Has passion to help others, business knowledge
Editor’s note: The Ocean City Sentinel is running profiles of the candidates for Ocean City Council in the May 14 election. Incumbent Third Ward Councilman Jody Levchuk is facing a challenge from Amie Vaules.
OCEAN CITY — Amie Vaules would bring her experience in business and her passion to help to Ocean City Council if elected to the Third Ward in the May 14 election.
She grew up in a family business, which taught her how to communicate with the public.
“I learned to listen and follow through to meet their requests,” Vaules said.
In addition to having a “strong passion” to help others, she has experience working with all of the departments in Ocean City to coordinate annual events in the resort for the past 10-plus years.
Vaules believes she would be an effective ward council representative. She said she would be able to work with everyone to solve problems and be fiscally responsible.
“I want to work with everyone on council, city officials and continue to see the city move forward,” Vaules said.
Pressing issues
In the Third Ward, she believes the most pressing issue is finishing the eminent domain acquisition of the Flood properties to go along with the purchase of the Klause lots between the Ocean City Community Center and Palmer Field. The land between Simpson and Haven avenues used to be home to a Chevrolet dealership.
Vaules would like to see open space, sports fields and additional parking for the Community Center on those parcels.
“I’m excited to explore all options to improve this land for the city, the community and visitors to enjoy,” she said.
Made in error
Asked if there were any Ocean City Council decisions she believes were made in error, Vaules said two things came to mind.
One is the flood mitigation in the Merion Park neighborhood and the other the Public Safety Building that was proposed to replace the Ocean City Fire Department Headquarters at Fifth Street between Asbury and West avenues as a new home to the police department and court.
“Both of these projects were delayed or voted down, costing taxpayers money with no results or delays in starting these projects,” she said. “I would have liked to see council work together more to get the project started in Merion Park sooner and to be more fiscally responsible on the spend for the public safety building.”
After years of debate, it was finally decided to replace the Ocean City Police Department at its current site on Central Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets. Work on that could begin by the end of this year.
Spending too much
Asked whether city government was spending too much in any area, Vaules responded that one of the reasons Ocean City is America’s Greatest Family Resort is investments in public safety — police, fire and beach patrol.
“Maintaining these departments is well worth the spend, in my opinion,” she said.
Spending too little
Vaules said she believes in balanced spending.
“Our beach, bay and boardwalk are what draw people to our community, so proper funds must be allocated for that upkeep. I don’t see anywhere that is lacking at this time,” she said.
She added that the designation as America’s Greatest Family Resort is because Ocean City “is clean, safe, offers incredible services. It’s a destination where everyone wants to visit or own a home.”
Why she’s the best choice
“I’ve always lived in the Third Ward. All of my family lives here in the Third Ward,” Vaules said. “I have a strong understanding of the unique needs of my neighbors along with a desire to see Ocean City continue to improve into the future.”
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
City Council Candidate Forum April 29
The Sentinel is sponsoring a Candidate Forum from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Hughes Performing Arts Center auditorium at Ocean City High School. The public is invited to submit questions for consideration via email at oceancitysentinel@comcast.net. The forum is free to attend.