Candidates running for both Mayor and Town Council met for a discussion forum Oct. 16 at the Carousel hotel in Ocean City.
Police officer salaries and rental home restrictions in Ocean City dominated the discussion at candidate’s forum for the seven men vying for four seats on the Town Council.
“On the Eastern Shore, we have one of the worst starting salaries for police officers,” said council candidate Jake Mitrecic, when asked whether Ocean City’s starting salary for police at $56,259 measures up with Ocean Pines at $61,000.
“We’re not retaining officers the way we need to be. Part of that just comes down to dollars and sense,” Mitrecic added. “If we can’t offer you a signing bonus and a competitive salary, then how are we meant to keep you here? If you’re working six days a week and you’re getting blackout dates for when you can and can’t take leave, then you’re losing the best part of living in this town.”
Mitrecic added that he’d support pay raises for unionized resort police officers at the next round of collective bargaining.
About 150 people attended the event, held Wednesday night at the Carousel hotel and hosted by the Ocean City firefighter’s union, IAFF Local 4269. The Q&A was moderated Ocean City Today-Dispatch Editor Stewart Dobson. The video also was live-streamed.
Other candidates at the forum included incumbents Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig, and newcomers Tony DeSanctis, Denis Jenkins, George Leukel, and Larry Yates.
Yates, a retired career police officer, said he would consider an increase to property taxes to pay for increased police pay.
“No one wants their taxes raised, but if that’s what it takes, it is safety above money. It is necessity versus nicety. In all seriousness, we need to look at that as a practical matter. We just cannot continue doing what we’re doing. The salaries are not adequate. The don’t have time off and they are worked to the bone,” he said.
Stop punishing citizens for defending themselves and we won’t need as many police officers.
That is by far the dumbest thing that I have ever heard.
I guess you are for defunding the police department ?
Unless you live in Mayberry and are personal friends of Andy and Barney, we need a strong police force.
Show me cases where a citizen was punished for defending themselves. ( where they didn’t have the opportunity to walk away )
What happened to Leslie Insley Smith? I was helping her run for Town Council and someone kicked her off?