Letters to the Editor

Milton councilwoman takes Tidewater to task

The following letter was sent to the Delaware Public Service Commission, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.

My name is Marion Jones and I serve as a councilwoman in the Town of Milton. I write you today to voice my grave concerns regarding the application for a rate increase from Tidewater (TESI) for the citizens of Milton.

Aside from the fact that I am confused as to how Tidewater is able to “legally” breach their contract with the town, it is a reality that TESI is attempting to do just that by having filed the above-mentioned docket item.

The Town of Milton is presently facing an enormous budget deficit. In addition to the need for finding a viable source of future revenue, the citizens are facing increased fees imposed by the state for mandatory recycling, possible gross rental receipts tax and increases in property taxes. An increase, such as proposed by Tidewater, of nearly 90 percent, could be devastating to many homeowners and renters alike.

In exchange for the “hole in the river” which allows Tidewater to treat and dump in the Broadkill, they entered into a contract with the Town of Milton: “TESI will seek PSC approval of a freeze on the current user rate for a period of five years from the date of signing of this agreement for the 1,144 customers currently serviced by the town. The contract goes on to state, ”TESI will also seek PSC approval to obtain a $12.50 per quarter user fee rate increase for the 1,144 current customers in year six and anticipates keeping this rate through year 10.”

By just making this application to the PSC , Tidewater is, at the very least, breaching the trust the citizens of Milton extended to them in good faith. Furthermore, if TESI is successful in obtaining their requested increase, thus breaking the contract, is the remaining contract valid at all? Seems to me this might lay the groundwork for Milton to retract from using TESI as their wastewater management company and taking back the facility Tidewater occupies, which remains owned by the Town of Milton.

The residents were victimized once when the Town of Milton and Tidewater entered into negotiations without proper notice to the citizens. They were robbed of the opportunity to give any public input into the choice of a wastewater provider. This process has been flawed from the very beginning.  In a Jan. 25, 2007 decision by the Delaware Department of Justice, Milton was found in violation of a FOIA complaint;  “we determine that the town council violated the open meeting requirements of FOIA by: 1) meeting privately six times in October and November 2006 to discuss matters of public business without notice to the public, without posting an agenda and without preparing minutes; 2) failing to post an adequate agenda for the town’s Nov. 13, 2006, special meeting; and 3) amending the agenda for the Nov. 13, 2006, meeting during the meeting to include matters of public business which arise prior to that meeting. As remediation, we direct the town to schedule a meeting within 30 days of the date of this opinion in strict compliance with the public notice and agenda requirements of FOIA for new and substantial reconsideration of the votes taken: 1) to privatize the town’s wastewater treatment system; and 2) to engage in contract negotiations with Tidewater.”

Given the long and beleaguered history with this company, I respectfully request each of you carefully examine what is being requested and how your decision will have a lasting impact on the citizens of Milton. I appreciate any consideration you give my letter as well as the appeal letters being sent from other residents in Milton.
Marion L. Jones
Milton Town Council

Reflections on 'moving that bus'

At first I was going to respond in like form to the people who submitted their negative thoughts on the ongoing project now finished on Route 9 - "Extreme Makeover."

I have watched this show since its inception -have said many hallelujahs - and shed many tears as deserving families shouted out the words, "Move that bus!"  There were other times I said, “There is no way that this was needed to the extent it was built; and watching thrilled new residents running up and down stairs with hands on paint, woodwork, etc. I wondered just how long the combined efforts of volunteers would reflect (many of whom in the area had hardly more themselves than the new home electees) would keep up what had been achieved in their behalf - and, in some cases, how could people in their dire financial straits maintain the properties when there was not also a cash gift!

My first thought was, wouldn't four Beracah shell homes for four really deserving families have been a much better choice for Schell Brothers and volunteers to complete on donated property?  Then I learned of the family who had been chosen.  Knowing of their own personal struggle - knowing of Dale's indomitable faith - Ken's total devotion to his wife of years and his belief in her and the success of a ministry - being aware of the countless hours she has stood over a stove and cooked for those whom she felt should have a loving touch just in passing a bowl to waiting hands - that warmth in the stomach is the basis for hope. I, instead of agreeing with the previous writer, am jumping all over the place with my personal hallelujahs that Dale Dunning, her family, her soup ministry, and all the efforts she has made in the most quiet, humble ways, are being rewarded by the gift of space in order for ministries to grow.

