Meet the Candidate: Peter Madden

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 Peter Madden.

Why are you running?

I'm running for Council to serve my community and to give back to a town that has given me much. I want to help keep Ocean City "America's Greatest Family Resort and a great home for my family. To do that we need to understand the problems we face and have a willingness to work with all departments, businesses and citizens of the city. I am a collaborator and feel strongly that we can get more done working together. We have great talent in Ocean City and there is no limit to what we can accomplish if we all pull together for the greater good of the town.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues?

Some of the most pressing issues we face: continuing to improve the condition of the roads and infastructure, capitol improvements, continuing to work to reduce flooding in flood prone areas, keep our school district operating at a high level and working to keep costs controlled and efficient.  

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

It is my strong belief the current council is working very well together, I will listen and learn the Council processes and then work within the system and with the council members individually and as a body to help make our city government as efficient and effective as possible. I will work tirelessly on behalf of my fellow residents, and visitors to achieve this. 

What would you bring to council that no one else would bring?

I bring the perspective of a young family person who moved here for the quality of life. My wife and children and I are thoroughly invested in this town. It's my mission to keep and improve upon that quality of life for my family and residents of Ocean City. My time serving on the Baord of Education will bring an understanding of the public sector and the financial challenges of working through budget cuts. This experience will serve me well as Council strives to control costs and to spend responsibly and efficiently while we continue to build on the work that has already been done. 

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

Originally, I’m from from the Philadelphia area where I graduated from LaSalle High School, in 1995. I went on to study at St. Joseph’s University, where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Marketing. During these years I spent my summers in Ocean City, and I worked with my twin brother Tom, at Johnson’s Popcorn on the Boardwalk.

After completing college, I started my career at Aerotek, Inc’s Allentown office. I married Ashley, in Ocean City in 2003, and a year later we decided to make  Ocean City our permanent home. Our oldest was four months old at the time, and we felt it was the best move for our family. I then began my career at Prudential Fox and Roach.

Helping families find a home in Ocean City, as I had, became my passion. In my first year I was honored to receive the 2005 Region 6 Rookie of the Year. In the fall of 2009, I was promoted to the Prudential Fox and Roach Battersea Office as the Branch Manager, where I undertook the task of growing an office and solid team during a down economy. In 2013, after 9 years of growing in the Real Estate industry, I received the prestigious “Top 40 under 40″ honor from Atlantic City Weekly.

I spent three years as assistant coach of the Ocean City High School Boys Crew team. I am a member of St. Damien’s Parish Pastoral Council, and the Ocean City Education Foundation, as well as a Director on the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.