Mayoral Candidate Speaks Directly To Voters At Ocean City Forum

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Calling it another example of how the mayor is ignoring him in the lead-up to the May 8 non-partisan elections, candidate John Flood spoke to Ocean City residents during what was supposed to be a mayoral debate at the library Friday night.

Flood noted Mayor Jay Gillian’s absence, accusing Gillian of running a “D.C. style campaign,” ocnjdaily.com reports. The former councilman accused Gillian of ignoring him during this campaign.

Gillian said ahead of time he wouldn’t appear for the debate, citing a pair of lawsuits involving Flood and the city. Flood said he would participate in a debate no matter what, whether the litigation was off-limits or able to be discussed. Gillian said a debate in which the issue was off-limits would unfairly tie his hands, and that he was following his counsel’s advice to avoid prejudicing the city by not participating in the debate.

After the debate, Gillian reiterated his stance.

"I want to thank you all for your support and remind you why I was unable to attend Friday's debate," Gillian said in a statement. "The city attorney identifies the two development lawsuits from my opponent and his family that are preventing me from participating."

One piece of litigation revolves around a lawsuit concerning a council vote to rescind the proposed Coastal Cottages legislation. The other involves Flood's son, who is an intervenor with the city's consent in the affordable housing issues facing Ocean City, according to a post on Flood's campaign website.

Flood addressed the issue after Gillian said he wouldn’t participate. The Coastal Cottages litigation focuses on Flood’s attempts to negotiate with CVS, while he said the issue involving his son as an intervenor in Ocean City’s affordable housing requirements would be discussed at a later date.

The League of Women Voters said it would moderate a debate between the candidates, but not an event involving just one candidate. Without Gillian’s participation, the League of Women Voters didn’t moderate.

Flood spoke directly to the audience of about 75 people Friday night, taking questions about flooding, dredging, housing and how the local government interacts with the residents, according to the report. He also said taxes continue to increase under the Gillian Administration.

Last week, Ocean City Council approved a $78.8 million budget that included a tax increase of about a penny. The owner of a $500,000 home in Ocean City can expect to pay an extra $50 in municipal taxes in the upcoming year.

The tax increase is needed to help pay for projects across the island that have been ignored for too long, according to council and the administration. Earlier this year, Ocean City Council adopted the administration's $100 million, five-year capital plan. A copy of the capital plan presentation and related documents are available at www.ocnj.us/projects.

A video of Friday night’s forum was set to air Monday night, 7:40 p.m. on Public Access Channel 97 in Ocean City. Recorded statements from each candidate are set to air prior to that, at 7:30 p.m. The statements will also air on Tuesday night, May 1, 7:30 p.m.

See related:
Meet the Ocean City Mayoral Candidate: Jay Gillian
Meet the Ocean City Mayoral Candidate: John Flood

The attached image of John Flood was previously provided