Joni Reich appointed mayor of Henlopen Acres

During a special meeting May 4, Henlopen Acres Board of Commissioners unanimously elected Commissioner Joni Reich as the town’s next mayor.

Reich has been a commissioner for four years, and she fills a spot left by the unexpected death of former Mayor David Lyons, who died April 17. He had been mayor since 2015.

“We were all saddened by the death of David Lyons. He did a tremendous job,” said Reich. “I just hope to be able to carry on with all his excellent work.”

Reich has been a property owner in Henlopen Acres for 15 years and a full-time resident for the past eight. She said the town is in a great position looking out into the future.

“It’s been well managed, well maintained and well funded,” Reich said. “We’re just trying to preserve this beautiful community.”

Reich said the dredging of the town marina, and what to do with the spoils, is one of the bigger projects the town is facing in the near future. She said commissioners are also working on a comprehensive review of town assets.

Henlopen Acres elects a mayor annually. Reich’s term as commissioner runs through August 2020. This term as mayor will end with the town’s election in August, at which time commissioners could choose to reappoint her.

Lyons’ term would have run through August 2019. Reich said commissioners will discuss whether the seat needs to be filled during the group’s next meeting Friday, June 8. She said the governing body has the authority to appoint someone to fill the seat or wait until next year’s election.