Ocean City Council Honors Councilman As He Steps Down

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Council members honored Keith Hartzell at a recent City Council meeting as he gave up his at-large seat to run in May's mayoral election.

Hartzell has served on the City Council for 16 years. On July 1, Tony Polcini will take Hartzell's at-large council seat.

The council passed a resolution honoring Hartzell, highlighting some of his best moments in his long career serving Ocean City. Members individually spoke, sharing memories and thanking Hartzell for his work.

"I'm sitting up here because of you," Councilwoman Karen Bergman said, sharing how Hartzell encouraged her to run.

"There is nobody who has more passion for local public service, and meeting people, and going door-to-door, and making sure that everybody's voice is heard," Council President Bob Barr said.

Hartzell shared an emotional goodbye speech at his last council meeting, at first joking unfurling a scroll of paper and asking to set the clock at two hours, referencing his tendency to talk a lot at meetings.

"Ocean City's given me everything possible that I've ever wanted," Hartzell said. "I've gotten more from Ocean City than I could ever imagine."

Hartzell thanked his partner, giving her a bouquet of red roses. He also thanked many other people who have helped him throughout the years, including late family members and other inspirations and mentors.

He said he hopes that Ocean City continues to be "a virtuous town," because it started with faith.

"The best way to have freedom is to have virtue," Hartzell said. He added that this goes to those who are atheist and agnostic as well, whatever people believe in.

"Virtue will drive us to be the best that we possibly can be," Hartzell said.