Wilson is Official - Council Candidates Prepare for May Election

OCNJ Daily

By Donald Wittkowski The race for City Council is becoming a bit clearer, with three incumbents signaling their intention Tuesday to run for re-election while another one has decided to call it quits. Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson, who formally announced that he is seeking another four-year term, became the first candidate to submit his petitions to the city clerk for the May 10 municipal election. Second Ward Councilman Antwan McClellan said he has taken out petitions and is "95 percent sure" he will run again. First Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger said that he plans to seek re-election, but will make a formal announcement later. However, Fourth Ward Councilman Peter Guinosso confirmed he will not run again. Guinosso, a 75-year-old retiree who has been on Council since 2012, said he wants to spend more time with his family on the East and West coasts and simply will not be in Ocean City often enough to fulfill his Council duties. "It's one of those things that pulls you one way or the other," Guinosso said. March 7 is the deadline for candidates to submit petitions to have their names placed on the ballot. They must collect valid signatures from at least 1 percent of the registered voters. In addition to races in the First, Second, Third and Fourth wards, there is one open at-large Council seat in the election. Incumbent Councilwoman Karen Bergman announced earlier this month that she is running again for her at-large seat. Bergman is expected to face opposition from H. Lloyd Hayes, a retired Ocean City school teacher and former member of the Board of Education. Hayes has also taken out petitions for the at-large seat. For her re-election announcement, Bergman made a splashy appearance at City Hall on Feb. 4 surrounded by about 40 cheering supporters. In contrast, Wilson's announcement Tuesday at City Hall was a low-key affair that saw him submit his petitions to the Clerk's Office without any fanfare. Speaking to reporters, Wilson sketched out his election strategy and said he is prepared to mount a vigorous campaign if he faces any opposition. So far, no one else has taken out petitions for the Third Ward seat, according to the Clerk's Office. "I still think I can be effective," Wilson said of his decision to run again. Wilson plans to push for projects in the city's capital plan to enhance the beaches, Boardwalk and bays. He also said he will promote the downtown business district. Roads and drainage improvements designed to alleviate the island's tidal flooding will be another top priority of his campaign, Wilson said. Although McClellan is waiting to make his formal announcement, he said in an interview that his campaign will also stress the importance of solving the flooding problem. McClellan also supports the city's plans for an ambitious dredging program to clear out the clogged lagoons. Wilson, meanwhile, noted that he plans to revive his "Family minded, with a business approach" campaign slogan that he used in his successful 2012 run. Wilson believes it is paramount to upgrade the beaches, Boardwalk, bays and other attractions that are the centerpieces of the city's "America's Greatest Family Resort" tourism slogan. Stressing his lifelong family roots in Ocean City, he also wants to encourage more families to make their homes in town. The 47-year-old Wilson was born and raised in Ocean City. He is a local contractor and lives in town with his wife, Melissa, son Tony and daughter Julia.