Letter from Jim: How I’ll Work With the Next Mayor, and Speak Up When It Matters
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters,
The upcoming Ocean City election will determine three At-Large seats on City Council, as well as our next Mayor. With three candidates currently running for the mayoral position, one of the questions I am often asked is, “How will you approach working with the next Mayor?”
As an independent Council member, my responsibility would be to work effectively with whomever Ocean City’s residents elect. That means finding common ground and working towards constructive solutions, but it also means not being afraid to stand firm when necessary to protect the interests of our community.
My professional experience and personal values uniquely have prepared me to strike this balance and work effectively with all stakeholders. I have spent my 43-year career building successful communities. I am skilled in working with a variety of perspectives, positions, and backgrounds. Finding compromise while respecting core values is central to how I work.
Not Just Agreement—Better Decision-Making
People tell me they want a City Council that works effectively as a governing body. They want to see progress, but they’re not interested in City Council acting as a rubber stamp. They want the best answers for Ocean City. They want leaders who ask the right questions, explore a variety of ideas, and make transparent decisions through open dialogue.
As a member of City Council, I will draw on my knowledge and experience to strengthen City Council’s effectiveness in preserving Ocean City’s core values and setting a clear vision for a bright future. Here are a few of the principles of leadership and governance I will bring to the table.
Building RelationshipsSuccessful leaders understand the value of productive relationships. They build trust and improve communication. Understanding the background of opposing views leads to higher quality and more sustainable solutions. Relationships foster a focus on mutual, positive outcomes and a shared future grounded in compromise and progress.
Transparent DeliberationA governing body’s performance is improved by transparency. Public deliberation builds trust, increases accountability, and results in better-informed decisions. Open dialogue elevates the broader public interest in decision-making and protects a community from undue influence by special interests.
Public EngagementInvolving community members in decision-making improves outcomes. It creates a shared sense of responsibility and draws upon a community’s collective expertise and experience. This can be done by utilizing town meetings, workshops, online surveys, and other methods of reaching out for community input.
Leadership is as much about how you do things as it is about what you do. If elected I will govern with openness, independence and financial discipline, and work to ensure that City Council serves as a thoughtful, effective, and independent voice for our community.
Staying Engaged and Getting Involved
Thank you for your continued engagement and encouragement. For those who have asked how you can help – please consider sharing this email with friends and neighbors, and then please Follow, Share and Comment on our Facebook and Instagram posts, consider volunteering, or making a contribution of any size. Lawn signs are now available for order and can be displayed publicly as of April 12. And if you plan to go to the polls on May 12, ask others if they need a ride or want to carpool - particularly those who may have more limited mobility.
I remain humbled by and grateful for your support.
Yours,