The following letter was addressed to the property and business owners in Dewey Beach.
In 2007, I was first elected to the Dewey Beach Town Council during a very turbulent time that continued to be unsettled until 2011. Because of excessive noise, disorderly houses, litter, public intoxication and inappropriate behavior, this was also a time of frustration for many property owners. And to make matters worse, the town had a $750,000 deficit.
Three years later, in the fall of 2010, I was first elected mayor. Since then I've taken a very step-by-step, planned approach to address these many problems. Business noise was the first issue I tackled. This was followed by street noise and public urination.
Next I addressed some of our more disorderly guests who arrived in Dewey Beach in May and June - those students celebrating their high school and college graduations. Specific university presidents were contacted about the behavior of their graduates and how it affected that institution's reputation. A successful plan for improving the situation was developed.
Most recently, disorderly houses and then trash issues have been worked on with noticeable improvements, and that work will continue.
As a result of all of this work, property owners now tell me they are very pleased with the direction the town is headed and recognize that we have much to brag about: a cleaner, more attractive town; a friendlier town with harmony among the businesses and the town council, town management and its citizens; a quieter and more peaceful town, more family friendly events including children's activities, dog events, movies and bonfires on the beach, weddings; financial stability and more direct communication with property and business owners.
As I watched the many young children that frequented our beaches, town streets and restaurants this summer, what I saw was the future of Dewey Beach. As those children grow up, they will remember Dewey Beach as a family place where they had fun in a safe, peaceful, and clean town.
Dewey has an excellent town manager who is industrious and creative, and as of today, we have one of the most professional and capable town councils in my entire time on town council so far. There is still much work that must be done, especially related to sea level rise, infrastructure, rights of way issues, zoning, and our comprehensive development plan that will be continued.
In January, Commissioner Dale Cooke advised me that he truly wanted to serve as mayor. Dale has met with me on several occasions and has pledged to continue on the path toward a family-friendly town with a bright future. After giving this a great deal of thought, I would like Dale to be my successor as mayor.
He is dedicated to this town, and I believe he will make a good mayor.
When my current term as commissioner ends in 2017, I will have served the town for a decade, and now it is time for me to have more time for myself and my family, and to enjoy retirement.
I also have several other projects in mind.
This does not mean that I'm ending my service to this town. I still have at least one more year on council, and I plan to work closely with our marketing committee to foster and enhance our new image as a friendly town that is fun for all. I plan to work with Gary Persinger on enhanced communication with property and business owners, and I will continue to be involved with the many dog events in town. Most important of all, I will still be here to help any of you with specific situations or issues that may arise.
I nominated Dale Cooke as mayor of Dewey Beach. Dale then nominated me for secretary of council (which is similar to an assistant mayor role.) Both votes were unanimous.
Gary Persinger and Courtney Riordan were also sworn in a commissioners.
And a new era begins in Dewey Beach.
Diane Hanson
commissioner, secretary of council, and former mayor of Dewey Beach
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