“Council President Has Presided Over Positive Shift in City”

Originally published in Ocean City Sentinel
by Marianne Brewer

To the Editor:

Something really encouraging happened on Nov. 1: an Ocean City town hall that reminded me what good local government can look like. Terry Crowley Jr.’s First Ward meeting was respectful, well-attended, and full of thoughtful discussion. Neighbors asked good questions, listened to one another and the tone throughout was positive and constructive.

Why? Simple: the city is responding to strong, smart leadership.

In June 2025, things were very different. Pete Madden was Ocean City Council president and the mayor was seemingly aligned with a developer. Tempers boiled over around the Wonderland issue. No one in authority seemed to take charge. Silence only fueled frustration and online conversations grew increasingly heated. Citizen groups rose up to fill the leadership void and tensions remained high. 

Then something changed.

Terry Crowley became council president in July 2025, replacing Mr. Madden. Soon after, City Council made the right call—to take the proposed high-rise hotel out of the shadows and put it into the proper process: an open, public Master Plan review covering the entire boardwalk. Taking concrete steps forward, they formed a subcommittee with regular citizens as members to help drive the process. It was a  smart decision that helped move us forward and increase transparency. 

Despite efforts by Mr. Madden, the developer and even at times the mayor to undermine that process, council members and Mr. Crowley have stood firm, insisting fairness, openness, and accountability. No special favors or backroom deals—just facts, fairness and honest, public discussion.

And the results are clear: the city feels calm again. Because being heard is a critical component to being respected.

When Pete Madden tried to sneak in a Wonderland vote without proper agenda notice, without allowing the public to be heard properly, the community pushed back because that was disrespectful.

When elected officials listen, discuss and engage openly, citizens feel respected; even if they don’t always agree with the outcome.

That’s the beauty of good government: it creates space for civility, collaboration and mutual respect.

So thank you to Mr. Crowley to council members Keith Hartzell, Winslow, Jody Levchuk, Tony Polcini, Kevin Barnes and Dave Winslow for showing that strong leadership and open dialogue can bring out the best in Ocean City. You can already see the rewards.

Marianne Brewer
Ocean City