Seaside Heights Mayor steps aside, takes new role in borough

A big change occurs at the top of the Seaside Heights administrative chain, as Mayor William Akers resigns and borough Councilman Anthony Vaz assumes the post.

The moves became official by a Monday-night vote of the governing body. Akers stays on in a different capacity, filliing a spot as a code officer left vacant by a retirement at the end of June.

Anthony Vaz holds the seat for the remainder of the year. The mayoral position is at stake in this November's elections. The candidate will be determined by the borough's Ocean County Republican Committee members.

A source in the borough tells us that Akers will also serve as a confidential aide to Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz - his successor's son.

For conducting both positions, Akers reportedly will earn about $60,000 annually - roughly 33 percent more than his code-enforcement predecessor.

When asked what prompted Akers's decision, the source confided that the pressure of the mayor's post contributed to it. Borough Attorney George Gilmore - also the Ocean County Republican Chairman - told the Asbury Park Press that Council members wanted Akers to continue work on several projects he undertook during his time as Mayor.

Gilmore also noted to the Asbury Park Press that the postition required no advertising for applicants because it's considered unclassified and requires no specialized training.