Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian
To the residents of Ocean City:
I want to address a deeply personal matter with the openness and honesty that you deserve from your mayor. Recently I made the painful decision to file for personal bankruptcy. This was an extraordinarily difficult decision, but ultimately the most responsible course of action after a series of financial challenges that I could no longer manage.
Over the past several years, a combination of personal financial obligations, business decisions I’ve made, unforeseen events, and circumstances outside of my control gradually created serious financial strain on me and my family. Like many individuals and families across our nation who encounter unexpected hardship, I found myself in a position where traditional methods were no longer viable.
After consulting with financial professionals, and personal legal counsel, I concluded that bankruptcy was that best legal process available to responsibly address my personal obligations, restructure my personal financial situation and chart a path toward stability. This is not a decision I ever imagined I would face, nor is it one I take lightly. I understand the seriousness of it, and I am committed to learning from this experience and rebuilding with integrity and discipline.
I want to emphasize one point unequivocally: my personal financial situation has no impact whatsoever on city finances, budget, credit rating, or operations. Our city’s fiscal position remains strong, and all municipal services, programs and commitments continue uninterrupted and fully funded. Safeguards, oversight, and the structure of municipal government ensure that personal finances and public finances remain entirely separate.
Despite this personal challenge, my dedication to this job, and to the people of Ocean City, remains unwavering. My focus remains on continuing the work you elected me to do: invest wisely, support responsible economic development, improve public safety and ensuring the overall success of our city for every resident. This moment, while personally humbling, does not distract from that mission.
I also want to acknowledge the fact financial hardship affects millions of Americans, some right here in Ocean City. It does not discriminate. And while the circumstances of every situation are unique, the feelings of stress, uncertainty and vulnerability are universal. It is my hope that by being transparent and direct, others facing similar hardships will feel empowered to seek help, take responsible action and work toward rebuilding.
I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received from my family, friends, colleagues and many of you in our community.
I also respect that some may view this matter with a measure of concern. I hear you. I understand your expectations. And I intend to meet them every day through hard work, continued transparency, and unwavering commitment and love for Ocean City.
I also understand that some may see this as a political opportunity. I simply ask for two things: respect for my family during this time and a collective commitment to work together to continue to make ocean City the best it can be.
Thank you for your understanding, your trust and your partnership. I remain honored to serve as your mayor, and my administration and I will continue to carry out our duties with the same enthusiasm, energy, focus and dedication I bring to the office every single day.
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
