After serving eight years on City Council, Scott Ping participated in his final meeting on Thursday night.
A pair of Ghosts of Budgets Past came to visit.
John Murphy — the president of the local firefighters union, who had famously dubbed Ping “The Butcher” two years ago when he and Keith Hartzell (“The Paper Salesman”) proposed saving money with a new staffing model for the Ocean City Fire Department — presented Ping with a plaque immortalizing his nickname. (Ping is a co-owner of Boyar’s Market.)
John Loeper, head of the nonprofit U.S. Life Saving Station 30, presented Ping with a lifetime membership to the Station. Ping had maintained a perfect record of voting against every resolution related to the Station, vowing to never spend another penny of taxpayer money on the rescue of the historic building.
Ping did not seek re-election to a third term, and his term expires on June 30.
But friends (and rivals) showed up Thursday night to thank Ping for his service. They paid tribute to a man who was never afraid to speak his mind in plain terms — but who always managed to do so with professionalism and respect.
Mayor Jay Gillian presented him with a ceremonial “piece of the boardwalk.”
Having survived a rancorous debate over the use of rainforest hardwood on the boardwalk, Ping looked at the piece and said dryly, “At my age, pine’s going to last a lifetime.”
Former Board of Realtors President Kevin Redmond told Ping that all retirees end up doing the same thing, and he handed him a gift to unwrap.
The gift: a mock Ping Real Estate sign.
At the end of the tribute, a visibly moved Ping said, “It’s been an honor to serve the people in Ocean City … I’m going to miss it, but thank you.”
A resolution honoring Ping is as follows:
HONORING M. SCOTT PING, COUNCILMAN AT LARGE
WHEREAS, Scott Ping has been a respected member of the City Council beginning July 1, 2006 and served as City Council Vice President from July 1 2007 through June 30, 2008 and distinguished himself as City Council President from July 1, 2008 through June 30 2009; and
WHEREAS, Councilman Ping has brought tireless energy and invested countless hours for causes he believed in, such as fighting for the taxpayer in the following areas: overall budget reduction through attrition as well as reduction in overtime in all city departments along with the unique EMT program for the Fire Department and kept a watchful eye over city investments, which included the Life Saving Station; and
WHEREAS, Councilman Ping was a member of the Open Space Ad Hoc Committee and served as a Class III member on the Ocean City Planning Board beginning July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, where he was involved in the planning of the Commercial Business Zone and the Commercial Business 1 Zone and passionate about development and zoning issues. One of his finest achievements was protecting the neighborhood businesses from being replaced by duplexes; and
WHEREAS, Councilman Ping played an important role in the establishment of the Ethics Board and recommendations for its members; and
WHEREAS, Scott was part of the dynamic Hartzell/Ping duo forever known as the “Paper Salesman” and “The Butcher” and will always be known for his “Pingisms,” which were unique one-liners that ended up in bold print in our local newspapers; and
WHEREAS, Scott will be missed by those who attended or watched council meetings because he had the unique task of kicking Hartzell in the shins when he spoke too long; and
WHEREAS, in his concern for all the residents of the city, Councilman Ping was always available to assist any resident in need; and
WHEREAS, in 1986 Scott and his wife, Gail, became partners in Boyar’s Market, a famous local Ocean City establishment, and was active with his wife volunteering to set up for the “After Prom” festivities; and
WHEREAS, Scott is an Ocean City graduate, attended Penn State and is a devoted and passionate Penn State fan; a true “Survivor” TV fan, having tried out for the show on three occasions. He is also an avid concert attendee with a real affection for country music; and
WHEREAS, Scott is an avid traveler to many foreign and exotic places, and he is most happy when chilling out in Key West, Florida, soaking in the good life of sun, fun and relaxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ocean City do publicly acknowledge Scott Ping for his leadership qualities and dedication to the residents of our community and wish him and his family much happiness and success in the years ahead.
