We inherited a mess when we were elected two years ago, and we have worked steadily to clean it up. We are proud of the work and accomplishments that we have made. There is much twisting of information and half-truths out there, and I would like to set the record straight.
Here are the simple, straightforward facts:
One commissioner and an outside lobbying group have needlessly cost our town tens of thousands of dollars on frivolous AG complaints - and yes, the town was found innocent on every one.
The aggressive and continued attacks on the town, town employees, audit firm and committee volunteers needs to stop -
Yes, the longtime audit firm and some volunteers resigned rather than take the abuse from, again, one commissioner and an outside lobbying group.
The time taken to respond to wildly ridiculous and expansive FOIA requests that sacrifice a lot of trees but go nowhere, has hampered our ability to reform Dewey as rapidly as we would have liked. But the important thing is we have made progress and we are going forward as a team despite all the harassment.
Former mayors and commissioners have commended us on what we have accomplished, and have enthusiastically endorsed us for another term. We hope you will as well. We stand on our record of accomplishments and will keep adding to this list with your vote of confidence.
• Our recent audit showed a $497,000 increase to our net position. And we do this all without a property tax!
• Managed the last two years under budget, and through Aug. 31, we are tracking at the same numbers as previous years. We live within our means and treat every dollar as if it is our own.
• Hired an extremely qualified, professional town manager to help rebuild trust with our employees and property owners.
• For those who rent their property, there was a strong demand for your rental business. Family-friendly events and a new mini golf course will help keep this going strong.
• Our woefully neglected sidewalks are being fixed. Work is starting in the next few weeks.
• Crosswalks are getting Rapid Flashing Beacons installed to improve pedestrian safety.
• Route 1 will be getting re-paved starting in April.
• Beach replenishment is starting in mid-October. We are receiving a grant from the state to help us extend our widely popular beach dune mats.
• Living Shoreline project started a couple weeks ago to help alleviate flooding on Read Avenue. Phase 2 and 3 are on their way.
• Cleaned up past town mismanagement in the military surplus program.
• Brought back citizens’ oversight by bringing back the budget and finance committee.
• Brought back transparency by eliminating the above/below the line practices of the old administration.
We have signed up for another tour of duty to serve you, and ask for your support. Join us and let’s continue the progress together. Please vote Saturday Sept. 21, at the Life-Saving Station on Dagsworthy Avenue.
Vote for Bauer, Redefer and Cooke.
Commissioner Paul Bauer
Dewey Beach
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