board — Lester has built a reputation as a fiscal watchdog.

“I’ve been consistent for 30 years, voting ‘no’ on wasteful spending and questioning contracts that don’t make sense,” he said. He helped create a $14 million rainy day fund during his earlier tenure and resisted tax hikes even during crises. “A nickel is a nickel — I don’t want to see it flushed down the toilet.”

His top concerns include parking, especially in the East End and Broadway corridor, infrastructure upgrades, and fairness for small businesses. He also wants a modern aquatic center and improved bike infrastructure. “Even New York City has great bike infrastructure now. There’s no reason we can’t,” he said.

A passionate advocate for responsible spending, Lester is skeptical of vague proposals and pushes for clear returns on investment.

“This is about the people — about making sure Long Beach stays strong, fair, and financially sound,” he said, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to the city where he raised his children.

Lillian Mosley, 50

Attorney and small business owner Lillian Mosley is running for City Council with a focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community-centered planning.

“I’ve seen how thoughtful decision-making can strengthen a city,” Mosley said. “I want to bring that same problem-solving mindset to City Hall.”

Her priorities include quality of life, affordability, and protecting taxpayers. She proposes upgrading parks, streets and public spaces, supporting local schools and libraries, and preserving Long Beach’s “charm and livability.”

On affordability, Mosley emphasizes responsible development and “smart, community-focused policies” that maintain access to housing and services.

“I believe every dollar of taxpayer money should be used wisely, with clear oversight and community benefit,” she said.

She pledges to fight against “unnecessary tax hikes and hidden fees,” and secure infrastructure funding from state and county sources. Mosley also champions youth empowerment, proposing a Long Beach Youth Council, expanded internship programs, and civics workshops.

Her professional background includes legal, business, and civic leadership roles — experience she says makes her uniquely qualified to “balance accountability with compassion” and build consensus across the community.

makes her uniquely qualified to “balance accountability with compassion” and build consensus across the community.

Michael Reinhart, 53

First-term Council member Michael Reinhart, 53, is seeking re-election after leading the city to its first tax freeze in a decade.

“We’ve made real progress in making Long Beach more affordable,” he said. “I want to keep it that way.”

A former vice president in the fashion industry, Reinhart now serves as Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County Parks & Recreation, where he manages grants and contracts. That experience, he says, has translated well to City Hall.

Under his leadership, the city stayed within the state tax cap, improved its bond rating to A2, and boosted beach revenue by $650,000 without raising rates. “Better management brought better results,” he said. Reinhart also spearheaded a citywide parking study to customize solutions for each neighborhood.

He cites public safety as a success story, noting that crime is down 19 percent. He credits increased patrols and stronger narcotics enforcement for those results.

A lifelong Long Beach resident, Reinhart is active in youth sports and helped turn the Long Beach Ice Arena from a money-loser into a community asset.

“We turned the ice arena from losing money to turning a profit,” he said. “Long Beach is a hockey town — and I’m proud to be part of it.”