List of OPA Board candidates grows; deadline extended
By Bob Lassahn
For a time it appeared that the upcoming Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors election might be a race with few participants. As the May 13 filing deadline approached there was but a single candidate, Ray Unger, vying for the two seats up for grabs this year. A second candidate Thomas Kreller cast his hat into the ring briefly but withdrew due to conflict with his work schedule.

According to Board President Dan Stachurski as of the original Friday, May 13, 4:30 p.m. deadline a total 10 candidates had submitted their paperwork and he provided the following list: John Fritz, John Reid, Reid Sterrett, Ray Unger, Laurie Adelhardt, Ron Leidner, Shannon Piasecki, Janet Kelly, Norm Katz, Carol Ludwig and Chris Waring.

It was also learned on Friday that the filing deadline had been extended to Monday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. since the 90 day deadline prior to the scheduled OPA Annual Meeting fell on Sunday, May 15. Potentially additional candidates could still file their paperwork before that deadline and there is an additional 30 day period for candidates to file an application by petition.

In a telephone interview The Courier learned that effective Monday morning Laurie Adelhardt pulled out of the race due to other commitments, but states she will consider running next year. As of this writing the field stands at ten candidates including seven men and three women.

Familiar names in the race are Norm Katz, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2004 election and Ray Unger, who was also a candidate in the 2004 race but withdrew prior to the ballots being formalized. Janet Kelly recently came into the spotlight as a voice in the ongoing debate to open up Wood Duck Park.

One source that has remained mute regarding the upcoming election is the official Ocean Pines website (http://www.oceanpines.org). No information on filing deadlines or other data pertinent to the 2005 race is available on the site and in fact, the only entries under  “Board Elections” are results from the 2004 race.

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