There’s only one mayoral candidate who isn’t beholden to developer or real estate interests in Ocean City

Dear Ocean City Neighbor,

Every candidate is talking about compromise on the campaign trail…

The question is: Who can actually deliver on the issue of Wonderland with a timely close and a solution that serves our community?

Mayor Jay Gillian should not be leading the fate of our boardwalk negotiations with Mita. His financial relationship with the developer is not a matter of speculation. 

• $1 million is the mortgage developer Mita holds on the mayor’s home (on undisclosed terms).

• $2 million is the agreement Mita signed to pay the Gillian when Wonderland closed.

• $3 million-plus is the amount Mita has sued Gillian for unpaid rent and other liabilities.

Does this sound fair or independent?

Because of this, Mayor Gillian has a legal and ethical obligation to stay out of negotiations for the most consequential planning issue our city has faced in decades. We need a clear-eyed mayor, not at best an ineffective spectator or—at worst—a broker beholden to private interests over public ones.

And then there’s realtor Pete Madden…

Now on the campaign trail, Pete Madden has hopped on the compromise bus. But Madden’s actions speak louder than his words. As a councilman, Madden has been consistently on the record praising the Icona proposal, likening it to a “crown jewel,” and advocating for zoning changes to make it happen. After it became apparent there was opposition to a massive complex, he even sprung a surprise vote in an attempt to push the high-rise through before the public could have a proper say. 

Given their records, it feels less like Gillian and Madden are sincerely ready to compromise, and more just, well, compromised…

There’s one independent choice

Keith Hartzell is the only mayoral candidate who stands independent of self interests. He’s the only one consistently on the record speaking to a solution that encompasses right-sized lodging beside boardwalk entertainments and parking. Hartzell is ready to move forward on the issue with:

1. Competence. As a smart and successful business person, Hartzell has played an active role in the development of the Asbury Avenue commercial district, which was recently voted one of the best of its kind in the country.  

2. Independence. Unlike his opponents, Hartzell is not beholden to developers. He will fight for the right answer—one that moves us forward together, while also preserving what makes Ocean City great.

3. Consistency. Hartzell has been on the side of a balanced solution since this issue first appeared in 2024: smaller hotel, robust entertainment along the boardwalk, and adequate parking. He didn’t change his position once on the campaign trail and he didn’t need a poll to tell him what people wanted. He listened to everyone in town, and has advocated for careful planning since Day 1.

4. Collaboration. None of the other mayoral candidates have had the spine to tell this developer, “No”—but Keith has, and will; and you have to start there to find a middle ground that actually protects our community.

Competence. Independence. Consistency. Collaboration.

That’s the path forward. Keith is the one who can lead us down it.

The Our Ocean City Team

To learn more about how we’re advocating for a more balanced approach, visit us at www.ouroceancity.org.