The slogan located just below his name on the May 10th ballot for the Ocean City Council At-Large election says it with simplicity and clarity: Mike DeVlieger cares about Ocean City.
Sometimes the simplest messages resound with the most impact. DeVlieger, a former Councilman for the First Ward, has the proven track record to back up his slogan.
“In representing the First Ward and as a three-time elected official, many of my initiatives have provided citywide benefits resonating well beyond my home Ward,” DeVlieger said. “They have positively impacted our residents, visitors, civic organizations, and other segments of our community.”
Several high-profile examples include him leading the design, construction, and funding of the Ocean City Skateboard Park. He is on the Board of Directors for OCNJCARE and served as the Ward Captain during the recovery from Superstorm Sandy. He has also been a Director with the Chamber of Commerce since 2012.
“I am an independent thinker who votes for issues based on the facts and not on special interest or hidden agendas,” he remarked.
“I do not claim to be a rock star. I am simply a guy who cares deeply for our community. I find when someone truly cares, they go the extra mile to get things done. This is not about ego, it is about helping preserve our unique community, serving the taxpayers, and those in need.”
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, DeVlieger has supported many initiatives over the last decade, including roads and infrastructure improvements, beach replenishment, flood mitigation, back bay dredging and Ocean City’s right to “home rule.”
In August of 2021, DeVlieger stepped down from Council to address a crisis in his family life. Since that time, Terry Crowley was elected to his former seat as First Ward Councilman. When asked about his decision to return to public service, he stated, “My family crisis has been addressed and my children asked me if I would run again. That was all that I needed to hear.”
In recent years, Mike was among the most vocal and outspoken opponents of the ocean wind farm project, which he says would “industrialize our ocean and beach and cause irreversible harm to our community.”
He continued, “I care about the environment, including the sea life and migratory birds. I also care about our real estate values, tourism, our utility bills, and the project’s effect on our ratables and taxes. I am not against green energy, but the price our community will have to pay as it stands now is disproportional and the process has been offensive.”
He is a family man who is father to two children who love and respect Ocean City. DeVlieger is a former T-Ball coach, former youth basketball coach and supporter of numerous school and church projects.
Mike is a firm believer in Ocean City’s slogan as “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
“Anyone can say they are family-friendly, he says, “but most communities do not put in the time and effort needed to do it.”
A lifelong summer resident of Ocean City and a full-time resident since 1999, he often says “there is no other place I’d rather raise my family.” His day job is focused on talent acquisition for a global consulting company, and it gives him the freedom to work remotely.
“I could work from any city in the country. Ocean City is the only place that I want to call home,” he said.
He is an active member of St. Damien’s parish, a trained CERT volunteer, former Airport Commission liaison on City Council, a member of the Boathouse Committee, a social member of the Ocean City VFW, and a former liaison for the city to the Ocean City High School crew team.
“We are living in difficult times and Ocean City is not immune to it,” he said. “We need strong leadership, combined excellent communications with our citizens, guests, and businesses.”
Mike said he prides himself on answering phone calls and engaging with individuals and community groups that need assistance with their challenges. He can be reached at 609-231-8987.
“Please help me return to Council to help preserve and protect our community,” Mike urged. “I respectfully and humbly ask for your mail-in vote or in-person vote on May 10th.”
