A New Voice for Ocean City
Integrity. Transparency. Results.
About Me
I’m Jim Kelly, and I’m running for Ocean City Council to bring a new, independent voice to local government.
After more than 20 years as a full-time resident, and as a husband, father, grandfather, and business leader, I believe Ocean City deserves transparent and responsive leadership, based on sound business principles, fiscal discipline, and thoughtful long-term planning.
City decisions should be made in the open — with real public input and clear accountability — and always in the best interests of our entire community. Public trust in our government must be earned through integrity, transparency, and results.
Why I’m Running
Ocean City deserves leadership that:
Makes decisions based on facts and dialogue, not special interests
Finds common ground
Prioritizes fiscal responsibility
Operates in the open
Plans responsibly for the future
Protects what makes our town special
“Jim's commitment to listening and understanding the communities we operate in ensures that their voices, needs, and interests are always at the forefront of our projects. This community-centered approach is how we are able to successfully find alignment with local officials and their various stakeholders.”
Todd Matthiesen
Executive VP of Business Strategy
Erickson Senior Living
Platform
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If elected, I will insist that we answer the hard financial questions in public — with facts, data, and full transparency.
That includes:
Clear reporting on debt and long-term liabilities
Honest discussion of labor and operating costs
Comparing Ocean City to similar shore towns
Exploring a Council-led finance or debt subcommittee
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Our city has experienced dramatic changes in its housing stock and real estate prices, pricing out many who once could afford to call Ocean City home. We deserve a City Council that leads in developing strategies to address key issues, including:
Parking challenges
Pressure on working residents
Rising costs
Shifts in the character of our tourism economy
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Council meetings should welcome public comment. Important decisions should never be made without meaningful dialogue.
Residents deserve:
Clear explanations of major votes
Easy access to budget summaries
Regular updates on key financial metrics