By MICHAEL FEELY

Staff Writer

Lifelong resident and local attorney Rick DeLucry has accepted the challenge of running against “New Republican” Tom Milhous in the upcoming November election for the 4th Ward council position that will be vacated by incumbent Ken Schaffer.

Schaffer had chosen not to run last week as business pressures had restricted his ability to campaign effectively in the upcoming months.

DeLucry is an attorney with Hill Wallack LLP in Atlantic City. He has been involved in political activities on the island for many years. He served as counsel to the Brigantine Democratic Club for several years. DeLucry was vocal in challenging former City Manager Jim Barber’s handling of the settlement agreement with former Police Chief Jim Frugoli.

DeLucry, and his wife, Bobbi, have two teenage sons, Mickey and Steven, and are actively involved in local organizations and charities.

“For literally the first time in memory, thanks to the efforts of Tony Pullella, Frank Kern and Ken Schaffer, Brigantine’s city government is starting to free itself from the destructive effects of decades of partisan self-interest,” said DeLucry in a press release. “I don’t want to risk losing the momentum that he (Schaffer) has helped build for cost-effective, impartial and transparent government; and the only way I know to be sure council will keep moving in the right direction is to continue Ken’s work from the inside.

“It’s clear that the overwhelming majority of Brigantine residents have had enough of irresponsible spending and policy making driven by a partisan political agenda,” DeLucry continued. “They want representatives who understand this, and who have the integrity and maturity to run the city impartially and efficiently. I want those same things.

 “I do not owe anyone, and no one tells me to how to think. If I am elected to council, I can guarantee that I will always be able to explain and defend any action I take and every vote I cast. I will base every decision on what I believe is in the best interest of the residents of Brigantine – not the interest of my or anyone else’s political party.” 

Kern agrees that DeLucry is a highly qualified candidate.

“He has a reputation for integrity and commitment to this community,” Kern said. “As a lawyer, he understands best-practice procedures for government. He understands how good government should work. … I am pleased that he will be the Democratic candidate in the 4th Ward. He was a unanimous choice of the committee.”