By Greg Ellison

(Dec. 16, 2021) Repeating a scene from November’s board meeting, longtime Ocean Pines resident Roelof “Dutch” Oostven last week asked both association President Larry Perrone and Vice President Colette Horn to resign from their posts.

During the board meeting on Saturday, Oostven returned to double down on the request.

“I had quite a few calls about my statement,” he said.

Oostven estimated 80 percent of the members he spoke to voiced agreement with his sentiments aired in November.

“What I’m saying, for the year 2022, is that we have to get a new start without you and the vice president,” he said.

Oostven estimated eight staff members or elected officials have quit under the current board leadership.

“We cannot go the way you’re wanting to go,” he said.

Oostven also took issue with OPA legal counsel Jeremy Tucker.

“Why do we have a lawyer 200 miles away from Ocean Pines,” he said.

More important than proximity, Oostven said the association’s legal counsel has repeatedly provided unsound advice, most recently with the pending litigation brought by disqualified board candidate Rick Farr.

“It cost us money, at least $25,000 before the insurance kicked in,” he said.

Oostven espoused support for Farr’s candidacy.

“I hope the judgment is in his favor, so that you people learn a lesson,” he said.

Despite Perrone declining the request to step down last month, Oostven reiterated his wish on Saturday.

“I ask you to quit,” he said. “You’re not the right man for Ocean Pines.”

For his part, after declining public comment last month, on Saturday Perrone aired it out.

“I didn’t respond last month out of respect,” he said.

Still, following the meeting in November Perrone spoke to Oostven to dispel any notions of resigning.

Perrone also questioned Oostven’s assertion about motivating resignations.

“I don’t know who these eight people are that you think that I forced to resign,” he said. “You need to get your facts straight.”

Perrone was also quick to deflect sole responsibility for engaging in the court battle with Farr.

“The board made decisions on the litigation we’re involved in,” he said. “You have seven people up here who make the decision.”

As Oostven attempted to chime in with additional comments, Perrone raised his voice to end the exchange.

“I can guarantee you that neither the vice president nor I will be resigning,” he said. “Thank you, your time is up.”