We write this letter in support of Mr. Irwin G. Burton for the County Council District 3 seat. Let me be perfectly honest at the outset of this letter, during the primary election my husband and I were not supporters of Mr. Burton, but our candidate was not the winner of the election. Since that time, we have come to know Mr. Burton and his stand on the issues facing the 3rd District.
We have found IG Burton to be knowledgeable about county functions. He has served on Sussex County Planning and Zoning for the past 11 years, and has made contacts within the county as well as the state that will prove to be beneficial should he be elected to the 3rd councilmanic seat.
It is important to know that as a member of the planning and zoning commission, he is charged with following to the letter the comprehensive land use plan. The comp plan has the weight of law and must be abided. Many of the readers of this letter are not familiar with the workings of the planning and zoning commission. When an application comes before the commission, the members must first look at the comp plan. If the application fits within the parameters of the comp plan, the members are obligated to approve the application with only a recommendation to the full Sussex County Council for final approval. The planning and zoning commission is unable to negotiate with the developer; however, if there are negotiations to be had, they must come from the full council. We may not fully agree with some of Mr. Burton’s votes on P&Z, but he is bound to follow the comprehensive land use plan with no wiggle room, which he has done with due diligence.
Mr. Burton has been a businessman all his life. The county is a “business” and must be operated as a business. Mr. Burton has the knowledge and experience to run the business of Sussex County government. Unlike Mr. Burton’s opponent, he is a lifelong Sussex County native. One cannot possibly live in an area for a short period of time and gain the knowledge and experience that Mr. Burton has attained over his lifetime.
We would strongly encourage the voters of the 3rd County Council District to cast your ballot November 8 for Mr. Irwin G. Burton.
Diana and Micheal Robertson
Rehoboth Beach