By MADDY VITALE
Political newcomer Jody Levchuk was victorious over incumbent Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson in the vote-by-mail Ocean City municipal election.
According to the official results released Friday afternoon by the Cape May County Clerk’s Office, Levchuk garnered 573 votes to Wilson’s 559.
“I am as happy as can be,” Levchuk, 43, a married father of two, said in an interview Friday. “I love Ocean City and I am ready to get to work.”
The businessman, who co-owns Jilly’s Boardwalk businesses, said his first priority when he takes office will be to listen.
“I will listen to the Council, the mayor (Jay Gillian) and the people who elected me. I will learn how my position will best help my community,” he said.
Levchuk also noted that he was excited that some restrictions on businesses were lifted by Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday as the Jersey Shore and the state slowly open back up amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Levchuk said he was not only pleased for his business and employees, but for the many other Boardwalk and downtown merchants in Ocean City who make a living through their businesses.
“I am glad our city is somewhat opened for business,” he added. “My neighbors recognized my abilities. I am glad the public saw that.”
Both Levchuk and Wilson ran campaigns based on the issues. They stuck to the issues of flood mitigation, road work, infrastructure and the importance of preserving open space.
Cape May County Clerk Rita Marie Fulginiti said candidates have 15 days following the election to file in Superior Court if they want to challenge the results. The Ocean City election was conducted exclusively by mail-in ballots because of the pandemic.
It was unclear whether Wilson, 51, a father of two who serves as vice president of Council, would file an election challenge.
“At this point, we would like to congratulate Mr. Levchuk on a very well-run campaign. My team worked very hard,” Wilson said.
Wilson, a member of the governing body since 2011, focused his campaign on the work he has done with Council to improve the infrastructure throughout the city.
“We’ve left a legacy for future generations that will be unparalleled. We made improvements to this town to better the quality of life for all of the residents,” he said. “I would have loved to have continued to give back to the community, but now I can use this time to give back in other ways.”
He also reflected on his children, Tony and Julia.
“I’ve shown Tony and Julia what it is like to give back to your community,” he added.
Candidates who ran unopposed were incumbents First Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger and Fourth Ward Councilman Bob Barr and newcomer Tom Rotondi, ran for the Second Ward seat vacated in January by former Councilman Antwan McClellan, who was elected to the state Assembly.
Barr received 732 votes, DeVlieger garnered 688 and Rotondi had 403 votes.
To view the complete tally of votes, visit www.capemaycountyvotes.com.
