While that vote was unanimous, the original choice of Quinn for the position was not.
Earlier in December, a divided council picked Quinn over Robert Becker, the current second alternate member of the Zoning Board, after closed-door interviews with the two men and another applicant. Divisions over board appointments are extremely unusual in Ocean City.
Contacted Wednesday, Buck declined to say any more about his public comments.
Councilman Peter Madden supported Becker for reappointment. Asked after the meeting if he believed politics played a part in council’s decision, he said “absolutely.”
According to Madden, political considerations, including the run-up to the mayor’s race, play an increasing role in council decisions, including in board appointments.
“It’s going away from the interests of Ocean City and toward personal interests and political interests,” Madden said Wednesday.
Contacted the same day, Hartzell denied politics played any role in his vote on the board appointment.
“We interview everybody and we all make a selection,” Hartzell said.
At the meeting on Monday, Councilman Tom Rotondi denied politics played any part in the Zoning Board appointment.
