Jay Gillian’s campaign for re-election as mayor of Ocean City continues to gain momentum as testimonials and endorsements pour in prior to the Municipal Election on May 10.
Some common themes being heard from Jay’s supporters are a desire to continue the progress that Ocean City has made during the mayor’s tenure. Residents are clear in their desire to never return to the days when elected officials spent endless amounts of time bickering and posturing for their own political gain, rather than working in unity for the benefit of the community.
Mayor Gillian ran for his first term under the slogan “Unity in the Community.” While it may have seemed rather corny to some, once in office the mayor demonstrated that more could be accomplished by working together with the City Council, community organizations and the general public than was possible under the adversarial politics of the past.
The City Council, until recently, recognized this simple truth as well. In fact, Councilman Hartzell, the current longest-serving councilman and the mayor’s challenger in the upcoming election, often led the support for Jay Gillian’s initiatives.
During the campaign, political rhetoric aside, many residents were surprised to learn that Keith Hartzell voted “yes” nearly 99 percent of the time on the matters before City Council during Mayor Gillian’s tenure. His support included professional service contracts, capital projects, labor contracts, zoning changes, budgetary matters and all other city business.
Statements of support for Jay Gillian’s re-election as mayor on May 10 include the following:
“I have known Jay for over 35 years. He has been the same standup guy now as he was then. Over the past twelve years of his leadership, he has led Ocean City through some tough times. We, as a city, are in a great position to be even better with Jay as mayor. I am blessed to call him our mayor and friend.” Ralph DiClemente
“When you meet our mayor, you immediately are drawn to his ability to connect with the people of Ocean City. Jay’s experience, intelligence, professionalism and love for the city are very apparent. I’m so delighted that Mayor Gillian has taken this bold forward step to run for mayor once again and I know that he will do the best for all of us that live in Ocean City.” Charles Baker
“As thirty-year residents and business owners in Ocean City, we enthusiastically support Jay Gillian for mayor. Jay’s commitment to local businesses through the years was never more apparent than during Hurricane Sandy. Jay was tirelessly present, helping with cleanup, community relief efforts, and navigating the complexity of rebuilding and reopening. Jay’s leadership over the years shows throughout our community: a thriving downtown, beautiful boardwalk, commitment to open space, and cleared back bays are just a part of the reasons we love living in Ocean City. Jay is committed to preserving Ocean City as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ and America’s greatest place to live and we are committed to Jay for that reason.” Dave and Lynne Cates
“I have been commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6650 here in Ocean City for the past 10 years. During those years I have learned that it is very expensive to operate and maintain our Post home at 1501 Bay Ave., and it would not be in existence today if it were not for the support that we have received from you and the Ocean City community and government. On behalf of all the members of VFW Post 6650 we all would like to thank you for showing us so much respect and being such a great friend of our Post. Everyone who comes to our Post home knows that our success over the past ten years has been in large part because of your leadership and your friendship. It is my desire to make sure VFW Post 6650 is a thriving part of this community for many years to come. Failure is not an option. As long as we have men like you as our friend, we will succeed. In my opinion, every veteran in Ocean City owes you thanks for your many years of support.” Mike Morrissey
“Jay has a fierce loyalty to the people of our town and has pride in the accomplishments that people have created for our town. He has been serving us with honesty, given us stability, reached goals in city projects, and provided a safe, secure and beautiful city for locals and visitors, young and old, in which to live and work in harmony. May God bless you, Jay. I’m with you all the way to the Mayor’s Office, which is one block away from your past apartment and Tom’s Deli at 10th Street and Asbury Avenue, where we met many years ago. Then it’s a short walk to the Mayor’s Office in 2022.” Gail Williams
“As a citizen of Ocean City, I have watched Mayor Gillian grow and mature since 2010. He tirelessly works every day for the good of our town. He is veteran-friendly and is a staunch advocate for them. Jay is not your typical politician. He truly cares for Ocean City and all of its residents and is a gentleman. He always makes himself accessible and willing to listen to all sides of any issue at hand.” Bob Marzulli
“My wife Vicky and I have run a boardwalk pizzeria on 6th Street for 38 years and an Asbury Avenue hair salon for 18 years in Ocean City. We’ve lived here for the past 10 years. Jay and I are about the same age. I watched him over the years from working for his dad to taking the helm of a major business. Delegating authority and making tough decisions while all the while being approachable, friendly and willing to help if he could. When Jay became mayor, he used the same experience and leadership running Ocean City. When Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast, we were up and running faster than any other shore town because of Jay and his team’s quick decisions. The town is constantly improving in many ways thanks to his leadership. Our property values have increased and our taxes have remained low during his tenure. I believe he has the best interest of Ocean City at heart. He fully understands what makes us ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ and has shown that is what is most important to him.” Dino Tridente
“As a teacher for 42 years and president of the O.C. Republican Club for 10 years, I need to know the why, how, and when of every reason someone is proposing when they say they will change things. I have to say I know what Jay Gillian has done and intends to do, and it isn’t high-rises and alcohol, like his opponent claims. Ocean City is not Miami Beach. We bought our home in 1973 and made it our home in 1991. Three months a year, O.C. is a tourist town, and the other nine months it’s a hometown. It’s my hometown. I have not heard what changes Jay’s opponent is going to make. Has anybody else? All I have heard is assumptions and negativity. When you vote, vote experience, vote Jay Gillian.” MaryAnn Nespoli
Join these leading, respected citizens of Ocean City and vote to re-elect Mayor Jay Gillian on May 10.
“Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Jay A. Gillian Mayor”