Also amazing to me is how God works.  Almost two weeks ago, I was on Route One heading south. The Jusst Sooup van was on my left.  I jumped out of my car and handed Dale a card: "Count me in to help with soup in the fall."  No one had heard who the family was at that time. Bigger kitchens mean more who can volunteer!  The ranch can incorporate more volunteer loving hands, hugs and compassionate reaching out. One sad thing about all of this.  When I consider Beulah - I can't see her as an object for pumpkin throwing!  Right now, my little vehicle is filled to capacity with clothing which has been donated to my ministry - Safe Harbor - for distribution.

We are in the process of doing a fundraiser for a very deserving shelter suffering from reduced grants due to our economic crisis.  A place of refuge for abused women, children and others in crisis. Places like this we cannot allow to fold. There is rarely an empty space as I, and others, are actively involved in making every effort to meet the needs of others.  What a blessing Beulah would be - if not to me, but to another ministry.  Not only for what it could help carry to others, but a wonderful place for prayer partners to meet.

So, for those of you who are set on taking pumpkin punches on Beulah, we sure wish you would reconsider. Being hit by pumpkins demeans who she is and what she stands for.  Of course, if you have gathered together and paid big bucks for her - that is something I can't do. I can only present that her ministry life doesn't have to be over! What I did was rejoice as Dale and her family shouted "Move that bus" and thanks to all who made this venture possible.
Pastor Maxine McWhorter Ungerbuehler
Safe Harbor Ministries

Vote Hanson, Howell, Legates Sept. 17

With all the confusing  sturm und drang that has characterized the political scene in the Town of Dewey Beach over the last few years, it might be assumed that deciding for whom to vote for commissioner in the upcoming election might be difficult. For me and many others, however, the choice is very simple. Vote for the three candidates who have and will seek and follow the wishes of the electorate when it comes to decisions on issues that have major impacts on the town’s way of life or its finances. In my opinion the actions and words of only three of the candidates allow them to meet the test of taking seriously the interests of the property owners in the town. (I have to exclude Mr. Ferry from the test because, to my knowledge, he has no public political record in the town.)

Candidates Przygocki, Solloway, and Walsh all fail the test of voter accountability with respect to the biggest issue the town has contended with over the past few years.  Messrs. Przygocki and Solloway both pledged in the 2009 election to support the 35-foot height limitation for buildings throughout the town based on the resounding voter support of that policy in the 2008 referendum. Yet they, along with the public support of candidate Walsh,  went out of their way to craft an agreement with Dewey Beach Enterprises, allowing it to build a 45-foot hotel/condominium complex without amending the zoning code and thereby precluding voters in the town from exercising their charter-given right to try to overturn the decision were they to be so inclined.

Candidate Walsh, as a  commissioner, sponsored the 2007 ordinance that promoted a 68-foot hotel in Ruddertowne.  At the same time, she voted to deny voters the opportunity to have a referendum on the height issue.  A referendum was only possible with the election of a new set of commissioners in 2008.     Candidates Hanson, Howell and Legates have consistently, by their words and actions, adhered to the principle that in a town the size of Dewey Beach the commissioners should not consider it a burden to try to maximize the input and influence of the electorate on issues that have the potential to change the character of the town or to have a major impact on its financial well-being.

If the voters in Dewey want assurance that the power of decision-making in the town will be accountable to the electorate, they should vote for candidates Hanson, Howell and Legates in the Saturday, Sept. 17 election.   
Courtney Riordan
Dewey Beach

Dewey homeowners deserve strong voices

There is no one who better exemplifies leadership, skillful communication, dedication and a positive attitude than our current Mayor Diane Hanson.  Despite all the mudslinging, she stands above the fray and is an example of selfless commitment and professionalism.  She is up for re-election, and as the only commissioner to vote to maintain the 35-foot height limit, she deserves everyone’s vote.  As you’ll recall, all the current commissioners ran on their support for 35 feet, but when it came time to follow through, all others failed to keep that promise - except Diane.  There is no one nearly as qualified to help lead us forward and deal with the problems we face. Please vote for Diane Hanson.

Anna Legates has been deeply involved as a volunteer in Dewey Beach for many years.  Anna brings a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility to every issue, and her can-do attitude combined with depth of experience and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to Dewey’s future.  She cares deeply about ensuring that homeowners have a voice in Dewey affairs, and works tirelessly to help at every level.  Please vote for Anna Legates for commissioner.

Joy Howell has been an active advocate for the homeowners in Dewey for more than five years.  She is knowledgeable about all the town’s key issues, has been integral in the success of the marketing committee and now the infrastructure committee, and no one has more energy and passion for Dewey’s future.  Joy brings a wealth of experience and is one of the most articulate and skilled communicators I know.  Her devotion to making Dewey the kind of place we can all be proud of is unequaled, and she deserves your vote.  Please vote for Joy Howell for commissioner.

