Ted Becker making run for mayor of Lewes

Lewes Deputy Mayor Ted Becker wants to be the city's next mayor.

Becker, 64, has spent the last 10 years on city council working side-by-side with Mayor Jim Ford, who announced earlier this month he would not seek a sixth term. Becker named deputy mayor in 2011 and has worked with Ford to complete many significant projects over the last decade, including the creation of Canalfront Park and the redesign of Second Street, but there is still more work to be done, Becker said.

“We are in the middle of some very significant projects,” he said, specifically pointing to the construction of the new library and the transportation enhancement project with the historical society. “I'd like to see some of those come to fruition. I've been involved in them, and I'd like to see them get done.”

Becker bought a home in Lewes in 1981 and moved to the city full time in 2000. He is the managing partner of Stewart Becker Properties. He previously worked with the U.S. Division of Special Education, the U.S. Department of Education and served in U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1978 to 1996.

He is chairman of the city's finance, street improvement and Canalfront Park Marina committees.

Since his election to council, Becker said, the city's needs have changed. There was a great emphasis on improving infrastructure in his early years, but now focus has shifted to growth, maintaining a solid financial standing and dealing with unforeseen challenges.

He said Lewes' recent accomplishments are a result of the open government Ford created and encouraged. Becker would like to employ a similar approach.

“We've built tremendous coalitions with so many organizations,” he said. “I would like to see those things continue to flourish and grow. A lot of what we have been able to accomplish is a result of the community or civic spirit of Lewes. A portion of that is Jim having an open government where people could come and express their opinion and be heard.”

With Becker running for mayor, the picture of the city's May election is coming into focus. In addition to Becker's open seat, a second seat is also up for election. Incumbent Bonnie Osler has not yet filed to run for re-election, nor has any other candidate.

The deadline to file to run for council or mayor is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3. The election is set for Saturday, May 10.