Keane runs for Lewes city council

Kevin Keane is the first person to file to run for Lewes City Council in this year’s municipal election.

The Lewes Planning Commission vice chair made it official March 2, the first day of the 30-day filing period.

Council seats currently held by Tim Ritzert and Joe Elder are up for grabs this year. Neither Ritzert nor Elder has announced whether they will seek re-election.

Keane provided his platform to the Cape Gazette, a list of promises that touch all the bases on issues facing the city.

He said he would encourage a diverse mix of small businesses in the commercial district.

“I don’t believe the downtown area is where we should have office spaces on the ground floor,” he said. “They could be better utilized for other businesses that are attractive to families and the community in general.” 

Keane did not address where current first-floor offices might relocate in the city.

Keane also said a parking plan that meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors is at the top of his agenda.

“I think we need to be as creative as possible when addressing the parking issue,” he said. “I think we gave up too soon on the [Lewes Line] bus shuttle. Certainly, it wasn’t used the way we wanted it to be used. Perhaps there was a marketing and a publicity issue, and we can encourage people to use it to alleviate traffic downtown.”

Keane’s platform also includes developing environment and resiliency plans, improving streets and sidewalks, and preserving the city’s historical character.

In 2024, Keane was named chair of a planning commission subcommittee on home-based businesses. The panel was tasked with revamping the city’s code on what businesses should be allowed in residential neighborhoods.

It drafted an ordinance that created a three-tier system for neighborhood impact and an administrative review process for resolving opposition. Council later scrapped or revamped several key provisions. Council passed the modified ordinance in December, then quickly rescinded it a month later. Mayor Amy Marasco said there were unresolved legal questions about land use and zoning.

Keane said he hopes a new, consolidated ordinance will go before council soon.

“In the spirit of compromise, there are some elements I would have preferred went the other way, but it’s much better than the city ordinance we have in place, because it takes into consideration the impact businesses have on certain neighborhoods,” he said.

While others might also support his platform issues, he said he is leaning on his background in communications and journalism. He has an MBA from the University of Delaware, where he teaches a course on media and democracy.

“It’s basically how changes in media have impacted our relationship with our government,” he said. “That gives me the background and experience, I think, that sets me apart.”

“I understand how to solve problems by listening to people, going into a conversation understanding you don’t have all the answers. It’s being empathetic to others and understanding their concerns, and being decisive when you need to be,” he said.

Keane is a Philadelphia native and Penn State alum. He has lived in Lewes for six years.

He first stepped into the public eye in 2023 when he initiated an effort, in collaboration with Lewes police, to shut down Kings Highway on Halloween to create a safe zone for trick-or-treaters.

Lewes has not had a contested election since 2022. Keane said he welcomes competition for his campaign.

“I’m not running against anybody. I’m running for an opportunity to represent the City of Lewes the best way I possibly can and improve the well-being of the city,” he said.

The candidate filing period is open until 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 2.

The Lewes municipal election is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at city hall.