Hanson’s conflict appeal a public service

Dewey Beach Mayor Diane Hanson has officially notified the Delaware State Public Integrity Commission she is appealing its decision that she improperly ignored a conflict of interest when she cast a vote affecting Dewey Beach Enterprises’ redevelopment plans for the Ruddertowne property. She has appealed the decision to the state’s Superior Court in Sussex County. The move reflects the kind of pluck that Dewey Beach residents have come to expect from its elected officials over the 30-year history of the municipality. It’s part of the Dewey Beach Way of Life, sustains the wild frontier reputation of the young jurisdiction and offers yet one more detailed look at the roller coaster Ruddertowne saga.

The Public Integrity Commission ruled that Hanson, because she owns rental properties near Ruddertowne, should have recused herself from voting on an ordinance that confirmed the applicability of the town’s 35-foot height limit to the property redevelopment proposal.  The commission deemed her ownership of rental properties in competition with the units proposed for Ruddertowne constitutes the kind of personal or private interest that could improperly impair or influence a public official’s vote.

From our point of view Hanson’s personal or private interest is indirect at worst and was far outweighed by her political obligation to stay engaged in arguably the most important land-use issue to ever come before the commissioners. The case is reminiscent of complaints made a number of years ago against former Sussex County Councilman Dale Dukes by fellow council member George Cole.  Cole questioned whether Dukes should vote on subdivision and development applications when, as owner of a lumber company, he stood to possibly gain by such votes because of increased construction. The Public Integrity Commission found no direct personal or private interest on Dukes’ part and found no violation.

People wear so many different hats in small communities that almost every vote could be deemed to have personal or private interest ramifications if that provision is interpreted too broadly. We welcome the further interpretation that will come through the Superior Court review and applaud Mayor Hanson for standing up for what she thinks is right.