DeVlieger Files for O.C. Council At-Large Race

By TIM KELLY Michael DeVlieger, previously elected three times as councilman of Ocean City's First Ward, has filed to run for the open At-Large seat in the next election. Citing a "family crisis," DeVlieger, 55, stepped down from his First Ward position last August, but said he is now ready to vie for the open At-Large seat in the May 10 municipal election. "My family's crisis has been addressed. I once again have clear eyes and a full heart, and I am prepared to pick up where I left off. I feel comfortable re-entering public life and resuming my passion to serve the people of Ocean City." DeVlieger won his first election in 2012 over a popular opponent, Fred Hoffman. "Fred and I became friends and he taught me things that I would never have thought of without his insight," DeVlieger said. In 2016 and 2020, DeVlieger ran unopposed and served on Council until he said life's pressures and time constraints forced his resignation. He has been a full-time resident since 1999 and summered in Ocean City with his nine brothers and sisters his entire life. "Even though I ran unopposed in my last two elections, one of my favorite aspects of the job has always been meeting with individuals and community groups," said. "I get a kick out of helping people solve their challenges. I sincerely hope that we have numerous debates and get a chance to engage with the public to discuss the issues that they feel are important in Ocean City." DeVlieger's main full-time job is in Executive & Technical Search, a career in which he has 30 years of experience. He is a Talent Acquisition Partner for a global consulting organization. He was also an early investor in MediaWize, the parent company of this publication. As a councilman, DeVlieger was most recently known for his environmentalist views as an outspoken critic of the proposed offshore wind farms and a supporter of reducing the use of chemical pesticides on landscaping on Ocean City's playgrounds and other public areas. He has also been an outspoken advocate for keeping taxes as reasonable as possible while not abandoning his commitment for investment in the city's infrastructure needs. DeVlieger is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. and has bachelor's degrees in marketing and management. He is the father of two children, Flynn, 18, and Reagan, 16, both of whom will be acting as his campaign managers. He opposed the wind farms because he sees them as a threat to Ocean City's tourism, real estate values, rentals, marine environment, commercial fishing and the overall quality of the beach and ocean experience. "We already have the best beach and Boardwalk in the country, according to numerous articles and surveys," he said. "Why would we want to build an industrial park at sea in front of them?" He is a passionate advocate for the city's youth as the main Council voice in favor of a public skateboard park. His efforts helped make the park a $750,000 reality about five years ago. Two thirds of the cost was reimbursed to Ocean City by a grant program run by Cape May County, because of an effort that DeVlieger spearheaded. "Kids need things to do in their spare time, and this is a healthy activity," he said. "There is only a small percentage of kids that make the prominent sports teams, but virtually every kid can participate in skating. It promotes self-awareness, practice, determination and freedom of expression. On any given day you will see beginners through advanced level skaters enjoying the park in harmony. It has been great for tourism and for public relations for the city." The park, which was built on city-owned land on Asbury Avenue, is widely considered to be among the best designed and maintained public skating facilities on the East Coast. It hosts dozens of special events each year and is generally regarded as a smashing success.