An Ocean City property owner, disqualified from running in the last municipal election over domicile-related eligibility concerns, is now challenging the residency of a sitting council member.
On Monday, Leslie Smith filed a formal complaint with the Town of Ocean City seeking a review of Council Secretary Tony DeLuca’s residency.
The former council candidate – ousted from the 2024 race after it was determined she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements – alleges the same review was not applied to DeLuca, who she claims is living full time in Annapolis.
“I am aware of Ms. Smith’s challenge to my residency. I have nothing to hide, and I look forward to the Mayor and City Council giving me the opportunity to address this matter openly and candidly,” DeLuca said in an email, denying the allegations against him.
“I will rely on the City Solicitor and the City Manager, as to the best next steps towards bringing this matter to a conclusion.”
In the fall of 2024, weeks before the municipal election, the Ocean City Council voted to disqualify Smith as a candidate, with a majority arguing she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements. While Smith declared her Ocean City property – which she rented out on Airbnb during the summer months – to be her main residence, many argued she resided full time at her property in Bishopville.