Chrzanowsk: Integrity, uncompromising ethics

I did not plan to write any letters about this year’s municipal election in Rehoboth Beach. Too many letters, however, set forth falsehoods, distortions and mischaracterizations of too many facts to attack certain candidates.  I have been the subject of such attacks in the past - often without time or venue to refute them. I wish we could focus on issues and not personal attacks.  I do not intend to attack any candidate, but I do want to say something about one candidate who has been the subject of such attacks.

I have known Edward Chrzanowski for over 12 years.  I met him in Rehoboth Beach - a serendipitous meeting.  We discovered that my investment banking firm represented the financial institution where he worked as a human resources specialist in a bank merger transaction.  My firm was looking for a human resources director; we hired Edward to fill that position.  

During the time Edward worked with our companies, I observed his strong work ethic, commitment and perseverance as he helped our several companies expand and thrive with offices nationwide.  He handled difficult issues with professionalism, and skillfully collaborated with employees and management.  He demonstrated intelligence and common sense and, with his background in banking, his role grew to include serving as my assistant SEC compliance officer.  Above all, he was respected for his ethics and integrity, and the respect he showed for everyone. 

That is why I am personally troubled and hurt by the vicious attacks on Edward’s character.  At the very outset of the election season, he was threatened, intimidated, told he was being “watched and followed” by a private investigator, and had his nominating petition challenged with false accusations – all in an obvious attempt to get him to withdraw.  Really!  Why would someone go through that much effort to discredit someone?  What were they afraid of?  He has been accused of misusing Rehoboth Beach Main Street.  A fellow board member at RBMS felt compelled to write a letter to the editor to refute those false allegations.  What he has done is made a positive contribution to revitalize RBMS and, consistent with his commitment to everyone, transformed RBMS into a truly thriving community organization with more volunteers (mostly residents) than ever. He worked hard to get RBMS re-established - for endless hours at its office and at our home.  Under Edward’s leadership and that of other dedicated volunteers, RBMS is beautifying our downtown, promoting Rehoboth Beach, and uniting businesses and residents to make Rehoboth Beach a better place for all of us. 

The Edward I know has integrity and uncompromising ethics. I know that to be true. I am privileged to still work with him in my law firm, where he is respected by his colleagues and clients, and with his consulting firm. 

He is a caring individual.  Edward saw me through two fractured wrist surgeries and two days (10-plus hours) of extensive back surgery.  He stayed at the hospital throughout my surgeries and reassured my 95-year-old mother in Massachusetts with real-time reports on my condition.  Edward researched physical rehab facilities, found the best one and made all the arrangements for my admission.  For nearly six weeks, he was there to visit me and to take me home. That is the kind of person Edward Chrzanowski is.

I am proud of Edward, his integrity, ethics, strong character, and his dedication and loyalty to Rehoboth Beach.  I am privileged to know and support him.  I urge you to vote for Edward Chrzanowski.  He will make you proud, as well.

Richard J. Perry Jr.
resident of Rehoboth Beach