Letter to Editor: Give Boardwalk Musicians a Break

To the Editor,

I am deeply disappointed that Ocean City Council will consider having musicians buy a license in order to perform on the Boardwalk. According to the proposed ordinance, "Soliciting or accepting anything of value including, but not limited to, money for performing or playing a musical instrument on the boardwalk is prohibited unless a permit in writing is issued by the Mayor or Chief Executive Officer."

Pleaaase! A person with talent and a little moxy has to have a license to perform in this "Family" community! Who, has initiated this ordinance — surely, not the Ocean City Pops! I doubt it. This is mean-spirited and wrong!

On the same agenda is "A Resolution Authorizing the Administration to Obtain Easements to Permit City Dredging of Snug Harbor." Bending over backwards with taxpayers' money to dredge private lagoons, and meanwhile, denying musicians the right to collect a little jingle-jange for their craft, on the boardwalk!

Lets see who on Council will deny a musician, usually financially marginal, the right to play for a few bucks on the boardwalk, and meanwhile allow free money to lagoon dwellers to have their private entries obtain easements, dredging and free storage of dredge spoilsl! What is happening to Ocean City?

Every town and city in the U.S.A. and Europe has street musicians. This is the life blood of society. This is what gives color and magic to communities.

I hope this ordinance is voted down and musicians are encouraged to play on the boardwalk and collect a few dollars.  We need some color in Ocean City. It has become very very gray!

Georgina Shanley
Ocean City