Former Councilman John Flood Files Petition For Ocean City Mayor

OCEAN CITY, NJ — With a week to go before the deadline to file in this year’s non-partisan municipal elections in Ocean City, former councilman and longtime library trustee John Flood has declared his intention to run for Ocean City Mayor.

Flood officially filed his petition on Monday, Feb. 26. The lifetime Ocean City resident has an extensive business background and has supported community groups and service organizations. His wife Cathy will serve as his campaign treasurer. They have been married for 36 years and have two adult children, Justin and Katie.

Flood said he has spent the last several months talking to residents and listening to both their concerns for Ocean City as well as their ideas, hopes and enthusiasm.

“One recurring comment was that many in our community feel local government has run amuck under the current administration,” Flood said. “They expressed the desire for transparency in government affairs and how their tax dollars are really being used. Most of all they have grown weary of what some describe as an old boys club. They want their government to be more open and accessible. They have inspired me.”

Flood was a councilman from 1988 through 1996, and served briefly in 2011 when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Susan Shepherd after she was elected to the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, according to ocnjdaily.com. He will challenge Mayor Jay Gillian, who is seeking his third term as mayor in the May 8 elections.

Flood's campaign has established the website JohnFloodforMayor.com, and it is under construction, Flood said in a release issued Monday morning.

“I will be adding issues, ideas and information that is of critical importance over the next few weeks,” Flood said. “I also welcome your input and ideas. I will go door to door, debate anywhere and work to ensure your tax dollars are being spent for the good of all, not personal or pet projects. You have my word on it.”

In addition to the mayor’s race, Council President Peter Madden, Councilman Keith Hartzell and Councilwoman Karen Bergman are up for re-election this year. They have all filed petitions to run for re-election. No other candidates have filed.

Gillian has pulled his petition, but has not yet filed to run, according to Ocean City Clerk Melissa Rasner. The deadline to file is 4 p.m. on Monday, March 5.

The attached image of John Flood was provided