If you believe as I do that we need a better balance in Dewey and homeowners need a strong and unified voice in the future of Dewey Beach, these are your candidates.  I urge you to vote for all three of them Saturday, Sept. 17.
Dave Davis
Dewey Beach
member of the budget and finance and policy committees

It's time for Zeke to go in Dewey Beach

What was Zeke Przygocki thinking? His lack of judgment continues to amaze Dewey Beach voters.

On Aug. 26, the day before hurricane Irene hit the Mid-Atlantic states and Dewey Beach, Zeke was heard broadcasting the message that Mayor Hanson would shut down water and electric service at 8 p.m. This statement was totally false. Numerous people heard Przygocki's statements by word of mouth, including some police on the streets. Some of those people called town hall in desperation because they planned to leave town Saturday morning in accordance with Gov. Markell's directive. I believe this was no joke in the midst of an environmental emergency. I believe Przygocki's statements were a malicious act.

We can only guess Zeke was again trying to undermine the mayor as he did previously when he brought condoms to town hall to express his desire that Mayor Hanson not "propagate the species" - an action for which he was censured by town council.
Zeke has done enough damage. It's time for him to go.
Donald Gritti
Dewey Beach

Dewey mayor attacked by big money cabal

I am a recent full-time resident of Dewey Beach after owning property there for the past 11 years, and I am appalled at the massive amounts of greed displayed and monies spent to overwhelm the voters' interests. The latest example of this is a mailing I received from the Highway One group, impugning yet again the integrity of Mayor Diane Hanson, the only Dewey council member who has consistently represented the will of the voters of Dewey Beach. This mailing included a copy of  the Public Integrity Commission’s (PIC) response to Superior Court in response to Diane Hanson’s appeal of their decision. The PIC found her in violation of the state code of conduct for conflict of interest for voting the way she said she was going to vote when she was elected by her constituents!

Does anyone really take this PIC seriously? It apparently made its decision without allowing a proper hearing and without allowing her to present all of her evidence or witnesses.

Because she owns rental property - imagine! - she must therefore have a conflict of interest with Ruddertowne. Does anyone honestly believe this stuff? Wouldn't this Ruddertowne project actually increase the value of Hanson's property? So it would seem she actually voted against her own interests. It seems to me that Highway One and the other business groups have the real conflict of interest.  Who really benefits from all this potential development?  Has anyone looked into PIC's relationship with the business organizations doing business in Dewey? And do people realize that the chairwoman of the PIC and her husband are Realtors in Rehoboth?  Could they possibly have a conflict of interest, too?

It appears evident that Mayor Hanson is being attacked by a cabal of big money and big business interests who want to take over the nice, quiet town that an overwhelming majority of the residents and homeowners voted to keep that way.

Mayor Hanson wants to represent the voters' will, wants to keep gambling out of Dewey, wants to keep the big money machine out of Dewey, and wants to preserve the 35-foot height limit 86 percent of the voters endorsed. It is also evident that some current members of the Dewey Town Council are busy trying to find loopholes in the existing law to let other future builders get around the 35-foot limit. Once Ruddertowne starts building its 46.7-foot structure, isn't there a precedent established?

I hope your readers will stop to think why the big business interests are fighting so hard to stop Mayor Hanson and ask themselves what is the motive of their representatives on the town council to start this insidious development at Ruddertowne in this economy, when so many properties remain on the market in Dewey and elsewhere.

In spite of the anti-Hanson campaign being so publicly waged, I will be standing in line Saturday, Sept. 17, to vote for Diane Hanson. By standing up to these bullies, she has proven herself to be fearless and committed, and is the only commissioner running for re-election who seems to want to keep Dewey Beach from becoming another Ocean City.
Karen S. Jacoby
Dewey Beach

Thoughts on Cadbury after the storm

We are a bunch of old, sharp and very caring people here.  We have our leaders, but we create the feeling of caring support for each other.  We all come from different parts of the country and have many different ethnic backgrounds and yet, I have never seen such unity, not only in the time of the storm, but whenever problems arise.

I have never experienced this feeling, and because of that I feel very privileged that I am part of this community. Also, a big shout out to our staff that stayed all night with us to make sure we were safe and cared for.
Becky Goldstein
Cadbury at Lewes

City of Lewes was prepared for hurricane

The following letter is for the residents of Lewes and Lewes Board of Public Works customers.

First, on behalf of the City of Lewes and the Lewes BPW Board, we would like to take a moment to publicly thank all the employees and contractors of the City of Lewes and the Lewes Board of Public Works for their incredible preparation in advance of Hurricane Irene and their round-the-clock efforts to restore and sustain services in the aftermath of the hurricane.

