OCEAN CITY — Mayor Jay Gillian formally announced his bid for a fifth term in office Sunday afternoon, saying he believes deeply in the community and there remains work to do.
In a 2-minute, 50-second video, Gillian reiterated his former campaign promise “unity in the community.” He said he has always governed by what is best for Ocean City, “not politics, pressure or personal interest.”
He will be facing long-serving City Councilman Keith Hartzell, who has been out campaigning but has not formally announced his bid. No one else has done so either. Gillian defeated Hartzell in the 2018 and 2022 mayoral elections.
Related story: Q&A with Mayor Jay Gillian
He said he remains committed to his vision of a safe family community, a transparent city government and a shore town that protects its character while planning wisely for its future.
He quickly addressed going through personal bankruptcy protection, an issue he said “deserves honesty.”
“Over the past year, my family and I have heard claims about the closing of Wonderland (Pier amusement park), including accusations that I somehow benefited from it,” he said. “That simply isn’t true. Nobody loved Wonderland more than I did. It was my life, my family business and my legacy.”
“I lost everything trying to keep it alive, long after I knew it was time but my heart wouldn’t let it go. There are many factors that led to its closing, including my own decisions, but no one can say I benefited from going out of business. No one can say I’m beholden to anyone but myself.”
Gillian closed Wonderland Pier in October 2024 after announcing at the end of that summer the business was no longer financially viable and that Ocean City could not support two amusement parks. His father, former mayor Roy Gillian, opened the park nearly 60 years earlier. Jay Gillian worked at the park since he was a boy and later bought the park from his father.
Hotelier and developer Eustace Mita purchased the large 600 Boardwalk property in early 2021 for what he said was $14 million after banks foreclosed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on a reported $8 million in loans Gillian had taken out to support the park.
Mita leased it back to Gillian, who kept it open for four more summer seasons — 2021 through 2024.
After the park’s closure, new owner Mita announced plans to build a $170 million, eight-story, 252-room hotel on the site, something that has been the subject of numerous meetings but has not been able to move forward.
Gillian said his personal bankruptcy tied to his business closing has nothing to do with his public service.
“Using a personal loss to question the integrity of this administration or the work we’ve done for Ocean City is unfair to the outstanding professionals and dedicated volunteers who serve this city with integrity every day.”
Gillian went on to list accomplishments from his four-term tenure as mayor.
He said the city has maintained one of the lowest property tax rates in the state and a AA bond rating, delivered clean audits, and invested responsibly in infrastructure, public safety, flood mitigation and essential city services.
“I love Ocean City. I’ve dedicated my life to protecting and improving it,” he said. “This city is built on values that do not change — family, safety, faith and community.”
Gillian said there are “real challenges ahead” with rising costs, infrastructure needs and flooding.
“Leadership means respecting tradition while planning responsibly for the future,” he said, adding that he wants to continue the work his administration has started, including protecting the taxpayers and keeping Ocean City strong for the next generation.
“That’s why I’m running for re-election,” he concluded. “I’m asking for your trust, your support and your vote.”
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
At top, Mayor Jay Gillian speaking at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Ocean City Tabernacle in January.
