James N. "Jim" Mathias, Jr. was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 38B on June 12, 2006 and with your help and support was elected Nov 7, 2006.   He is honored to serve the residents of Worcester and Wicomico Counties in the Maryland General Assembly and is a member of the Economic Matters Committee.  

Prior to his appointment, Jim proudly served as the Mayor of Ocean City from 1997 to 2006. During his tenure, Ocean City evolved into one of the most sought-after residential and resort communities in the nation. Named an All-America City in 2001 by the National Civic League, Ocean City was recognized as an exemplary town that employs "grassroots community problem-solving that cooperatively tackles challenges and achieves results."

Jim's philosophy as Mayor was to keep Ocean City "clean, safe, fun and affordable." To that end, he worked each day for the people who live and visit Ocean City, focusing on everything from attracting $14 million in federal funds for bridgeway improvements for the Route 50 and Route 90 bridges into Ocean City, to conserving and maintaining clean beaches and water sources. He implemented innovative corporate sponsorship programs that brought millions of dollars in revenue to the town (such as the deal that made Pepsi the official drink of Ocean City) and raised the accessible tax base from less than $3.5 million (in 1996) to more than $6 million (2003) annually–all while honoring his commitment to keeping property taxes as low as possible.

After Jim oversaw extensive renovations to the historic Ocean City Boardwalk, the landmark was recognized as one of the nation's Five Best Boardwalks by The Travel Channel and the National Resource Defense Council honored Ocean City with one of just six "Beach Buddies" awards for its commitment to landscaping, recycling, erosion control and cleanliness. He also championed historic preservation of City Hall, a landmark in downtown Ocean City.  

As appointed delegate, Jim participated in a Special Legislative Session in June of 2006. This action by the General Assembly produced legislation to guard Maryland's residents against dramatic spikes in electricity rates, as well as important protections regarding supervision, notification and penalties for sexual offenders aimed at increasing the safety of our children and families. As a freshman member of the MD General Assembly 2007 Legislative Session Jim successfully supported many bills improving our quality of life from public safety to the environment. Jim is especially proud of the hydraulic clam dredging bill that successfully passed preserving & protecting our treasured Atlantic Coastal Bays.

Community Involvement

Jim began his political career in Ocean City in 1987 when he was appointed to the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals, where he served until 1990. In October of 1990, he was elected as an Ocean City Councilman and was re-elected to that post in 1994. In October of 1996, Jim Mathias was elected as Mayor of Ocean City, Maryland.

His participation in the community, however, dates back to the 1970s when he permanently relocated to the town. Today he is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus #9053; is a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Parish; and proudly serves as a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Engine 703, where he serves as Chaplain. Jim represented the Coastal Bays Watershed, Ocean City and Worcester County on the State of Maryland Critical Area Commission and served as State Chairman for the 2004 WalkAmerica for the March of Dimes.

He has also at various times served as Chairman of the Worcester County Ambulance Service Committee; was involved with the Berlin/Ocean City Jaycees and was Chairman of the Ocean City Humane Society Commission.

A Life of Public Service

Born on September 2, 1951 in Baltimore, Jim was raised in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Carroll County. He attended high school at Calvert Hall College in Towson, graduating in 1969. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Jim first came to Ocean City as a child with his parents for summer vacations and it was then that he first fell in love with the town. His first Ocean City summer job was at Ponzetti's Pizza on the Boardwalk in 1972. In September 1972, his father acquired property in downtown Ocean City and built a successful amusement/arcade business. However, before he could really enjoy the success, Jim's father died of a heart attack just two years later. Jim graduated from college that same year and moved to Ocean City to run the family business, which he still manages today.

In 1978 he married Kathleen A. Petry. They have two children: Lauren, 26, recently married & acquired her masters degree in Social Work, and Trevor, 17, recently received Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout and is enjoying his senior year.