As a Lewes city councilwoman and as a member of various civic organizations, Barbara Vaughan has proven time and again that she can get things done. Her many accomplishments earned her the 2015 Citizen of the Year Award by the Greater Lewes Foundation. But rather than focus on her public achievements, I'd like to tell you how Barbara, as a private citizen, helped to change things.
On Oct. 18, 2015, Barbara attended a meeting where she learned that the most recent energy plan proposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior included a proposal to issue permits for seismic testing and oil drilling in the mid-Atlantic. Everyone present was stunned by this news. The presenter asked everyone to get involved to help raise awareness, and to work to get elected officials to speak out.
Barbara didn't hesitate. The next day she spoke to the mayor of Lewes, providing him with data and contact information. In the following weeks she followed up with additional information. On Nov. 9, 2015, Lewes became the first town in Delaware to pass a resolution in opposition to offshore drilling and seismic testing off our coast. In the next seven months, every coastal town and Milton had passed similar resolutions.
In March 2016, the decision to allow drilling in the Atlantic was removed from the five-year plan by the Obama administration. That was a victory for Delaware - our environment, our economy and our marine life. While this grassroots effort involved many folks throughout Sussex County, it was Barbara Vaughan who got things going in Lewes.
Quietly, without fanfare, Barbara Vaughan, as a private citizen, helped save our coast from a potential disaster. Barbara will bring the same courage and tenacity to Legislative Hall.
Please vote for Barbara Vaughan Nov. 8 for District 20 state representative.
Joanne Cabry
Rehoboth Beach
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