Letter from Jim: My Thoughts on Leadership, Experience, and Finding Practical Solutions
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters,
Last night I spoke again at City Council to encourage a thoughtful, fact-based, and efficient review of the Boardwalk that moves Ocean City forward rather than backward.
As I continue meeting residents across town, one theme comes up again and again: City leadership waited too long to act on the future of the Wonderland site and find a reasonable compromise. People are frustrated that the city hasn’t figured this out. I agree.
In my four decades of professional experience working with communities and major development projects, I’ve seen that the most successful outcomes come from leaders who listen, bring people together, and work toward practical solutions.
Ocean City needs that same approach today, for the Wonderland site and for many other issues facing our community. We can find common ground around a balanced solution, such as a smaller hotel with modern entertainment in front that strengthens the Boardwalk while respecting the character of Ocean City.
Instead, city leadership has allowed a highly divisive, developer-driven process to unfold without putting forward a clear vision of their own. Unfortunately, that same pattern shows up in other areas as well, from budgeting to parking to affordability.
Experience That Helps Communities Find Solutions
At Erickson Senior Living, where I serve as Vice President of Business Strategy, I’ve led projects that required a commitment to practical compromise that I feel has been missing from our current leadership.
Erickson’s developments are often located on sites that are economically important and deeply meaningful to local residents. The key is listening first and working collaboratively with many perspectives.
For example, in one community, we incorporated a public park to preserve valued open space. In another, we partnered with local officials to design new access roads that addressed neighborhood traffic concerns. In a third we dedicated a space for a community rec center.
Solutions like these come from dialogue, patience, and a willingness to find common ground.
Bringing That Approach to Ocean City
If you’ve attended local City Council meetings, you’ve seen that I’ve not only advocated for compromise — I’ve worked actively to help move the conversation in that direction. Through my local advocacy, I’ve pushed for an open, fact-based process that listens to residents and encourages public dialogue about the future of the Boardwalk.
If you believe Ocean City needs leadership focused on solutions and collaboration, I would be grateful for your support. You can help by sharing this message with friends and neighbors, engaging with the campaign on social media on Facebook or Instagram (please Like, Share & Follow!), volunteering, and/or making a contribution of any size.
Thank you for your continued encouragement and for everything you’re doing to help move Ocean City forward.
Yours,