Overview
- Robert Ehrlich, founder of Pirate's Booty, attempted to declare himself mayor of Sea Cliff, citing the Citizen Empowerment Act without providing evidence of valid petition signatures.
- Ehrlich's actions on March 10 caused significant disruption at Village Hall, requiring police intervention but resulting in no arrests.
- In the March 18 election, incumbent Mayor Elena Villafane won decisively with 1,064 votes compared to Ehrlich’s 62 as a write-in candidate.
- Despite his loss, Ehrlich claims to be the mayor of a self-declared government entity and plans to pursue his claims through legal or other means.
- Villafane condemned Ehrlich’s actions, reaffirming her commitment to lawful governance and warning against further disruptions to the village’s operations.