OCEAN CITY, Md. -- Earlier this week, Mayor Rick Meehan appeared on live radio and commented on people petitioning against the town's short-term rental restrictions. Critics of the restrictions said that during that interview, Meehan was trying to sabotage their efforts.
"Corrupt" and "intimidate" were a few accusations directed at Meehan in a post on social media. The account, titled OCMD Residents Against Short Term Rental Restrictions, also said Meehan "indirectly threatened petitioners with legal action."
On Thursday, Meehan told WBOC those allegations aren't true.
"What I was doing on a live radio interview was just letting them know that some of the things I thought they were doing, and promoting different events, and offering things for individuals that come to those events to sign a petition, was against Maryland law," said Meehan.
Meehan is referencing events where petitioners offered free Dairy Queen Blizzards to kids or 20% off wine. Those events aimed to attract people to either learn about the petition or sign it.
"You cannot offer anything of value or of nature to induce somebody to come somewhere and sign a petition," said Meehan.
Terry Miller of Ocean City started this petition and is part ofthe group OCMD Property Rights. On Thursday, Miller told us she is actually grateful for what Meehan pointed out.
"The five signatures that we got that night at the liquor store have been removed," said Miller.
Now, Miller hopes the drama is behind everyone and would like the attention to refocus on why the petition started: allowing voters to decide if the town's restrictions are necessary.
"We're working around the clock just trying to reach people," said Miller. "When we do, the vast majority agree with us, so that's where we are."
Miller and co. have until April 20th to collect signatures. For the petition to be successful and for this issue to be on the ballot, they need to garner 40% of Ocean City's voter population.