BERLIN – The search for residents interested in running for seats on the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors has officially begun.
In an effort to interest residents in serving on the board, the association’s search committee will host an informational public meeting at the Ocean Pines Community Center on March 25.
“Hopefully it brings attention to the election,” said Martin Baer, chairman of the search committee. “We’re trying to get some interest.”
Each year a search committee is charged with finding Ocean Pines residents interested in serving on the board. The committee seeks two people to run for each available seat in advance of the summer election.
With the terms of Marty Clarke and Sharyn O’Hare expiring in August, four candidates are being sought. Though both are eligible to run again, neither has officially entered the race. Clarke says his decision will depend on whether the budget the board approves this week includes a five-year funding plan, what he calls a slush fund.
“I’m absolutely not going to run if they approve the budget as is,” he said, adding that he wanted to see the association’s money spent paying off deficits, not sitting in an account. “If I can’t convince them of that, I’m not an effective director.”
O’Hare says she has not made her mind up yet.
“It depends how things go in the next couple months,” she said.
At the search committee’s public meeting on March 25, Baer and his associates will outline their task and talk about the responsibilities associated with serving on the board of directors.
“Hopefully some [current] board members will come and speak to their experience and answer any questions,” Baer said.
Although the informational meeting held last year was poorly attended, Baer said he opted to try it again but with more advance publicity. In addition, members of the search committee will attend various club and committee meetings in Ocean Pines to advise residents of the coming election and the need for candidates.
“My intention is not to put people on the spot but to ask them to think about it,” he said.
To be eligible for a seat on the seven-member board of directors, a candidate must be the owner of record of a property in Ocean Pines as of Jan. 1, 2015 and be eligible to vote as of May 15, 2015. Applications, which are available through the search committee, at the OPA administration office or online at www.oceanpines.org, must be submitted by 5 p.m. May 10. Anyone with questions may contact Baer at 410-491-8350 or the administration office at 410-641-7717.