Current Farmingdale Village Trustee George "Butch" Starkie recently announced his candidacy for mayor, challenging current Mayor George Graf.

Running on the Green Leaf Party line, Starkie said he has decided to run because of his "love for Farmingdale."

"I have lived and worked in Farmingdale for over 30 years," he added. "The community has been very good to me and I want to give back. I think the village can be run more efficiently and I would really like the opportunity to bring about that change."

Starkie has served as trustee for the past 18 months. He owns Starkie Brothers Garden Center in Farmingdale as well as farms on Long Island.

A lifelong Daler, Starkie grew up in Massapequa Park and attended Farmingdale schools. He and his wife currently live in the village with their four children.

Starkie is vying against current Mayor George Graf, who is seeking re-election to a second term. The two will continue to work side-by-side until the March elections.

"I don't anticipate our working relationship to be any different than it is now," Starkie said. "Obviously the current mayor and I don't agree on all issues and that's why I decided to run. I think the election process is good for our village. Ultimately the public will decide what they want for our community."

Mayor Graf, who is running on the Farmingdale Family Party, said he is disappointed that Trustee Starkie has decided to run for the office of mayor.

"We have worked well together, as a board, and have agreed on the vast majority of the decisions brought before us," he added. "In the next few months I will continue to work with the entire board. I have always welcomed his input and I have created a nonpartisan approach to improving village."

Mayor Graf said he is seeking re-election "because there is much still to be accomplished."

"My administration has implemented many of my party's campaign promises and tackled many new issues that have left the village in better shape now than four years ago," Graf said. "I wish to continue to provide my community with good government, and complete the visioning process initiated at the start of my administration by leading the revitalization of Main Street and the downtown train station area."