Ocean Pines Board Director Doug Parks

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(April 13, 2023) The next Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for April 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

“Do it for Gavin” supporters have announced they plan a protest outside of the board meeting in reaction to OPA President Doug Parks’ comments during the March meeting.

Parks focused his president’s remarks on the aggressive tactics that some advocates for “Do it for Gavin” had been taking.

While he took no issue with targeting businesses and conducting protests and boycotts, he raised concerns with some actions turning aggressive, including “bullying of the business staff, bullying of children at school and threatening organizations, customers and OPA board members. Their actions demonstrated a move away from justice to a support for vengeance.”

He predicted that, if these tactics continue, it could lead to an increase in annual assessments.

Board members are aware of the planned protest.

“We always have a sergeant-at-arms present at our meetings to help maintain order. Picketing is a form of peaceful protest that is allowed in this country constitutionally,” Colette Horn said.

 “I have no problem with a peaceful protest that is a right enshrined in our Bill of Rights,” Steve Jacobs said.

 “As far as the Justice for Gavin group, I see no issue providing the participants are peaceful, law abiding and homeowners.  I again encourage all parties to step back and let the legal system do its job,” Frank Daly said.

“Yes, we will have additional security/police just in case of any issues that arise,” Rick Farr said.

Anyone attending the board meeting will need an Ocean Pines ID, which can be obtained at the administration building.