By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Promoting themes of unity and teamwork, Mayor Jay Gillian and three City Council members were sworn into four-year terms Friday during an inauguration ceremony that reflected a sweeping change in the makeup of Ocean City’s government.
Gillian took the oath of office for his fourth term following his May 10 election win over challenger Keith Hartzell, who had been City Council’s longest-serving member. Hartzell relinquished his Council seat to run against Gillian.
Three at-large Council seats were up for grabs in the election. Council incumbents Pete Madden and Karen Bergman and political newcomer Tony Polcini, the election winners, were also sworn in Friday.
In a 7-0 vote, Madden was named as Council president and Bergman as vice president during Council’s reorganization.
Madden, who served as Council president from 2016 to 2019, steps back into that leadership role. He succeeds Councilman Bob Barr, who was president for the last two years. Bergman took over as vice president from Councilman Tom Rotondi.
During his inauguration remarks, Gillian said he looks forward to working with Madden, Bergman, Polcini and the other Council members in ways that will benefit the city and its residents. But he stressed that “so much more has to be done.”
“We need to find that middle ground as a government and work together. It can’t be one side or the other. I think that’s one of our specialties here on Council and in Ocean City as we find that middle ground and do what’s right for the taxpayers,” he said.
Among others, Gillian thanked his supporters, the city employees and his family members, including his wife, Michele. He grew emotional while speaking of his father, Roy Gillian, a former Ocean City mayor, and his late mother. Roy Gillian sat in the audience at the Ocean City Music Pier during the inauguration ceremony attended by more than 100 people.
“I thank my father for everything. He has given me so much. There’s no way I would be standing here if it wasn’t for him, and also my mom,” Gillian said.
Gillian also reaffirmed his faith in God, telling the audience that he began attending daily Mass before the election to help pick up his spirits during a “down” period in his life.
“It’s given me a peace that I’ve never felt before. I believe it has made me a better person,” he said.
He continued, “I think we need to be nicer, we need to be kinder. We need to listen more. We need to help each other. We need to stop the judging. We need to accept people, not try to change them.”
Heading into the election, the Council meetings often became divisive during policy disagreements between Gillian’s administration and some members of the governing body.
However, Madden, Bergman and Polcini, who called themselves the “Big 3,” ran on a ticket that supported Gillian over Hartzell.
Like Gillian did in his inaugural remarks, Madden, Bergman and Polcini thanked God, their supporters and their family members, among others. They all spoke of what an honor it will be for them to serve as an elected official.
Madden emphasized the need for cooperation and teamwork in Ocean City’s government.
“Within our town are many unique parts that keep Ocean City moving forward and running smoothly,” Madden said. “Just like in a family, a business and in sports, teamwork and cohesiveness are crucial for forward progress.”
“I also know that doesn’t mean that there won’t be disagreements or discussions about sensitive topics, but I know that as an elected official it is about serving the needs and wants of the community. That will keep Ocean City ahead of the curve,” he added.
Bergman also spoke of the importance of teamwork while delivering her remarks.
“It’s a team headed by Mayor Gillian and his administration: A team that takes the issues of the citizens of our great town seriously. A team who understands the importance of communicating with the community. A team committed to correcting our infrastructure. A team who listens to the concerns of the community and works tirelessly to address them and correct them,” she said.
“But most of all, a team who pulls together through the storms, and more recently, the pandemic,” she continued.
Bergman, the only woman on the seven-member Council, also pledged to bring a “commonsense, female perspective to the issues at hand.”
“I am dedicated and committed to continue serving you as a woman with integrity, passion, honesty and transparency,” she said.
Polcini stepped to the podium to deliver his inaugural remarks after Gillian, Bergman and Madden had finished. Alluding to his status as a political novice, he drew laughs from the audience by saying, “They let the new guy go last.”
Polcini became emotional at times while speaking of his family and the commitment he will make in “this wonderful opportunity to serve our community.”
“I am proud to be an Ocean City (resident), true and true. Born and raised in this wonderful town we get to call home. I am proud that I get to use this platform of City Council to represent the wants and needs of this great town, while staying committed to my faith in God, my family and the traditions of Ocean City,” he said.
As a newcomer on the political scene during the election, Polcini said it was always important for him to “stay true to who I am and what I believe in, knowing that at times those lines could be blurred.”
“I promised on the campaign trail that I would look at all sides of an issue, inform myself to the possible outcome and decisions and make recommendations based on what is best for the citizens I have been elected to represent. I am not a yes guy, but instead one that prides himself on doing what is right, even when the task may be very difficult,” he said.
