Dewey incumbent commissioners file for re-election
Incumbent Dewey Beach commissioners Paul Bauer, Elisabeth Gibbings and David Jasinski met at town hall July 20 to file as candidates in the 2023 municipal election, set for Saturday, Sept. 23.
By running together, commissioner candidates say they bring a new approach to politics – teamwork and nonpartisan collaboration – and look forward to continuing progress made over the last two years.
In a provided statement, candidates said their varied backgrounds and experiences translate to equitable representation, and, while they may not always agree on every issue, they have a track record of civility and open-mindedness to accomplish the greater good for town residents, visitors and businesses.
“Along with Commissioner Gary Persinger and Mayor Bill Stevens, this council has been able to work together to accomplish a highly functional, respectful and consistent team to execute and advance town business and public safety priorities with balance and reason,” the statement reads.
Bauer was first elected in 2017, and has served ever since. Council secretary for five years, Bauer is commissioner liaison to the budget and finance committee and marketing committee. Bauer retired after 23 years as a business development executive for Staples’ commercial and enterprise division. He is an active member of the Dewey Beach Lions Club and the Delaware Sports Commission, which hosts the annual Slam Dunk to the Beach high school basketball tournament at Cape High.
Gibbings first ran in 2021 and is liaison to the investment committee. A clinical psychologist, she has served as president and in other elected positions in the Delaware Psychological Association and with the American Psychological Association as a member of the Council of Representatives.
Jasinski filed for his first full term in 2021 after previously filling the remaining term of former Mayor TJ Redefer, who died in April 2020. He also served as commissioner in 2014-15. Currently liaison to the infrastructure committee, Jasinski previously served on the budget and finance committee and the planning and zoning commission. Jasinski has had a long career in information technology sales and consulting.
Candidates cite accomplishments including expanded outdoor dining, the set-aside of budget surplus in rainy-day funds, continued investments in renovating and repairing town stormwater infrastructure, and highway median public safety enhancements.
Other highlights candidates detail are the successful hires of a new town manager and police chief, the acquisition of a $3 million grant toward the new town hall and police department, a simplified ordinance to protect the town’s tree canopy, and enhanced transparency through a hybrid, in-person and virtual meeting structure.
An election has not been held in Dewey since 2020. The incumbents all ran unopposed in 2021, and Stevens and Persinger also ran unopposed for their two-year seats in 2022.
Candidate filing and voter registration deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 24. Ballots may be cast in person or by absentee ballot. Election day is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.
Election information for candidates and voters, including the absentee ballot request form, is available at townofdeweybeach.com or by calling 302-227-6363.
