Meet the Candidate: Bart Russell

The non-partisan municipal elections on May 10 will decide the four ward seats on the seven-member Ocean City Council. The winners will serve four-year terms.

Ocean City Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues.

This week, Patch will run profiles of all the candidates who responded, beginning with the Fourth Ward, and proceeding in alphabetical order.

Profiles are presented here in the same format as the questionnaires given to the candidates. There were no further instructions, and none of the responses has been edited (beyond basic proofreading and formatting). Readers can make their own judgments on how the candidates did or didn't answer the questions.

Up next: Bart Russell

Why are you running?

I believe that giving back to your city is of the utmost importance, and Ocean City deserves that and more. I am running to make our city even better than it already is, by tackling a few of the key concerns that need to be addressed. I have the knowledge and the leadership abilities to work along with the City Council and administration to solve these issues, which include drainage and road improvements, beach replenishment, services and taxes. I will not leave a project incomplete, and promising to insure the great quality of life and level of services that residents here have come to enjoy.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues?

The most pressing issues at the moment are similar to what other shore communities are also dealing with, which is flooding and drainage. Property values are on the rise and we will have to continue to provide a solid plan that insures consistent future maintenance. This not something we can let slip through the cracks. We must make sure the administration continues to work on the design and construction of roads and drainage systems in the area of 26th -32nd street and 51st street. Replacing and enlarging the drainage pipes is a huge factor in avoiding nuisance flooding and protecting houses as well.

What changes would you make to what the current council is doing?

Something I feel that needs to change would be the administration and council's idea regarding the coastal cottages and more single family homes. The concept was conceived to provide a lower cost option to attract families to live in Ocean City year- round. They based it off the recent redevelopments of Tioga Terrace area after Super storm Sandy and the homes built on Moore Avenue. I believe the council is taking another look at the development to ensure that the project is still within the original scope of what was intended. We must make sure this is the appropriate direction for Ocean City.

What are some of the positive things you believe the current council is doing?

The council's investment in infrastructure, regarding roads and drainage for all of Ocean City, is a very positive initiative. They are making it a point to fix potholes and other problems with the infrastructure and that need attention.

Property values will remain strong thanks to a plan like this, as well as beach and boardwalk upkeep. As I previously mentioned, this is something I intend to pursue in-depth and improve upon even more. The aesthetics and functionality are key to a successful city.

What do you bring to council that on one else can bring?

With my many years of experience as businessman and a community leader, I know what it takes to have an idea and make it a reality. My time spent on the Lower Township and Ocean City school boards gave me experience in dealing with county officials. In the past, I have demonstrated my ability to put law into effect at the state level in less than one year. ("NO Early Release Act") showing my determination for change. Then there is my connection to this wonderful city, where I was raised and currently reside, running a small ice cream business in the summers.

What is your political background?

I have held many community positions, including Cape May County Welfare to Work Program Coordinator, President of Cape Education Fund and Vice President of Cape May County School Boards. I have also served on the Lower Township Board of Education and the Ocean City Board of Education for almost three terms.

Personal Background

I graduated from Ocean City High School in 1964 and have spent most of my life as a resident of this city.
I joined the U.S. Marines, served in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. I was a member of a special forces company called "Killer Kane." There is even a book written about us with pictures.

In 1968 I left the Marines and returned to Ocean City, where I was welcomed by a large crowd of family, friends and strangers expressing their happiness upon my return. I soon married my wife Barbara and we have been married for 48 years. We had two beautiful daughters together, Roberta (Bobbie) and Rebecca (Becky). Roberta works as an ER Doctor at Shore Memorial Hospital and has two children, Becky (16) and Sean (15).

Our other daughter, Becky was murdered in 1996 by a convicted rapist and attempted murderer. The convicted man only served eight month of his eight year sentence. which is why my wife and I spent much of our time working to Pass the "NO Early Release Act."

After spending many years running my own businesses in the Wildwood area, we moved back to Ocean City. We have been here the last 20 years, where I worked to build the new high school while on the Ocean City School Board, became a member of the American Legion and began running my small summer ice cream business in the South End. I now look to return the favor of respect and gratitude to this wonderful place.