A New Voice for Ocean City
Open. Independent. Financially Disciplined.
About Me
I’m Jim Kelly, and I’m running for Ocean City Council to bring a new, independent voice to local government. My wife Donna and I have been full-time residents in Ocean City for more than 20 years. This is where we have raised our family and built our lives. I believe our city deserves open, responsive, and financially disciplined leadership grounded in real experience.
I’ve spent more than 40 years building communities, including managing complex land-use, and financial decisions. I’ve also been a strong community advocate working to bring greater openness, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful planning to Ocean City’s future.
City decisions should be made 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, honest communication, and results..
“When the Wonderland debate divided our town, I took a leadership role:
I frequently appeared before City Council to advocate for a fact-driven master plan process
I pressed for significant public involvement.
I urged for activating the north end of the boardwalk with temporary entertainment.
I also pushed for compromise — because I’ve seen first-hand through my decades of professional experience building strong communities that compromise brings not only the best and most durable solution, but the healing our community needs.
As Councilman, I will continue to advocate for smart, fact-driven compromise.”
Jim Kelly
Why I’m Running
Ocean City deserves leadership that:
Is independent
Makes decisions based on facts and dialogue, not special interests
Finds common ground
Prioritizes fiscal responsibility & discipline
Operates in the open
Plans responsibly for the future
Protects what makes our town special
Doesn’t just make campaign promises, but follows through with results
“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