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07/03/2025 Bayside Editorial: Incumbents should be returned for new term

Incumbents should be returned for new term

The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors candidates forum last week was noteworthy for what it did not do: it produced no shocking revelations, no real moments of truth and no compelling reason to alter the board’s membership.

Each candidate came down on the side of fiscal responsibility, as if some other option existed, and pledged to improve communications between the board and association members.

This was no slam-bang debate, but was more of an affirmation that the conduct of association business and operations should continue as is and that this election is more about personalities than it is issues.

Even then, because the board has been functioning relatively quietly and smoothly, change for the sake of change is unwarranted. It is for that reason that we recommend returning Stuart Lakernick, Monica Rakowski and Steve Jacobs to the board for another term.

If there’s anything on the ballot going out on July 8 that might give voters pause for thought, it would be the referendum question asking if the association should be allowed to commit up to $3.4 million to help pay for a new south side station for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

Whenever any governing authority asks voters for permission to spend money, people tend to hesitate and ask themselves if it’s worth it. In the case of the south station replacement, it’s not only worth it, it is essential to the safety of the community.

The existing building is long past its expiration date in terms of functionality and, to some extent, structural integrity.

This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky project born of the department’s desire to luxe up the place, it’s a need that must be filled so the department can do its job properly.

Vote “yes” on the referendum question.