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Proven Leadership for Ocean City
- History of Working Hard for OC; Returning calls; Doing his Homework; and Caring.
- Led the residence effort to prevent the Wind Turbine Industrial Park and battled Orsted and the state to keep them from running their power lines through Ocean City.
- Helped protect our marine environment. The Wind Farms would have negatively affected our tourism, real estate values, taxes, and quality of life.
- 9+ years of experience helping improve roads and drainage, dredging, boardwalk, and beach replenishment in the First Ward.
- Spearheaded the committee to build a world class skate park in Ocean City. Which included participating in the site location selection, design, funding (applied and won a $500,000 grant from the County of Cape May) and construction management.
- Supported every effort to keep taxes reasonable.
- Supported the effort to stop using chemical pesticides on our athletic fields and public spaces.
What is at stake?
- The City’s 2024 budget is over $100 million. That is an awful lot of money. There needs to be checks and balances. The taxpaying public needs to know that no one will have a blank check or “no bid” contracts.
- The Wind Farms must still be fought. It is critical that we regain our “Home Rule”.
- The delicate balance that keeps Ocean City “America’s Greatest Family Resort” can be easily changed with just four votes on Council.
What do some of your neighbors have to say?
“Mike is at the forefront of opposition to offshore wind farms and their disastrous impact to the environment, marine life, commercial fishing operations, and Ocean City’s tourism and home values. He has been since 2018 as far as I am aware. That’s when I first contacted him, all of the City Council and the administration as the founder of Protect Our Coast NJ and Ocean City Flooding. After the cancellation of Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects, Mike continues to lead the fight against offshore wind up and down the Eastern Seaboard. I have never seen an elected official work harder to represent and protect the best interests of his constituents (even when others on City Council and administration were doing the opposite) and that is why I support Mike DeVlieger. If you care about Ocean City, I strongly encourage you to vote for Mike too.” – Suzanne Hornik founder of Protect Our Coast NJ and Ocean City Flooding
“I have known Mike for a long time and consider him a dear friend and a “brother.” He has a wonderful heart and generous spirit along with a sharp mind. We have shared talks about our love of God and others as we travel through this crazy life. Our large families grew up together in OC and I have worked with Mike in fundraising and team building as we struggled to try and keep our local Catholic grade school open and always appreciated his dedication of service for others. I would love to have him back as one of our city leaders.” –Harry Vanderslice, Former Councilman and Business Owner
“When my family and I were living in the First Ward, we noticed the streets were in poor condition. Mike was quick to work with residents, listen to their concerns and develop a commonsense plan to start fixing the potholes and pave the streets that were in need of repair. When the skate park was demolished at the Civic Center, the community lost a unique recreation asset that our children came to love and enjoy. Mike again worked with the community and county to bring an even better skate park back to the community that has since exceeded anyone’s wild dreams. This park is used by our youth and adults 365 days a year and will continue to pay dividends for Ocean City in the years to come.” – Brian Hartley, 4th Ward Resident and Business Executive
“Mike is a dedicated public servant. He takes the time to listen to the needs and concerns of others. He will always do what he can to help the people of Ocean City.” –Alex and Donna Oves, Business Owners and longtime friends
Mike spearheaded a planning committee that organized the skateboard park. When I got divorced, Mike said if you need anything “I am here” and he was. He helped me as long as I needed him. He’s a good, genuine guy and I have known him forever. -Chuck Palermo, 1st Ward Resident and lifelong friend
Mike has always been there for everyone in Ocean City. He is the true meaning of community first. He’s always been one to look at the issue at hand and think what is best for everyone, not himself. He’s been there for all of our kids by spearheading the skatepark, which has been a huge success. –Carl Wanek, Former President of Junior Raider Football
“Mike is very generous with his time … more than willing to help out any organization or person with just about anything.” -Greg Young, Junior Raider Wrestling
“I have known Mike for over 40 years. He has always been a man for others. A compassionate, kind and honest person. Everything you want in a community leader but will never find in your typical politician.” –Bill Rauner, 1st Ward Resident and longtime friend
“My father has and always will put you before himself, even throughout the good, the bad and the ugly. He will always show his true colors; you can always count on him.” –Flynn DeVlieger, OCHS Graduate, College Student and Son of the candidate
“I’ve lived my entire life around my father, so I can say with complete certainty that Ocean City is not just a town to him. It is his home. He raised our family here. He has always been one to step up, speak out and take action on what is best for our family and Ocean City.” –Reagan DeVlieger, OCHS Student and Daughter of the candidate
Mike’s History of Community Service
City Council
Former Ocean City 1st Ward Councilman – 9 Years
Former Vice President of City Council – 1 Year
Former Council Representative to the Airport Committee – 2 Years
Former Council Representative for the Utility Committee – 7 Years
Former Head of the Ocean City User Skate Park Committee – 2 Years
Former Ward Captain for Super Storm Sandy Relief – 1 Year
Coaching
OC Youth Travel Basketball Coach – 5 Years
Ocean City Recreation Basketball Coach – 8 Years
T-Ball Coach – 2 Years
OC Youth Soccer – 2 Years
Boards & Committees
Active Board Member of the Ocean City Education Foundation – 2 Years
Active Board Member of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce – 10 years
Board Member OCNJ Care – 10 Years
Former Board Member OCHS Boathouse Committee – 3 Years
Charities
American Cancer Society – Relay for Life Board Member – 3 Years
The Prouty – Cancer Fundraiser & 100 Mile Bike Participant – 4 Years
Autism Speaks Fundraiser 3 Years
Mike’s Seafood Run & Walk Benefiting Autism – Supporter – 5 Years
Former President & Founder of the Nicholas P. Pipino Memorial Foundation – 15 Years
Civic Groups
Ocean City Yacht Club Member – 19 Years
Social Member – VFW Post 6650 – 5 Years
Church Affiliation
Member of St. Damien’s Parish
Work Experience:
Mike has worked in the Executive Search industry since 1991. His career journey included climbing through the ranks of a large personnel firm to become the Executive Vice President. He opened his own search firm and operated that for four years until he was recruited to Corporate America. Over the last 15 years he has held executive-level roles in two separate Fortune 50 companies.
Education:
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Dual BBA in Marketing and Management
*Paid for by Neighbors supporting DeVlieger for Council*
