Price declares candidacy for 4th Ward council seat

Last Updated on Friday, 03 February 2012 13:48 Written by Cindy Nevitt Friday, 03 February 2012 12:35

Longtime Ocean City resident seeks to replace Roy Wagner

With a lengthy history of community service to his credit, Price launches campaign based on accountability, balance and character.

Ed Price, with campaign manager Warren Iredell, in the atrium of the Ocean City Free Public Library following Price's Friday morning announcement that he is seeking election to the 4th Ward council seat up for election in May. OCEAN CITY — Citing his history of community service, his longtime connection to Ocean City and his desire for a cohesive city government, Ed Price on Friday morning, Feb. 3 announced his candidacy for the 4th Ward council seat.

In the atrium of Ocean City Free Public Library in front of a small gathering, Price outlined the cornerstones of his campaign. He seeks to replace Roy Wagner, who last week announced he will not run for re-election after serving for eight years. Three of the city’s four incumbents’ names will not be on the ballot for the May 8 race.

In his opening statement, Price, who traces his lineage back to Ocean City’s founding family, said, “I am proud to be here as a descendant of the Lake family to announce that I am running for the 4th Ward City Council seat in the very town that my ancestors founded so long ago.”

Upon completion of his announcement, Price and his campaign manager, Warren Iredell, submitted his signed petition to the city clerk, making him the first to file officially. This is the first time Price, who has held many positions in many organizations in town, is running for council.

The ABCs of his campaign, Price said, are accountability, balance and character.

“We have for too long not held our government officials and employees accountable for their work and behavior. I want to work to change this situation.

“Balance is the word I like to use to describe government. Our city government is a balancing act between many people and many groups. If we use a balanced approach to our problems and work together, we can solve any issue. Divisiveness has no place in America’s Greatest Family Resort. I pledge to work for balance in all matters.

“Character is an inner strength and discipline that we need more of in all people. I feel that I have the character to make a difference in Ocean City.”

Among his accomplishments, Price cited his work to strengthen Pay to Play laws; the removal of a building at the Tennessee Avenue boat ramp that was built without proper approvals and public meetings; and his fight with New Jersey American Water Company that resulted in the recalculating of more than 11,000 water bills and more than $100,000 in savings.

“I have been a tireless watchdog of expenses and overbilling,” he said.  “I have helped the city to be repaid thousands of dollars in overbillings in the department of law alone. I want to be elected to council so I can do more.”

Among his community service, Price noted he served two terms on the aviation advisory board, was president of the Ocean City Exchange Club, is commissioner of the Ocean City Housing Authority, and serves on the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Price, a 10-year member of the board of trustees of the Ocean City Free Public Library, choose to make his official announcement in the Community Center because it was built during the last three years of his presidency on the board.

He lives in Ocean Reef with his wife, Vonnie, and is the parent of two children, Madeline and Jackson.

“I feel I have done a lot in Ocean City, but I feel I have so much more to give,” Price said. “I know that I can work together with city officials to collectively solve the hard issues facing Ocean City today.”

He concluded his announcement by saying, “I’m Ed Price and I have a respect for our past and a vision for our future.”

Wagner, who announced he would not seek re-election, has endorsed Pete Guinosso for his seat, making the 4th Ward the only contested race thus far. Currently, the candidates for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd wards are running unopposed.