In final meeting after 16 years as a councilman, he urges city to remain virtuous
OCEAN CITY – In his final meeting as an Ocean City Council member last week, Keith Hartzell thanked his colleagues, city officials and staffers and the public for the support he received during his 16 years in office.
In turn, he was acknowledged by his peers, other public officials and members of the public.
Hartzell was the subject of the only non-consent resolution on the agenda, one that pointed to his long record of service and, in a lighter note, his pride of being a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Hartzell was well known for his long monologues during council meetings, regularly talking about the influence of his family members who instilled values in him and introduced him to Ocean City. Taking a playful jab at himself, he stood up and unfurled a long scroll that he pretended would be his speech. “Put two hours on the clock,” he said, smiling.
The resolution, unanimously approved, stated how Hartzell had served with honor and distinction since 2006, including roles as president and vice president of council, that he was the former president of Main Street Ocean City and the 2005 Citizen of the Year. It addressed the support he gave to the unprecedented levels of infrastructure, a joint achievement of council and Mayor Jay Gillian’s administration, and how he always took pride in going door to door to meet and listen to his constituents.
In a resolution that was filled with paragraphs beginning with “whereas,” one noted “Hartzell is a die-hard Philadephia fan and was in Minneapolis for one of the greatest moments in Philly sports history: the Eagles’ 41-33 victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.”
State Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Cape May County Commissioner Leonard Desiderio, the mayor of Sea Isle, also presented proclamations to Hartzell.
McClellan, a former Ocean City councilman and school board member, said the Legislature’s proclamation didn’t do Hartzell justice. He said Hartzell showed him how to run a proper campaign to get elected, but beyond that said, “Your selflessness is unbelievable.” He thanked him for fighting for the community and how to question the administration. “I love you. I appreciate you. This city needs you and respects you,” McClellan said.
Representing county government, Desiderio said Hartzell had done a “wonderful job. Your commitment to citizens of Ocean City is greatly appreciated.” He also noted the county heard Hartzell’s voice “loud and clear” and had a great working relationship with him.
Councilwoman Karen Bergman credited Hartzell with convincing her to run for City Council. She said she admired him for “doing everything 150 percent,” and that he listened to the citizens and responded to them.
Council President Bobby Barr said he was on council because of three people – U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, his chief of staff Allison Murphy and Hartzell.
When Fourth Ward Councilman Pete Guinosso retired, “Keith told me I had to do this,” Barr said.
“There is nobody who has more passion for local public service, meeting people, going door to door, making sure everyone has a voice,” he said. He noted he has gone through three sets of tires on his wheelchair, mostly because of going door to door with Hartzell. (He also campaigned for and with Hartzell during Hartzell’s unsuccessful run for mayor against Gillian this spring.)
Unlike Hartzell, Barr said he is never going to be a Philadelphia sports fan. Noting he is a fan for his hometown team – the Ocean City High School Red Raiders – he told Hartzell, “I care more about you than I can ever say.”
During public comment, Donna Moore and Suzanne Hornick also gave accolades to Hartzell. Moore thanked Hartzell for his years of reaching out to learn the needs of citizens and responding to them.
Hornick, saying she was speaking on behalf of the thousands of members of the OC Flooding Committee and Protect Our Coast NJ, thanked Hartzell for his selfless years of service and how even when they disagreed would take the time to understand her group’s viewpoints.
“I think having him not up there (on council) will be a tremendous loss to Ocean City. I don’t know what we’re going to do without the stories about his family,” she said. “It will make council meetings dull.”
Former councilman Tony Wilson spent a few moments thanking his friend and roasting him a little bit. He said Hartzell was a great mentor and that his passion for the job was unparalleled.
For his part, Hartzell said Ocean City “has given me everything possible that I ever wanted.” He said he always wanted to do three things: be a traveling salesman so he could meet many people, be an elected official and get to be a radio host, which he has done for as long as he has been in office. For the radio gig, he thanked Chuck Betson and presented Betson’s widow, Barb, with a basket of red roses, just as he had for his partner, Becky Friedel.
Hartzell said after a contentious election in 2006, he expected he would be an arch-enemy of then-councilman Scott Ping, but that Ping reached out and said, “We can work together, can’t we?” He said Ping was a unifier and helped unite council.
He also referenced the non-partisan nature of council, saying he and former councilman Jody Alessandrine held opposite political views, but they both loved Ocean City. “I wouldn’t be here with Jody,” Hartzell said.
He thanked his fellow council members, including Barr, “his brother from another mother,” for helping him maintain his integrity and ensure he wasn’t too full of himself. He said he appreciated all of the citizens who took the time to speak before council.
Hartzell also spoke about his faith and that his prayer would be that Ocean City continue to be a virtuous town. “It will drive us to be the best we can possibly be.”
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff