Outgoing Republican mayor: Vote for the Democrats

Atlantic Highlands Mayor Frederick Rast III distributed a letter to residents on Friday recommending they vote for the borough's Democratic ticket in Tuesday's election.

Such a mailer wouldn't be unusual for this time of the year if Rast were championing members of his own party, but the two-term mayor — who is not seeking re-election — is a Republican.

"This November 3, 2015 is an important election. I urge you all to support our Republican Freeholder, Assembly, State and County Clerk candidates. They have all been very supportive of our community and helped us all greatly with the major incidents that have occurred over the past eight years," Rast wrote. "On the local level I have a different view."

Rast said he believes local Republican leadership is more concerned with advancing the party's interests than what is right for the town.

As a result, he said, he's endorsing Rhonda "Randi" Le Grice for mayor over the Republican nominee, Councilman John "Jack" Archibald Jr., as well as the Democratic Borough Council candidates, instead of those running under the GOP's banner.

This isn't the first time Rast has encouraged voters to pick Archibald's opponent: The mayor publicly supported Councilman Lou Fligore's unsuccessful primary race against Archibald earlier this year.

Archibald, in response to questions from the Asbury Park Press, provided the following statement:

“It is unfortunate that the Mayor chose now to air his unsubstantiated claims in such a public manner. As with most of the campaign literature circulating this election season, the Mayor's letter to residents failed to identify any significant new ideas, policy thoughts, or how those he is backing for office would help move the town forward. The people of Atlantic Highlands deserve better from their elected leaders. I'm confident our team has the experience, the qualifications, and agenda that will make Atlantic Highlands an even better place to live. We look forward to working for the interests of all residents."

Russ Zimmer: 732-557-5748; razimmer@app.com