Cape Gazette doesn’t typically endorse candidates in primary races. But when a primary vote amounts to the only election there will be for an important seat, we make an exception.
Such is the case with the Republican primary for the Sussex County Council Third District seat. That district includes all of Lewes, much of Rehoboth Beach and much of Milton. I.G. Burton is the incumbent. Mark Schaeffer is challenging Burton.
There are no other candidates, Democrat or otherwise. Whoever wins the Republican primary next Tuesday, Sept. 15, wins the seat.
Cape Gazette wholeheartedly endorses Burton’s candidacy.
His many years on the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission and incumbency as a council member give him unparalleled knowledge of the workings of Sussex County and the leanings of its residents. He has shown steady dedication, listening to all sides at countless meetings, questioning and researching carefully to fully understand the ramifications of his decisions, casting his votes fearlessly, and thoughtfully articulating his reasoning.
Burton’s constituents have steadily advocated for the purchase of open space to help maintain balance with development. He spearheaded and engineered a public/private funding partnership to use county money to leverage millions in public/private contributions leading to preservation of the 35-acre Jones Farm parcel in the midst of rapid development on Kings Highway in Lewes. He joined other council members in fully supporting another recent preservation effort in the Angola area. And, as a Sussex Council liaison member of Sussex County Land Trust, Burton helped effect the purchase of the 39-acre Hudson Park parcel on Route 9 through another successful partnership that will lead to an important trailhead facility along the Lewes-Georgetown Trail.
Burton has also been an active participant in the Five Points Working Group initiative to address traffic-congestion problems in the Third District.
This lifetime Sussex native leads with his head, follows with his heart. He understands the best way to preserve quality of life and enhance property values for all is to protect our environment through informed collaboration.
I.G. Burton has more than earned reelection to Sussex County Council.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood.
