By MADDY VITALE
Mayor Jay Gillian highlighted the strength of the city and the projects underway or completed from dredging to roadwork during an Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday.
Gillian was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting and gave his annual update at a luncheon held at the American Legion Morvay-Miley Post 524.
Gillian touted some of the accomplishments of his administration.
“I’m here to report today that the state of the city is stronger than it’s ever been. We continue to make improvements to every part of town,” he said. “We’re adding new services and preserving the traditions we love. We have an experienced and dedicated city team that makes it all possible. Ocean City remains a great place to live, work and play. Investments in Ocean City are sounder than ever.”
About 100 people from the American Legion, Ocean City’s VFW Post 6650, city officials, business leaders and residents attended the function.
Prior to Gillian’s speech, Chamber President Bill McMahon III introduced Gillian and noted that the mayor, along with his wife, Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber, have been involved in many charities and foundations and have helped make Ocean City a premier place to live and vacation.
In Gillian’s remarks, he spoke about the infrastructure projects that have either been completed or are planned by his administration, such as road work, flood mitigation, improvements to the Boardwalk, an aggressive dredging program and renovation of city buildings.
He also spoke about how the city brought back the popular raptor program for gull abatement on the Boardwalk so visitors could enjoy their food without fear that gulls would swoop down and snatch their meals.
“It’s an honor to be your mayor. We continue to work hard,” he said. “I want to thank all of the Council members. It’s not easy. At the end of the day, we all work together.”
City Council members who attended the event included Councilwoman Karen Bergman, Councilman Terry Crowley Jr., Councilman Keith Hartzell, Councilman Jody Levchuk, Councilman Pete Madden and Councilman Tom Rotondi.
Gillian is seeking his fourth term in the May 10 municipal election. His opponent is Hartzell, who will have to leave his at-large Council seat to run.
Gillian asked the audience members if they had anything they wished to ask him or say. He also asked Hartzell directly if he had any questions. Hartzell responded that he did not.
They cordially wished each other good luck in the election.
Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, of Ocean City, didn’t have a question, but rather wanted to compliment the mayor for his work on various initiatives.
“We are about the people here. I want to commend you. Our relationship was a little contentious at first,” Hayes said.
But soon, she said, she learned that the mayor had good plans for the city.
“I want to commend you for all of your efforts in dredging projects,” Hayes said to Gillian. “I also commend you for the shared services (agreements).”
VFW Post Commander Mike Morrissey also stood up to say a few remarks.
He thanked Gillian for his work as mayor. He spoke of how the VFW Post needed repairs and the city helped the post make the repairs happen. He also said that the mayor and his administration made the construction of a new American Legion building possible a few years ago.
In closing, Gillian said this, “It’s an honor to be your mayor. We continue to work hard. I want to thank Council. It’s not easy, but at the end of the day, we all work together.”
