The Great 2013 Loser Challenge Is On

In the most intriguing exchange of Thursday afternoon's City Council meeting, Councilman Scott Ping announced a friendly challenge with Councilman Tony Wilson: a 2013 weight-loss contest with the lesser loser donating $500 to the winner's charity of choice.

They invited their peers and the public to participate.

Ping is owner of Boyar's Market and was famously dubbed "The Butcher" during an early 2013 debate over Fire Department staffing. Wilson is owner of C. Leo Wilson Plumbing, Heating and A/C. So call this particular smackdown "The Butcher vs. The Plumber."

The Plumber said he was more than ready for the challenge.

Councilman Keith Hartzell chimed in — looking side-to-side at his colleagues before proclaiming himself (in so many words) too svelte to participate in such nonsense. But Hartzell promised $10 per pound to the charity pool of the winner.

Ever the policy wonk, Councilman Michael DeVlieger suggested a fairer way to measure the contest for less-substantial contestants would be to chart weight loss as a percentage of total body weight. But DeVlieger agreed to step on the scale regardless of the rules.

The loose plan is to meet at the Ocean City Music Pier at high noon on Tuesday, Jan. 1, for an initial weigh-in — then to return on July 1 during the City Council reorganization meeting for the final weigh-in to determine the winner.

In honor of the new year, the council members appear resolute about three things: losing some weight, having some fun and helping charity.

And they're inviting the public to participate — presumably if they're willing to share in the same three goals.