Scott Abbott announces candidacy for Margate City Commission; running mates will be Dan Campbell and Mike Becker

By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – The first hat has been tossed into the arena in the run for the board of city commissioners in what has been rumored to be a big election year.
Scott Abbott, a local attorney with an office in town, has announced his intention to run for the Margate City Commission in May. He said in a phone interview this week that he has yet to file his petition in City Hall, but that he is seeking a seat on the city commission.
“I will run, but I have not submitted my formal application,” Abbott said. He said that his running mates will be Dan Campbell and Mike Becker.
“I have been involved in municipal government for a long time, but I have never run for office. This is a very different process, and I am excited about it,” said Abbott.
Abbott is the city solicitor for Ventnor. He said he does not see the position as a conflict of interest.
“I have been the solicitor in Ventnor for 10 years and have also served as the planning and zoning solicitor in Longport. I am not aware of a prohibition, and I do not see any conflict,” he said.
Asked if the ongoing Ventnor groin project might create a conflict for the solicitor, Abbott said he did not think so.
“Ventnor is just trying to preserve their beachfront and boardwalk. Margate has a half-dozen groins in place; Ventnor has none.”
Margate residents go to the polls to elect three City Commissioners May 8. Sigmund Rimm and Vaughn Reale have announced that they will not be running. Commissioner John Swift has not yet announced his intentions.