Ocean City Mayor Sworn In For 4th Term

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and three City Council at-large members were sworn in to four-year terms last week.

The swearing-in was held at a council reorganization meeting on July 1 at Ocean City Music Pier. Karen Bergman, Pete Madden and newcomer John "Tony P" Polcini were sworn in as well.

Madden was selected to serve as the new City Council president, while Bergman was chosen as vice president. Both were chosen unanimously.

In a speech, Gillian, sworn into his fourth term as mayor, said his campaign was all about teamwork in Ocean City, thanking everyone who supported him and helped him. He got choked up while speaking of his family, particularly his father, Roy Gillian.

Gillian emphasized the importance of working together as a government, finding the "middle ground" and doing what's right for taxpayers.

"We all need to enjoy what we have and be thankful," Gillian said. "Life's all about change, and we need to be ready and accept what happens."

"This isn't just a job, it's a love and responsibility that I take very seriously," Gillian said.

Bergman, Madden and Polcini similarly emphasized the importance of teamwork.

Bergman said she was honored to be serving on such a team, "most of all, a team who pulls together through the storms, and more recently, the pandemic."

She added that she will add a "female perspective" to the council.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve on City Council," Madden said. "It is not one that I take lightly."

Madden, who has served for eight years, said that "teamwork and cohesiveness is crucial to forward progress."

"I am not a yes guy, but instead one that prides himself on doing what is right, even when the task is very difficult," Polcini said, adding that he will always strive to do best for the community.