Letter from Jim: My Thoughts on Addressing Ocean City’s Day-to-Day Priorities
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters,
One of the most rewarding parts of my run for elected office has been meeting so many wonderful people who care deeply about Ocean City. They’ve shared their hopes, their concerns, and their practical ideas for keeping our community the special place we love.
Over the course of these recent conversations, we sometimes talk about big-picture issues, but many folks also focus on day-to-day issues—public safety, flooding, parking, and basic city services—that affect their lives every day. These deserve real attention from City Council. They can’t be addressed with generic, nice-sounding statements. They require clear solutions and thoughtful plans to prioritize them. They also need to focus on efficiencies and responsible spending with an eye to reducing waste and improving results.
I wanted to take this moment to share with you how I would approach these day-to-day priorities.
Public Safety
Keeping our community safe and secure is paramount to almost everyone I meet. It’s foundational to Ocean City being a great place to live, work, and visit. Residents are deeply appreciative of our police, fire department, and beach patrol, and they want to make sure those teams continue to have what they need to do their jobs well.
When elected I will:
Provide our police, fire department, and beach patrol with the staffing, equipment, and technology they need to meet today’s demands.
Propose and pass ordinances that provide the support and authority they need to be effective.
Use my experience in commercial development to advance a modern, functional police headquarters—managed with the discipline, oversight, and accountability needed to deliver it efficiently and get it done right.
Flooding
Flooding is another issue that comes up again and again. Residents recognize the progress that’s been made, but they also want to see continued momentum and better coordination, from infrastructure investment to construction standards and enforcement.
When elected, I will:
Move forward the city’s comprehensive flood mitigation plan.
Make sure we’re getting the most out of the investments already being made.
Look for ways to move projects along more expeditiously across the island.
Explore practical, innovative approaches to tidal flooding and stormwater management, including stronger construction codes and consistent enforcement.
Strengthen the focus on beach and dune protection.
Parking
Residents are asking for parking solutions. As our community evolves, with more cars per household and changing visitor patterns, the pressure on parking continues to increase. Sufficient parking is essential to the quality of life of Ocean City residents and the experience of our guests.
When elected, I will:
Use smart parking technology and flexible pricing tools to make better use of existing public parking.
Require adequate off-street parking in new construction.
Restrict commercial use of neighborhood parking during summer seasons and other busy times of the year.
The Basics
I also hear a lot about basic day-to-day concerns: trash collection, snow removal, and road work. These are part of daily life, and while they’re not always easy to manage, they can be done better with strong planning and communication. My professional career has given me direct experience in understanding the complexity of these operational realities and appreciating the effort our Public Works staff and leadership dedicate to serving us in these efforts.
When elected, I will:
Pursue effective provider contracts and give Public Works city managers the authority necessary to enforce them.
Introduce planning technology to minimize the inconvenience of road work and utility repair.
Improve communication to better capture resident feedback and provide advanced notice of scheduled projects and regular updates.
Moving Forward Together
I’ve spent my career helping to build and manage successful communities, and doing so in a fiscally responsible way. One thing I’ve learned is that listening matters—but it’s only the starting point. It’s what you do with that input that counts. I believe Ocean City deserves thoughtful, practical leadership that follows through—and that’s what I’ll work to provide.
Again, I thank you for your continued engagement and encouragement. I’m so grateful to people who continue to ask how they can help my campaign. Here are some options:
Request and display a Kelly for Council lawn sign! They can be displayed as of this Sunday, April 12.
Forward this email to friends and neighbors & suggest they sign up for future emails.
Follow, Share, and Comment on the Kelly for Council Facebook and Instagram posts.
Consider volunteering (we could use help distributing flyers and handing out lawn signs!)
Campaigns aren’t cheap, and I’m not being backed by any of the city’s traditional power brokers. Contributions of any size are appreciated.
Finally, make a plan to vote on May 12, and 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,