News Briefs 06/15/18

Rehoboth law oversight committee to meet June 18
The Rehoboth Beach Law Oversight Committee has scheduled a meeting for 1 p.m., Monday, June 18, in the commissioners room of town hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a discussion related to creating and amending town code, and a continued discussion about the town's tree ordinance. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth Bandstand committee to meet June 19
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand/Convention Hall/Special Events committee has scheduled a meeting for 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, in the commissioners room of town hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for discussion on pet policies, furniture fixtures, operating budget and wedding locations. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

Regulation amendment added to marijuana bill
A bill legalizing marijuana in Delaware was amended June 12 by Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington South. According to a press release, House Amendment 1 to House Bill 110 addresses issues around the potential regulation of marijuana, from consumer safety and impaired driving, to taxation and licensing, following eight public task force meetings. The press release says the amendment sets provisions regulating marijuana more strictly, with more controls for safe cultivation, seed-to-sale tracking, random testing and consumer safeguards that enhance educational labeling and prohibit products that look like candy or cartoon characters.

The amendment also contains language that further clarifies employer protections as well as explicit language directing 10 percent of tax proceeds to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Introduced in 2017, HB110 establishes a commission to regulate, tax and distribute cannabis legally in Delaware, modeled off existing laws governing the regulation of alcohol. It was released from committee and now is awaiting a vote in the full House.

Marshall Thomas to kick off run for AG June 20
Former Chief Sussex County Prosecutor Peggy Marshall Thomas begins her run for attorney general with a campaign kickoff and fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, at Hooked Seafood & Martini Bar in Rehoboth. The restaurant is located at 18585 Coastal Highway.
Thomas has 30 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor, with expertise in researching and writing legislative bills for legislators at Legislative Hall. Tickets are $100 per person.

To register for the event, RSVP to peggy4ag@gmail.com. For those who are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution, make checks payable to: Friends to Elect Peggy Marshall Thomas, P.O. Box 100, Harbeson DE 19951. As of press deadline June 14, Thomas had not filed her paperwork with the state. When she does, she will be the only Republican. Four Democrats have filed – Dover attorney Timothy Mullaney, former state prosecutor Kathy Jennings, former chief deputy attorney general Lakresha Roberts and Wilmington attorney Chris Johnson.

The deadline for candidates to file for a statewide office and all other offices is noon, Tuesday, July 10. The statewide primary election is Thursday, Sept. 6. The deadline to register to vote in the primary is Saturday, Aug. 11. The statewide general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. The deadline to register to vote in the general election is Saturday, Oct. 13.

Lewes Parks and Rec meets June 18
The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 7 p.m., Monday, June 18, at city hall. The group will discuss a future public workshop to gather input on design, elements and amenities of a new playground structure at George H.P. Smith Park. They will also discuss allowing garden sponsorships with profits going toward maintenance of flower beds and the purchase of tulips for the annual Tulip Celebration. The commission will round out the meeting with a discussion of a request to build a community garden in the Great Marsh Park. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.

Budget hearing on Sussex council agenda June 19
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on the fiscal year 2019 budget, and an interview with planning and zoning commission nominee Holly Wingate of Millville. See a complete agenda at www.sussexcountyde.gov.

Land-use plan on council agenda June 19
Sussex County Council will have a comprehensive plan workshop at 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a discussion of the draft plan. A public comment period is scheduled from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Go to www.sussexplan.com for more information.

20th RD Democratic Committee to meet June 21
Elizabeth Romero, director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health of the Department of Health and Social Services, will be the guest speaker at the RD 20 Democratic Committee meeting Thursday, June 21, at Fish On Restaurant, 17300 Village Main Blvd., Lewes. Committee members and guests gather at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and dinner (optional) followed at 6 p.m. by Romero's presentation. The public is welcome.

With more than 15 years as a public health professional, Romero was appointed to lead the DSAMH in November 2017. She formerly served as senior director for health improvement with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials in Arlington, Va. The DHSS is in the process of implementing a model of care for addiction treatment as a response to the state's opioid epidemic. Romero will discuss this treatment model, the status of its implementation, and other efforts to ensure that Delawareans struggling with addiction and other mental health issues get the help they need.

Following the presentation, RD20 Democratic Committee will conduct its monthly business meeting. Democrats Tim Mullaney Sr., candidate for attorney general, and Kathy McGuiness, candidate for state auditor, will discuss their respective platforms. Registered Democrats in the district are welcome to attend. For further information email: kerrythalheim@aol.com.

RD 20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents in the Lewes, Coolspring, Harbeson and Milton areas of Sussex County. RD 20 is an advocate for the common good, valuing community involvement, improving the lives of its residents, promoting the best candidates for elections, and supporting Democratic Party values.

SCRWC to meet June 27 in Rehoboth Beach
The Sussex County Republican Women's Club will hold its next meeting Wednesday, June 27, beginning 6 p.m., at Kings Creek Country Club, Rehoboth Beach. This is the third in a series of getting to know Republican candidates running for office during this primary season. Speakers at the meeting will include familiar names running for re-election of their incumbent seats as well as some who are hoping to win their bid for a new position in government. Rob Arlett, currently representing Sussex County Council District 5, is running for the U.S. Senate.

Lee Murphy is running for a seat in the Delaware House of Representatives. Peggy Marshall Thomas is running for attorney general. Ken Simpler hopes to continue as state treasurer; Joan Winters is running for Delaware auditor. Ernie Lopez takes the floor as the incumbent senator of District 6. Bryant Richardson is running as the incumbent for Senate District 21. Tim Dukes is the District 40 Representative running for re-election. Danny Short, House minority leader, is running as the incumbent for District 39. These are the guests so far on the program. Some County Council candidates may be added as their schedules permit. Reservations are required and should be directed to Carol Andrejko at ccandrejko@aol.com or 302-945-8737.

It is the mission of the Sussex County Republican Women's Club to assist in the election of Republican candidates, act as an advocate for the Republican Party's principles, and empower women to participate in the political process. For additional information go to www.scrwc.net.

36th RD Democrats to meet June 18
Registered Democrats living in the 36th Representative District are encouraged to attend the June meeting of the 36th Democratic RD to be held at Arena's Restaurant in Milford Monday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. Committees will report on fundraising, outreach efforts and current legislative issues.
Kathleen Jennings, candidate for attorney general, will discuss her agenda for this office. All registered Democrats in the Sussex County 36th RD are encouraged to attend, and current members are encouraged to bring friends. They encourage participants to partake of the optional Dutch treat dinner and to support Arena's, which provides the meeting space.

Eckbold withdraws from 6th District race
A little more than a month after filing her candidate paperwork with the county, Republican Lynne Eckbold has withdrawn from the 6th Senatorial District race. According to officials from the Sussex County Department of Elections, she withdrew June 7. Incumbent Republican Ernie Lopez and Democratic challenger Dave Baker have filed paperwork for the race. Senate District 6, which moved from northern New Castle County to Sussex County during redistricting in 2012, encompasses Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton.

Sussex council awards grants to nonprofits
Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants during its June 12 meeting: $500 to Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre for operating and program expenses; $500 to Boy Scout Troop 1 in Lewes to help with expenses for attending the Sea Base program in Key West, Fla.; and $1,500 to Lewes Public Library for its third annual Shakespeare Festival, Sept. 16-22.