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Tom Owen running for Lewes BPW seat

Pledges to bring business experience to panel
April 4, 2013

Tom Owen has entered the race for a seat on Lewes Board of Public Works filing an application to run on March 20.

“I love Lewes, and I feel a need to get more involved. I think I’ll be able to contribute to the board because of my business and risk-management experience,” Owen said.

He currently serves on Lewes Board of Adjustment and served on Lewes Canalfront Park’s final phase fundraising committee.

Owen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from William & Lee University, Lexington, Ky. He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, when he began a career in the insurance industry with Chubb & Sons Insurance in New York City, where he specialized in risk management and property casualty insurance.

Owen earned an associate’s degree in risk management, and became a chartered property casualty underwriter. In 1970 he started Owen Inc., an independent insurance agency in York, Pa.

Owen, 71, and wife Libby, were seasonal Lewes residents for several years before he retired in 2006 and moved to the city permanently. The couple has been married 42 years. They live on Burton Avenue.

Two BPW seats are open. Incumbent board member Pres Lee, 67, is running for a second term. Lee, a licensed engineer, serves as board secretary and is primarily responsible for wastewater, potable water and stormwater facilities.

Board member Candace Vessella in February filed to run for a second term but withdrew from the race March 5, and filed to run for a Lewes City Council seat.

If Lee and Owen remain the only BPW candidates to file, there would be no need for an election and both candidates would be seated on the panel.

The annual municipal election is Saturday, May 11, at City Hall. The deadline for candidate registration is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4. For additional candidate and voter requirements, visit City Hall or go to www.ci.lewes.de.us.

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