Wildwood Chamber Hosts 9 Commission Candidates

WILDWOOD – “All we want is for Wildwood to be the best version of itself,” said Michele Lopez Oct. 24 before a crowd of 100-plus residents and onlookers. Lopez, who is running for one of three seats on Wildwood Commission, along with eight other political hopefuls, presented a vision for a city with better infrastructure, lower taxes, and a brighter future.
“Wildwood is facing a difficult decision,” Lopez admitted after the debate. Lopez is running alongside Timothy Blute and Robert “Bobby D” Dilks.
Yet, present Mayor Ernest “Ernie” Troiano, Jr., who is running for re-election, views the town as already improving and moving forward.
“It’s very frustrating,” said Troiano, referring to being unable to refute or answer certain questions during the forum. Called “the people’s mayor” by supporters, Troiano and running mate Jeanne Kilian strive to “keep progress rolling” in Wildwood.
Hosted by the League of Women Voters and Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, the candidates’ forum attracted a large crowd at Wildwoods Convention Center. Incumbent Commissioner Peter Byron, also on the ballot, commented on the turnout, saying he wished such numbers attended the commissioners’ meetings.
Seven topics were presented to the candidates, presenting questions to each group. The opening question asked what the two “top” issues facing Wildwood are.
Steven Mikulski, running with Krista Fitzsimons and Byron, said infrastructure and taxes are the top issues. Mikulski, a naval veteran and business owner, said an audit would be conducted to cap unnecessary spending.
“An audit,” Gary DeMarzo replied. “This is from a guy (Byron) who has been in for eight years. Now, he wants an audit.”
DeMarzo, a former police officer and commissioner, said several projects and initiatives were his ideas, such as the Back Bay Redevelopment Project. “The reason you (city) have a business administrator is because of me,” DeMarzo said.
Lopez agreed with the runaway spending, saying Police Chief Robert Regalbuto makes more than the commissioner of the New York City force. Lopez and her family have lived in the city full-time for four years, and she sees the burden of taxes on the public. Lopez said salaries must be capped and ratables increased.
When it comes to city events, Blute believes professionalism would help curb problems. Blute and his wife, Barbara, retired to Wildwood and are proud to call the city home. Blute works in code enforcement and is dedicated to making the city a cleaner and more attractive community. 
“We’re not Ocean City,” Blute said. “We need professionalism to run our events. It’s very simple.”
Some questioned the city’s paying for events, and want clear delineations of Wildwood’s and the promoter’s responsibilities.
Byron said he is “tired of free” and wishes to rebuild the city’s reputation through respect at the local and state level.
Kilian, a former executive in the fashion industry and native of Philadelphia, agreed that events are part of Wildwood’s lifeblood. Her husband is a 30-year veteran of the city’s Beach Patrol. Kilian said she has overseen budgets similar to the city’s.
Troiano pointed out that the Wildwood Block Party and Baseball on the Beach have brought in prospective homeowners.
When asked how to address Roar to the Shore, DeMarzo replied that officials should look to other communities, such as Palm Beach, Fla., and Sturgis, S.D., where rallies are held. DeMarzo said the “element” can be managed without punishing vendors and businesses.
Lopez defended the weekend, saying business owners need the revenue. “Enforce all the laws at all times,” Lopez said.
Mikulski believes other options exist for the weekend, and said gangs will come regardless.
The budget question also showed differences in perspective.
Fitzsimons, a lifelong resident who works for the county Division of Aging and Disability Services, said, “You have to go in and look at all the books.”
Fitzsimons said her running mates have no plans to lay-off employees. She advocated for transparency in government and positively promoting Wildwood.
“When you’re sitting on the other side, it’s easy to throw stones,” Troiano said. The mayor agreed that taxes are high, but said he will never “cut” safety.
“The budget does not have fat,” Troiano said. Troiano believes increasing ratables and property values will ease the tax burden.
Helping the downtown district also comprised a round of questions.
Troiano contends that Wildwood is a seasonal community and always will be; however, bringing in a host hotel would generate employment and off-season conventions.
Dilks, a 25-year veteran in the restaurant and entertainment business, said Wildwood needs to be open for 10 months a year.
“I want to bring music back to Wildwood,” Dilks later said. Drawing on his connections, Dilks said top entertainers want to come to Wildwood. Dilks also believes empty and boarded-up buildings should be used for the public good. “Use it or lose it,” Dilks said.
Blute said the days of purchasing a suit on Pacific Avenue are over. Enticing an anchor store, such as Walgreens or ACE Hardware, would bring traffic downtown, he continued. A national decline in traditional shopping expedites creative solutions, he added.
“Build a better Wildwood and they will come,” Blute said.
Kilian envisions a bakery and coffee shop in a “condensed” business zone.
Byron holds to the present redevelopment plan, and wishes to make Wildwood more “builder-friendly.” Byron added that Wildwood’s downtown stretches beyond Pacific Avenue.
A common theme among candidates was creating a positive environment in and outside City Hall.
Lopez wants a government “who works together,” and does not sue one another or the city, forcing taxpayers to pay. Kilian concurred, saying that Wildwood is “not as bad” as portrayed in the media.
“We have to bring the money back on the island,” DeMarzo said. DeMarzo said the city needs more than tourism and should focus on real estate and homes.
Troiano urged residents to contact him for the truth regarding issues.
Byron said he was “flabbergasted” in a positive way by the turnout of such a diverse community.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.