By Logan Dubel
Since taking office in 2006, Ocean Cityโs longest-serving Mayor, Rick Meehan, has spent a lot of time on the sand, though not catching the warm summer rays like the tourists throughout the resort. Instead, the veteran Mayor travels from street to street, taking on every challenge that comes his way, along with promoting businesses and working to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Now in his sixteenth tourism season as Mayor, Meehan is ready to get back to normal and continue representing Ocean City, Maryland.
About
Role: Mayor of the Town of Ocean City (2006-Present), City Council President (1990-2006), City Councilman (1985-2006), Realtor
Hometown(s): Born in New York City, Lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and Baltimore, Maryland
First Vacation to Ocean City: 1962, Commander Hotel
First Job: 9th Street Funcade Arcade, in high school and college
Education: University of Baltimore
Meehan on the 1970s in Ocean City: If they said you could know anyone, you probably could. It was a tiny town, but as the town grew, we grew with it. It was an exciting time to be in Ocean City. We all wanted to be part of the growth.
Meehan on his Career in Government: I really liked being Council President and serving Ocean City as part of the government. As the town grew, there were important decisions to be made, and to be part of those decisions was a great experience. When Mayor Jim Mathias went to the Maryland House of Delegates, I automatically became Mayor. It wasnโt something at the time I was looking to do, but it didnโt take me long to become invested in that position and be the spokesperson for this community at every level.
The Mayors Club: I knew many of the previous leaders of the town, and I was fortunate enough to know Harry Kelly, Fish Powell, and Jim Mathias. I learned a lot from Fish Powell. I didnโt even realize until a few months ago when Mayor Jim Mathias pointed out to me that I had been the longest-serving leader, and thatโs quite an honor. Itโs a thank you to the people of the town for having trust in me to continue to represent them.
Mayor Meehanโs Ocean City Favorites
ย Favorite Restaurants: Fagerโs Island, Mackyโs Bayside Bar and Grill, and OC Wasabi
Must-Stops on the Boardwalk: Funcade, Alaska Stand, and Thrasherโs French Fries
Favorite Activities: The Boardwalk! Early-morning bike rides or walks, lunch at Shenaniganโs and Francoโs Pizzeria, dinner outside, watching people pass by
Rainy Day Activity: Catch up on work โ good opportunity to go inside and work because the outside is normally too enticing
Favorite Time of Year: September โ many familiar faces and events
Meehanโs Message to Residents for the Summer
People forget sometimes when they live here that there are all these great things to do. Tourists are having a great time! We have to go out and enjoy all those things ourselves.
Vision
Ocean City is going to continue to grow, and we are expanding our customer base. We have an opportunity to add more special events and sporting tournaments. Opening up opportunities for families to come to town throughout the year is something we need to take advantage of, and Iโm looking forward to it.
The traffic problem created by the two bay bridges can be easily solved by asking all hotels and motels to stager their weeks. Some would rent Monday To Monday, some would rent Tuesday to Tuesday and so forth. At lease the retired people would really look forward to an easier trip to Ocean City and their return trip back home!
Good Morning
Think about Ocean City requiring flotation devices for all who swim in the ocean . Devices from boards to jackets and in between. All devices must have a line connected to the device if not worn.
Mayor be a leader in cities on the ocean to save and protect people from drowning.