Eastern Sussex Democrats honor Joan Deaver
Story Location:
22607 Hurdle Ditch Road
Harbeson, DE 19951
United States
The Eastern Sussex Democrat Club honored outgoing 3rd District Sussex County Councilwoman Joan Deaver with a dinner celebration at Betty and Bill Hurdle’s Farm in Harbeson July 21. The event acknowledged Deaver for her time serving on Sussex County Council and also helped fundraise to directly support Eastern Sussex Democrats.
“Deaver was the first woman ever elected to the council and that was very important. She has been a very fine leader,” said President Peter Schott. “She was always a member of this club, and has always been supportive of us and our issues. We want to say thank you for her eight years of service.”
A Republican for most of her life, Deaver switched parties when she became involved with Eastern Sussex Democrats. The organization jumpstarted her political career and supported her throughout the years. “I have so many people to thank, there’s not enough time in the day. Everybody was so good to me,” said Deaver.
Elected to County Council in 2008, Deaver has been a vocal advocate for managed, responsible growth, land use, public safety and economic development. “The past eight years have been the fastest years of my life. Just full of challenges, opportunities and ways to make a real difference,” said Deaver. Despite the challenges she faced, she is proud of what she has accomplished over the last few years. “I made my mark as a woman who demanded respect and equal rights,” she said.
With the upcoming elections this year, many prospective candidates attended the event. The gathering gave them opportunities to reach out to the public and discuss political agendas. Among the attendees was Leslie Ledogar, who is running as the Democratic candidate to fill Deaver’s spot as Sussex County Councilwoman.
“I aim to continue the legacy that Ms. Deaver has left and to continue to ask the hard questions. I hope to be the voice that continues to advocate for planned, smart, healthy growth,” said Ledogar.
As for Deaver, she doesn’t have any future career plans, but is looking forward to relaxing and taking her first vacation in eight years. She does plan to keep her eye on Sussex County Council and the county at large to see where she can make herself useful however she can.
