UPDATE: Ocean City Councilmember Tony DeLuca resigns

UPDATE: Ocean City Councilmember Tony DeLuca announced his resignation to city leaders on Sunday, Feb. 8.

The decision comes after a contentious meeting on if he should be removed due to ineligibility through his residency. At the meeting, DeLuca defended his residency status, saying he spends time in Annapolis due to some family emergencies. He spoke about his attendance being near perfect but he has officially decided to step down from the seat.

DeLuca has served the residents, businesses, and visitors of Ocean City since Nov. 2014.In a release from the City, he shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“It has been an honor to represent the people of Ocean City,” DeLuca said. “At this time, family must be first. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and remain confident that this community will continue to thrive.”

Additionally, Mayor Rick Meehan expressed appreciation for DeLuca’s service.

“Tony has been a dedicated advocate for Ocean City and has approached every decision with thoughtfulness and a genuine love for this community,” said Mayor Meehan. “I want to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best in the future.”

In accordance with the Town Charter, a special election will be held to fill the vacancy on the Council. Ocean City says details regarding candidate filing requirements, election dates, and voting procedures will be announced in the coming days.

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Some controversy in Ocean City on if Council Secretary, Tony DeLuca, should give up his seat. In a heated and huge debate at an Ocean City Mayor and Council meeting, the question on if DeLuca maintains full-time residency.

Councilwoman Carol Proctor made a motion on the matter. “Move to disqualify Secretary DeLuca and clear his seat vacant pursuant to the Ocean City charter.” The move was not seconded.  Her belief was that the council’s secretary should vacant his position.

DeLuca fired back, explaining his case as he went before the council. He said that the reason for the residency in Annapolis was due to family emergencies.

“Bottom line I live in Ocean City, and I travel to Annapolis to deal with this family crisis. Do you really think I like going to Annapolis, I’d much rather be home.”

The issue for the all council members was wording within the charter. In the document, there is no direct wording that disqualifies DeLuca from the seat. According to DeLuca, he only spends about 4 days a week in the popular resort town. Despite that, he makes it a point to have almost flawless attendance to every meeting.

At the meeting, he handed out a packet filled with documentation, including EzPass history, tax forms, and other proofs of residency.

Proctor Explained to WMDT, why she put up the motion. “In my opinion, it’s the intent of the charter for somebody who is going to represent the citizens of Ocean City, they need to live here full time.” She tells us that a full-time resident is understanding of the underworkings of the town and how it moves. Including how things change during the winter season, with pipes freezing and snow on the sidewalks.

Council member John Gehrig was of another opinion though, “When you’re voting on something as important as this, in my mind it has to be a basis for your decision-making, and it’s not how you feel or how I wake up in the morning, it’s what the charter says and the letter of the law.”

He told WMDT that he completely understands all sides of the matter. Stating it’s hard to not sympathize with family troubles, but also the law is the law. Another council member, Will Savage, agreed with much of what Gehrig said, but he made a clear expectation to DeLuca if he didn’t fix the residency technicality, and if they were to change the charter.

“If we change the charter, not to make you ineligible, but if we change it and you are not eligible, then I would expect you to resign,” said Savage.

As of now, Tony DeLuca will remain in his council seat.

To much of the dismay, due to the public scrutiny, the council adjourned the meeting, and will reconvene at another date to rewrite the charter.

The idea was brought up by council member Jake Mitrecic, who motioned to have the future conversation at a later time. Larry Yates seconded the motion.

This article was originally posted on Feb. 4 at 8:25 p.m.