By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

Photo by Morgan Pilz                                          Tom Janasek

(May 23, 2019) Ocean Pines resident Tom Janasek, 53, and a member of the community since 1984, has decided to once again run for the board of directors.

Janasek, who installs beverage delivery systems in area establishments, when into real estate straight out of high school and started his own construction company in the early 1990s. He ran his company for more than 20 years, and now works with AC Beverage out of Bishopville.

Janasek first ran for the board in 2016, but realized he wasn’t ready or well informed enough at the time.

“I realized I didn’t know enough about the ins of the board and the mini government that we have within the Pines,” Janasek said. “So, I have involved myself in a lot more of the politics and a lot more stuff going on behind the scenes.”

He also participated in reestablishing the golf advisory committee and joined the environmental and natural assets committee, on which he serves as chairman. One of the most important lessons for Janasek was that knowing someone on the board helps smooth out the tough spots.

“What I realize is that is that you need to know somebody on the board of Ocean Pines in order to get stuff done,” Janasek said. “I want to get back on it and help people get stuff done.”

Ocean Pines has seen significant improvements over the last few years, Janasek said, referring to place such as the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Beach Club being transferred to Matt Ortt Company management. However, he is concerned about micromanagement and wants to ensure that does not happen if he is on the board.

He is also concerned because so many board members have resigned early this year.

“If you’re going to commit to [the board] you’ve got to commit to it,” Janasek said. “Things come up, but you’ve got to be there. You’ve got to follow through all the things you wanted to get done.”

Other key concerns for him are the drainage issue, which has been a source of frustration for many Ocean Pines residents, and the Ocean Pines Country Club. Janasek says with his experience in construction and business management, he can ensure these projects can proceed without going over budget or having any one person get too involved with specific projects.

Janasek knows he’s ruffled a few feathers last year, when he was in charge of removing Canada Geese from the association, and concedes he might lose some votes as a result.

“I love the geese, I’ve no problem with them,” Janasek said. “We had too many, and people will not vote for me because of that I’m sure, which is fine. Everybody has their opinion, but we had too many. Even people from Agriculture said you cannot sustain that many geese in that small pond.”

Overall, however, he said he just wants to help people and solve as many issues as he can.

“I’d like to figure out what the problem is, figure out how to solve the problem and then take care of it,” Janasek said.