Mahaney to Seek Reelection Nov. 8

CAPE MAY – Dr. Edward J. Mahaney Jr. submitted a petition to Cape May City Clerk Louise Cummiskey Aug. 29, signifying his intent to seek reelection as mayor in the Nov. 8 general election.
According to a release, Mahaney’s tenure as mayor has focused on continued progressive growth. This ongoing achievement has been fueled by a strong series of private-public partnerships.
He has successfully integrated a long-range planning agenda with long-term financial and capital planning programs and strongly believes in comprehensive and systematic sustainability for Cape May. Over the past eight years, Mahaney has worked closely with both the City Council and city manager to ensure the city’s focus on sustainability and resiliency.
While the list of accomplishments under Mahaney is extensive, the mayor is especially proud of:
Completion of the $1.8-million refurbishment of Rotary Park, which was funded through competitive grants and an enthusiastic private-public partnership, without utilizing additional local tax dollars.
Increasing Cape May’s Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program, an upgrade from Class 8 to Class 6. This upgrade resulted in a 20 percent discount on flood insurance policies for taxpayers.
Successfully attaining more than $2.7 million in competitive New Jersey Small Cities CDBG grant funds to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act compliance over the past seven years without increased financial taxpayer responsibility.
Funding of $1.6 million from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for Green Acres and Blue Acres grants to ensure property acquisition of the Lafayette Street Open Space Recreation Area.
Completion in 2012 of the state-of-the-art Cape May Convention Hall, a $10.5-million beachfront facility that serves as the city’s social hub by providing space for meetings, conventions, conferences, performing-arts events, special events and weddings.
Attaining more than $14.8 million in grants and rebates for city initiatives over the past six years, involving necessary public improvements, environmental and energy conservation projects.
Through a collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Department of Transportation, Cape May benefited during 2015 from the use of $1.3 million in FEMA grant funding to dredge public waterways in Spicers’ Creek, Cape Island Creek, Schellenger Creek, Devil’s Reach and Middle Thorofare.
During Mahaney’s tenure as mayor, Cape May has won numerous awards and recognition as a tourism destination, including being named among the Top 10 beaches in the world and one of the top two in the United States in 2011 by Trip Advisor, the world’s largest travel destination website.
“I take great pride in all that we’ve accomplished,” Mahaney stated. “Those accomplishments are a result of numerous private-public partnerships and the cooperation exhibited by our City Council. I look forward to continuing the work that we’ve all invested in during these past eight years.”