Vessella seeks second term on Lewes BPW

Candace Vessella is making a bid for re-election to Lewes Board of Public Works, filing to run for a second-term Feb. 1. The municipal election is Saturday, May 11 at City Hall.

Vessella, 57, is board vice president. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and earned a master’s degree in international relations from The American University.

In 2008 she retired from the U. S. Navy Reserve and in 2009 she retired from a position in the defense industry.

During her 2011 campaign, Vessella promised to thoroughly research and analyze issues, listen to board customer concerns; collaborate with other city officials to address issues, communicate clearly and respect those whose viewpoints differ from hers.

“I have worked to achieve these goals and with your support in 2013, I will continue to improve the service of all BPW customers,” Vessella wrote in announcing her bid for a second term.

She said her mission is to continue finding constructive solutions for safe, reliable and economical utility services.

While serving on the board she said the panel has been able to maintain current utility rates without increases, reduced electric rates and ready-to-serve irrigation fees, and put in place a performance-based personnel management system.

“I am particularly proud of the communication outreach program, which I developed and implemented in order to increase public communication for a more transparent BPW organization.

“Since its inception, I have written 16 information papers answering customer questions, helped design and launch a new BPW web page, orchestrated public events and facility tours and established a citizens’ roundtable to facilitate informal interaction with BPW customers,” she wrote.

Vessella said in the run-up to the election she will reach out to the community to introduce herself so BPW customers can become acquainted with her goals and qualifications.

In addition to Vessella’s seat on the panel, the seat held by Pres Lee is up for election. Lee, board secretary and a Delaware-registered professional engineer, has not announced his intentions.

For additional information about Vessella, go to www.voteforvessella.weebly.com. Candidates interested in running for a seat on the board must file by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4.

For additional information about the election and voter and candidacy requirements, go to www.ci.lewes.de.us.