OCEAN CITY, NJ — The longest-serving member of City Council has stepped down.
Karen Bergman, a member of City Council for 13 years, announced her resignation at the latest meeting. She is leaving to take a job as supervisor of the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center when it goes under Ocean City control on Feb. 1.
An emotional Bergman thanked her fellow councilmembers, city administration and citizens for their help and support over the years.
“I’m really excited about this position,” Bergman said of her new job. “I believe it’s a really good fit for me. And it also offers me the opportunity to continue serving the community that I love.”
She, in turn, was thanked by the council and the mayor, who gifted her two plaques and a massive bouquet of flowers.
Mayor Jay Gillian said that Bergman would be “the cherry on the cake” of the senior center.
Former First Ward Councilman Mike DeVlieger announced during public comment that he intends on running for Bergman’s now-vacant at-large council seat.
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He also praised Bergman and said her new role was “custom-made” for her.
“The city will be great beneficiaries of all your efforts, I’m sure,” DeVlieger said.
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