Pirate's Booty Founder Declares Himself Mayor, Loses Election in Sea Cliff

In a chaotic turn of events during the Sea Cliff, New York mayoral election, Robert Ehrlich, founder of Pirate's Booty Snacks, attempted a hostile takeover by declaring himself mayor a week before the election. This incident unfolded on March 10 when Ehrlich and supporters stormed Village Hall, attempting to fire all village staff based on an obscure state law regarding governmental dissolution, though he could not provide the necessary signatures to support his claims. Following a tumultuous confrontation that required police intervention, Ehrlich later ran as a write-in candidate but decisively lost to incumbent Mayor Elena Villafane, receiving only 62 votes to her 1,064. Despite the election results, Ehrlich has refused to concede, insisting he is the rightful mayor and has called the election process rigged. Village officials have since reassured residents that the elected leadership remains intact and praised staff for their professionalism during the incident. The peculiar circumstances surrounding Ehrlich's candidacy and actions have raised eyebrows, with some critics likening his behavior to that of a wealthy individual attempting to impose their will on a local government.