Politics & Government

Meet the Candidate: Michael Allegretto

Council Vice President Michael Allegretto is running for one of three open at-large council seats May 13.

Five candidates are running for three open at-large council seats in the May 13 non-partisan elections. The seats are for four-year terms.

Ocean City Patch sent a series of questions to each candidate in this year's elections. The questions listed below are listed as sent, and each answer is published as received, with corrections for minor errors.

The subject of today's "Meet the Candidate" profile is Council Vice President Michael Allegretto.

Why are you running?

I'm running for re-election to continue working for the taxpayer to improve our town. I hope to ensure reasonable and fair budgets are passed every year. I want to continue working on prioritizing our capital projects, and seeing the completion of the Merion Park drainage project. I want to make sure the new skateboard park and turf field are completed. These projects will be a great asset to the local community as well as a draw to visitors. I would like to keep evaluating the master plan review from the planning board. I want to implement changes which will help owners and keep the character of the neighborhoods. I want to continue working with the tourism commission to develop annual marketing campaigns to attract new and repeat tourists to our beach resort. I want to keep Ocean City America's Greatest Family Resort.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues?

Most pressing issues are improving the roads and drainage in town. In Merion Park, the city is going to install pumps to alleviate flooding concerns. This project will be starting during the spring. I want to ensure the city obtains the grant funding to enable the north end pump station project to move forward.  I want oversee the expanded capital plan to address the roads in the greatest disrepair. I want to see the south end beach replenishment project completed this fall.

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

I would like to see council get back to having standing committees for capital, finance, and public safety. I would like for these committees meet quarterly with the administration and department heads.

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

I feel the current council is listening to the public's concerns and addressing those issues, such as the south end beach replenishment project, the increased capital for road and drainage, and approving reasonable and fair budgets for the taxpayers.

What do you bring to council that no one else can bring. i.e. strengths, experience, etc?

I feel I bring 15 years of elective office experience in Ocean City.  This experience allows me to understand where local government can be more efficient in spending. I have the knowledge of projects in town that have been completed and, after reviewing the outcome, where the process can be done better in the future. I know which capital projects are a priority.  My work experience allows me to communicate daily with owners and visitors to get feedback on the current positives and areas in  which the city can improve.

What is your political background? What offices have you held/run for in the past?

I was elected to the Ocean City school board for seven years.  I was President and Vice President.

I have been elected to two four-year terms to City Council.  I have been President three times, and am currently the Vice President.

I was an appointment member of the Ocean City Tourism Commission for 5 Years.  I served as chairperson for two years.

I am currently the council representative to BAND, the Busniess And Neighborhood Development committee.

I am currently the city council representative to the tourism commission.

Personal Background

Graduate of Ocean City High School
Graduate of The College of New Jersey

Currently office manager at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach at the 55th and West office.

Married to my wife Lisa, and we have two children Gavin and Alexis


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