Stay Engaged in an Important Election Season

Dear Friends,

As many of you have seen, the field for Ocean City’s upcoming municipal election has taken shape. There are three candidates in the race to be mayor: Keith Hartzell, incumbent Jay Gillian, and Pete Madden. And four candidates are running for three at-large City Council positions: Sean Barnes, Jim Kelly, Jocelyn Palaganas, and Tony Polcini. 

While Jim has stepped away from his leadership role with OC2050 to ensure a clear separation between the organization and his campaign (see my previous letter here), the issues that brought many of us together in the first place remain front and center for the community. 

At the top of that list is the future of the Wonderland site at 600 Boardwalk. What happens there will have lasting implications for the character of the Boardwalk and the direction of Ocean City for decades to come. But Wonderland is only one part of a broader set of questions facing the city.

Residents and homeowners are also looking for thoughtful leadership on transparent decision-making, responsible zoning, practical solutions to parking pressures, long-term flood mitigation, and the growing conversation around e-bike safety and enforcement. These are not small issues, and they deserve careful attention from every candidate seeking to represent the community.

Just as important, voters deserve clarity about potential conflicts of interest. Ocean City is a small town where many people work together professionally and socially, and that makes it even more important that candidates for mayor and council are upfront about their business relationships, professional ties, and any inside connections that could influence decision-making. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential when decisions involve major projects, zoning changes, and the long-term direction of the city. And while many of the candidates may claim they are running on transparency, we should be looking for actions, not words.

In the coming weeks, Ocean City 2050 will continue to focus on these topics. Our role is ask clear questions, encourage substantive discussion, and help ensure that the issues shaping Ocean City’s future are addressed openly. We intend to press candidates for specifics and keep the focus where it belongs—on thoughtful planning, truly open government, and long-term stewardship of the town.

Most importantly, we encourage everyone who cares about Ocean City’s future to stay involved. Ask questions. Attend meetings. Read what the candidates are saying and, when possible, hear directly from them. The best decisions come from an informed and engaged community that is willing to ask tough questions and remain curious about the choices ahead.

Ocean City has always benefited from residents and homeowners who take an active interest in how the town grows and evolves. With an important election approaching, that engagement matters more than ever.

Thank you, as always, for your continued interest and support.

Sincerely,

Bill Merritt
President, Ocean City 2050