November 13, 2026

Dear Friends,

George Savastano, Matt von der Hayden, Michael Allegretto and I attended a Mayors’ Roundtable sponsored by Cape May County Commissioners Director Lenny Desiderio this morning. My fellow mayors were joined by county commissioners, our state representatives, and Christopher Parmelee, aide to Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

Senator Michael Testa provided an update on a bill he sponsored that would reduce the Corporation Business Tax from 9 percent to 2.5 percent over the course of several years and eliminate the Corporate Transit Fee, which would further reduce taxes. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward making New Jersey a more attractive place to do business, and encouraging economic growth.

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen are co-sponsoring a bill that would make the distribution of state transportation and highway aid more equitable for shore towns with seasonal population shifts. Simonsen also introduced a new bill that would increase property tax benefits under the ANCHOR program for certain senior citizens starting in 2027.

The meeting also provided updates on efforts to secure emergency funding for beach replenishment, to amend the NJ PACT REAL rules, and to help municipalities earn credits toward affordable housing obligations.

The Ocean City Board of Realtors is sponsoring its annual Warmth for the Winter Drive to collect coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, and other chilly weather items to be donated to the Ocean City Ecumenical Clothes Closet. If you want to clean out your closets at home and help others in the process, you can drop off donations (placed in a clean plastic bag) at the OCBOR office at 405 22nd Street through Nov. 30.

The city is decorated for the holidays, and the Chamber of Commerce will kick off its holiday events this weekend with Winterfest by the Sea from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center (with free parking at the adjacent municipal lot at 5^th and Boardwalk). A great lineup of family events continues through First Night and First Day. See calendar for full schedule.

I had the pleasure of watching the Ocean City High School girls’ volleyball team as they captured a South Jersey Group II title yesterday. I want to wish the Red Raiders luck as they move on to the state championship game against River Dell on Sunday. I also want to wish the girls’ and boys’ cross-country teams good luck in the state Meet of Champions on Saturday. We should all be proud of the exceptional success of all OCHS students and athletes.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Business and Beautification Awards Dinner is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, and I want to congratulate Dave Winslow on being named this year’s Citizen of the Year. I also want to give a shout-out to Nick Marotta, who will receive a special Community Service Award.

I’m sad to report on the loss of two important members of our community, Concetta Masington and Gregory Rodriguez.

Connie was a respected educator and financial advisor who retired to Ocean City with her husband, Joe, a member of our local American Legion post. Greg operated Dot’s Pastry Shop along with his wife, Jane, his children, his in-laws, and extended family.

Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to Joe Masington, Jane Rodriguez, the entire family of Dot’s Pastry employees, and all of the other family and friends of Connie and Greg.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor

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