Ocean City Council Elections: Only 1 Seat Contested

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Three of four Ocean City elections for City Council are set to be uncontested. All four ward positions will be up for election May 12, and the deadline for candidates to file candidates to get their name on the ballot was Monday.

The Second Ward position was set to be a contested election. But Gabe Staino withdrew his candidacy Monday after seeing he needed to live in Ocean City for two months longer to qualify.

"I’m disappointed to have to make this announcement because the people of the 2nd Ward won’t have the opportunity to choose who represents them in City Council," Staino said in an open letter to supporters. "Had they, I would have represented our community competently, faithfully, and selflessly."

That means Tom Rotondi will be the only candidate on the ballot the fill Antwan McClellan's former position. McClellan moved on to state assembly in January.

The Third Ward will represent the only contested election. Councilman Tony Wilson will run against challenger Jody J. Levchuk, the director of operations for JiLLy's Stores.

First Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger and Fourth Ward Councilman Bobby Barr are running uncontested.

Here are the candidates (four-year terms):

• First Ward: Michael DeVlieger
• Second Ward: Tomaso Rotondi
• Third Ward: Jody J. Levchuk
• Third Ward: Anthony P. Wilson
• Fourth Ward: Robert S. Barr

How to Find Your Ward:

• First Ward: Longport Bridge to north side of 4th Street.
• Second Ward: south side of 4th Street to north side of 12th Street.
• Third Ward: south side of 12th Street to north side of 26th Street.
• Fourth Ward: south side of 26th Street to 59th Street, including Ocean Reef.

Ocean City Council has four ward representatives and three at-large council members.

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