Says he has energy, vision, is an analytical thinker with financial skills
Editor’s note: The Sentinel is running profiles of the candidates for Ocean City Council in the May 14 election. Sean Barnes and former councilman Michael DeVlieger are running for the remaining term of the at-large position open because of the resignation of long-serving councilwoman Karen Bergman, who resigned early this year.
OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City native, Sean Barnes would bring his lifelong knowledge of the town and the analytical and communication skills learned in his professional career to Ocean City Council if elected to the at-large position in the May 14 municipal election.
Aside from his time in college, Barnes has lived in the resort his entire life, so he is well aware of the issues that face the community.
“I’m blessed that I was able to grow up here. I love the town, I love the culture, the heritage, the history, everything about the way of life down here,” he said, adding his career skills would help him address complicated issues.
“My day-to-day job involves financial analysis, evaluation and negotiation. I’m well versed in land use and budget analysis and implementation and different strategies that meet the needs of the stakeholders, including economic, legal, financial and social needs,” he said.
A resident of Snug Harbor, he has been president of the neighborhood’s association for 22 years. That led him to address dredging issues; at one point Snug Harbor was dry and it was dangerous. His work to get that lagoon dredged “evolved into tip-to-tip dredging in all of Ocean City.”
He also dealt with an eminent domain case in Snug Harbor when land was needed for the new Route 52 causeway.
“I was able to successfully negotiate with state for fair and just compensation for land that was taken,” Barnes said.
“For the issues Ocean City faces on a day-to-day basis, I think my career and involvement in Ocean City has left me well prepared.”
Barnes believes he would be effective because he places importance on listening — to find out what constituents and stakeholders want and need — and not come in with preconceived notions of what he believes should happen on a given issue.
“I have prided myself with keeping an open mind and listening to all sides,” he said. “At this point in my career and in my life, and the status of the council, I think I would be able to bring new energy, new ideas, new innovation to the whole process.”
Pressing issues
Barnes said the theme of his campaign is threefold — “protecting our environment, growing our economy and preserving what I call our shore way of life, our beach way of life.”
To be more specific, he cited issues the council has faced recently including the public safety building, open space and flood mitigation. “All that is encompassed when I say ‘protect our environment.’ We have to protect our assets in Ocean City.
“I want to keep our beaches pristine, our oceans pristine, our bays navigable and safe, our parks clean and safe. All of those issues are wrapped into preserving our shore way of life and protecting our environment.”
Made in error
Asked about any council decisions he believes were made in error, he instead talked of some that were frustrating and “gave me the nudge to get more involved.” He pointed to the flood mitigation project in the Merion Park section and the public safety building.
“Those delays cost the city real time and money. … The dredging also was delayed because of political infighting. That’s been frustrating to watch,” he said.
Spending too much
Barnes doesn’t believe there are areas where the city is spending too much. He has the impression the city is trying to be efficient.
He believes with those concerned about the millions being spent through eminent domain on the Klause and Flood lots, “there may be a time in history when we look back and say it was still a good deal.”
“Our tax rate is relatively good compared to our surrounding communities. We have a very great quality of life here. We have good police, good fire department, good infrastructure that is constantly being worked on,” he said. “I understand things are going to be expensive. I do believe their best efforts are pointed in that direction, to be efficient, but my goal once I get in is to make sure they are efficient or maximizing our dollars.”
Spending too little
He also doesn’t believe there are areas being financially shortchanged, noting money is being spent on infrastructure and on dredging, which are costly but needed projects.
“There’s nothing blatant they’re spending too little on,” Barnes said. “Maybe I’d like to see more money going into the parks and the public buildings, but I know those items have been discussed.”
“I think the most inefficient use of money is to sit in a savings account. It should be invested in the town. Hopefully once I get in I can make sure to keep the foot on the gas and keep the town in tip-top shape,” he said.
Why he’s the best choice?
Barnes cites his energy, vision, dedication to and love of the town as why he is the best choice for the at-large position, which represents the entire island.
“I care deeply about our community. I want to make sure it remains an open and safe and welcoming community for all to come here, not just our year-round residents, but our visitors,” he said.
“If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it is my energy, my vision and my ability to listen to new ideas and take action.”
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
The Ocean City 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. To submit a question for consideration, send an email to oceancitysentinel@comcast.net