Politics & Government

Hartzell Touts Investment in Infrastructure as he Files For Re-election

He also said he's proud to represent the city that was his grandmother's home.

Although Councilman Keith Hartzell has had his disagreements with Ocean City’s administration during his two terms in office, he enjoys serving the city’s residents and will run for a third term in office.

Hartzell was one of two incumbents and three challengers to file petitions in this year’s non-partisan municipal elections. Councilman Michael Allegretto and challengers Peter Madden, Michael Hyson and Eric Sauder also filed to run for three open at-large council seats. Ed Price will challenge Jay Gillian in the mayoral election.

“I love this city, its residents, the council I work with and all the employees along with the mayor and administration. We showed our strength and community spirit through Sandy and I want to continue to serve this excellent city,” Hartzell wrote on his Facebook page. “Our future is bright we have reduced our over labor force by over 10 percent along with reductions in overtime and part time hours as well. These decreases have allowed us to double our investment in our infrastructure.

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“The capital plan has gone from $5 million to $10 million with roads and drainage going from $2.5 million to $5 million. We will continue to make our city the best it can be.”

The Capital Improvement Plan includes the Merion Park drainage and streets project, southend beach replenishment and the boardwalk replacement project.

Find out what's happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hartzell added during a phone interview Tuesday morning that he’s proud to represent the city that served as home for his grandmother, whom he calls his mentor, along with his parents.

He was first elected in 2006. In 2010, he earned 2,172 votes. While he has publicly disagreed with the administration in the past, he said both sides recognize the passion the other has in working to improve the city. He said compromise is part of his job and the administration and council are working well together overall.

He also said he enjoys being in a position to help people when they need it and when they deserve it.

The non-partisan municipal elections are scheduled for May 13.


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