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Editorial: Lewes core values still resonate

April 26, 2019

It’s been a couple of decades since Lewes adopted a set of core values to guide decision-making in the city. Consultant Bruce Galloway told community members that core values are positive aspects of the community’s culture and setting that residents should be prepared to stand behind and fight to retain.

And, he said, they would help guide decision-making. If an issue comes up before Lewes Mayor and Council that would diminish one of the core values, they provide a reason to say no, or at least to see if something could be done to address the negative aspect. On the other hand, if an issue arises which could enhance one of the core values, they offer a reason for supporters to come out and push in a positive direction.

Lewes has six core values dealing with noise, history, diversity, internal communities and a couple of other points.

One of the first core values adopted notes that Lewes has a special and historic relationship with the sea. That core value came into play recently during a discussion regarding the pros and cons of building and sustaining a dune along the face of the main public beach at the end of Savannah Road.

Those floating the idea noted that a dune would restore part of the natural order in that area and help prevent sand from blowing into the parking lot through the winter. The dune, they said, could save the town the expense of constantly pushing windblown sand back where it belongs.

Nearby resident Rob Davis noted that such a dune would block a view of the sea for those who park in the public lot to drink coffee or eat ice cream cones, watch ships at the anchorage, and enjoy colorful sunsets over Delaware Bay.

Building a dune, he said, would diminish the maritime core value. Davis hit the nail on the head.

The core value process, like a guiding light, worked. Mayor and Council now have plenty of reason to say no to a well-intended but misguided suggestion.

 

  • 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. 

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