OCEAN CITY – Incumbents Peter Madden and Karen Bergman, along with newcomer John “Tony” Polcini, officially filed their paperwork for Ocean City Council at-large, dropping off their petitions to city clerk Melissa Rasner Wednesday morning.
Madden and Bergman are each seeking re-election to a third term and have teamed up with Polcini, a former businessman. They plan to run “on the ideal of keeping power out of politics.”
Former First Ward councilman Michael DeVlieger, who resigned from his seat in August 2021, has also turned in his petitions to run for one of the three at-large seats up in the May 10 election. Sitting Second Ward Councilman Tomaso Rotondi and First Ward resident Donna Moore have also taken out nominating papers, meaning there may be six candidates for the three seats.
The mayor’s seat also is up for election May 10. Incumbent Jay Gillian is seeking a fourth term. Longtime At-large Councilman Keith Hartzell turned in his petitions Wednesday to formally challenge Gillian, rather than seek a return to his at-large seat. Resident Michael Mercurio has taken out nomination papers for the mayor’s race, but has not turned them in.
Petitions for council and mayor are due by 4 p.m. Monday, March 7.
Although Polcini, Bergman and Madden are running separately, the three candidates said they are unified in their efforts to keep the constituents of Ocean City front and center in the decision-making process.
Polcini is a newcomer to politics but is a lifelong resident and owner of the former Tony P’s House of Pie on the boardwalk. He said he is taking a “family-first approach to community politics” and that he “knows that speaking from the perspective of family values as a voice on council will hopefully help keep the people of Ocean City in the forefront of those who make the decisions.”
Bergman is the catering director of Flanders Hotel and the only female member of City Council.
She cited her “common-sense, no-nonsense approach to politics” as a key to her success. Bergman said she takes great pride in representing the taxpayers of Ocean City and considers that a privilege. She said enjoys the ability to work for the community and advocate for what is best for all.
Madden is broker owner of Goldcoast Sotheby’s International. He said he wants to “keep the community moving forward.” He has praised the Gillian Administration for its work on a number of citywide projects including dredging, road improvements and recreational services. Madden said as a councilman he hopes to continue the positive relationship he has with the mayor and his team.
–By DAVID NAHAN/SENTINEL STAFF