STONE HARBOR – Borough Council President Brian Levinson announced Wednesday, April 2 that he will run for mayor in the June 3 Republican primary election against Suzanne Walters, who has been mayor for 12 years.
Wayne Harris and Karen Lane, who also announced their intention to run for the two seats on the council currently held by Anne Wannen and Julian Miraglia, join Levinson on a three-person team that pledged “to run an issue-based campaign that will reflect Stone Harbor’s true character.”
Both Wannen and Miraglia have said they would not run for reelection.
Last month, Walters, along with Tom Cope and Joanne Vaul, sent a letter to Lori Keenan, the Republican municipal leader, to announce that they were seeking the endorsement of the Republican Club to run as a team for mayor and the two available council seats. The three were unanimously endorsed by the club at a meeting Monday, March 31.
Walters seemed surprised when informed of the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
“What is disappointing is that we have put together a team that is experienced in the community,” Walters said. “We have done a lot of work, and bring together three facets of the town. I am disappointed that they have decided to run a ticket against us.”
Levinson has served on borough council since 2004. Harris, president of Harris Plumbing & Heating, has a long history of service to the community as a volunteer fireman, Republican committeeman, past president of the Republican Club.
Lane is the first vice president of the Garden Club and is treasurer of the Reality Owners Association. She has served as the treasurer of the Republican Club, and was a member of the Shade Tree Committee.