Two Candidates Withdraw in Second Ward Race

By MADDY VITALE First there were two, then three, but now just one person is running for the Second Ward City Council seat. Tom Rotondi, 41, a married father of three, who works with Nonprofits and Physician Groups, submitted his nominating petitions last week. He will be running unopposed for the four-year term in the May 12 municipal election. The seat was vacated in January by Councilman Antwan McClellan, who was elected to the state Assembly. On Monday, Gabe Staino, who turned in his nominating petitions on March 2, submitted a letter formally withdrawing from the race, City Clerk Melissa Rasner confirmed Tuesday. Staino, a married father of three who works as a major gifts consultant for AtlantiCare, said in a phone interview that a letter he posted on his campaign Facebook page detailed his reasons for choosing not to run. ​“I’d like to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement since I announced my candidacy to represent Ocean City’s 2nd Ward in City Council," the letter says. "The support that many of you have expressed has meant so much. I’ve been motivated and energized by the faith that you’ve shown in me." The letter continues, “Unfortunately, we have come to the realization that my candidacy cannot go forward, as our permanent residency does not meet the duration requirements to fill the vacancy in City Council, if Micki and I had only made the move two months earlier.” According to Rasner, a prospective candidate must reside in the community for no less than a year prior to the May 12 municipal election. Staino moved to Ocean City in July. Kyle Gillen, picks up his packet from City Clerk Melissa Rasner. In another twist on Monday morning, local resident Kyle Gillen, 32, a married father of two, walked in to pick up his packet to run for the Second Ward Council seat. By the end of the day, Gillen had obtained the necessary signatures -- 25 -- to be placed on the ballot. However, other issues prevented him from being able to run, Rasner explained. “Kyle Gillen picked up a packet and came back at 4 p.m. He met the requirements for the petitions, but he was not a registered voter and he was going to be challenged for his residency requirement,” Rasner explained. Like Staino, Gillen, who works in logistics for an online company, must have been living in the Second Ward for at least a year prior to the May 12 municipal election to be eligible to seek office. There are three uncontested races out of the four wards. Running unopposed are incumbents First Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger and Fourth Ward Councilman Bob Barr. Second Ward candidate Tom Rotondi does not have a challenger now that Staino and Gillen have dropped out. The sole contested race features incumbent Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson against Boardwalk businessman Jody Levchuk. On Friday at 4 p.m., all candidates are asked to go to City Hall where they will draw from a hat to determine their ballot position.