All of these activities, in advance of Hurricane Irene and following her departure, were performed seamlessly with the full support of the mayor, city council, BPW board and the city and board staff.  This was truly an example of a cohesive team of professionals coming together to face an emergency situation and all doing their part to protect the citizens of Lewes.

You should know that:

• City officials and the BPW board and staff met at regular intervals to coordinate emergency response plans in advance, during and following the hurricane. These coordination efforts also included the Lewes Fire Department, Beebe Medical Center, Sussex County and state of Delaware officials.

• In advance of the hurricane, the city and BPW staff tested all emergency back-up systems involving communications and operations of infrastructure. During and after the event, respective administrative staffs assessed the situation as required.

• The Emergency Operations Center located at the Lewes Fire Deptartment on Savannah Road was activated and served as operational headquarters for coordination of response during the event.

• The BPW responded to the power outage as quickly as possible. (Government safety regulations do not allow overhead work to be performed in sustained winds of 35 mph or more.)

• All other services of water, sewer, and stormwater were sustained during the storm.

• Lewes Police Dept. maintained order throughout the event and the Lewes Street Maintenance Department addressed response to storm damage immediately following the storm event.

A big “Thank you” goes to all the City and BPW employees, contractors, Lewes Fire Department and all its volunteers, Beebe Medical Center personnel and WGMD/Resort Broadcasting LLC radio for their efforts to support public safety.
James L. Ford III
mayor
City of Lewes
C. W. Alfred
president
Lewes Board of Public Works

State senator proud of his constituents

As the state senator representing most of Delaware’s coastal area, I was really gratified by the way that residents of our area came together to help others through the recent storm.  Like many of you, I’m thankful that God spared us the worst effects of Hurricane Irene.  As we know from many other areas, it could have been so much worse.

One of the lessons learned anew from this storm is the importance of beach replenishment because it gives wide beaches and a viable dune line to serve as an effective storm buffer.  This is of great importance not only because of the protection it gives us, but because it also helps our local economy and local jobs, which are based so heavily on tourism.  Now, additional temporary jobs will be created as the clean-up efforts begin here and elsewhere along the East Coast.

I want to express my deepest condolences to those who lost friends and loved ones and to thank all those who worked to serve people affected by the storm.  America truly is at its best in times of adversity.  Time after time through our long history, Americans have responded to disasters and emergencies by putting aside differences and coming together to help others, showing through their actions what good citizenship really means.
George H. Bunting Jr.
state senator, 20th district

The Comfort Inn puts people first

The Comfort Inn is definitely a community-spirited business.  During Hurricane Irene, Jennifer, the general manager, reduced their room rates to $99 for all those staying at The Comfort Inn, both for the locals who were evacuated from their homes, and travelers.

Jennifer also waived the two-night minimum stay required for a summer weekend.  Kudos to Jennifer and The Comfort Inn for putting people first!
Loretta Lankford
Lewes

We must all work together as during storm

Driving home from taking shelter from the hurricane this past weekend, I felt a strong sense of pride for our community, our county and our nation.  It is during times like these that Americans bring the best of who we are as people.  Everyone worked together to safeguard homes and organize safe places to stay.  For us and our dogs, it was the Sleep Inn in Lewes which, due to the amount of animals, was jokingly referred to as "the Ark."  I cannot say enough about the hotel and its staff.  They were professional, accommodating, and so very kind to everyone taking shelter from the storm.  A big thank you to all.

Now, as we begin the long clean-up, I'm thinking of how blessed we were to have been spared catastrophic damages and loss of life in our immediate area of Millsboro.  For those in other areas who have suffered injury, death of loved ones and property damage, we hold them in our hearts and prayers.  To those who have taken this crisis and are or have used it to inflict harm on others, I can only shake my head and wonder why? I know, for myself, I have taken on a new outlook in life, taking nothing for granted and vowing to not forget what could have been. I hope, as Americans, we will remember how good we can be by taking personal responsibility for our communities and our country even when not in crisis situations. It is easy to blame our government, but unless we are doing all we can to make things better, it is not likely that things will change.  We must all work together as we did during the storm. To quote Maya Angelou, "Just do right," and we all know what that is.  
M. Clarke
Millsboro

Bah humbug to 'Aristocrats of Lewes'

I am constantly amazed by the demeanor of some “local” Lewes residents who continually find themselves to be a cut above the rest of Delaware’s coastal community. Lewes Aristocrats, I call them. Regardless of business developments, community projects, educational expansions, outreach programs or summer tourism generating revenues, there’s always those elite who feel they deserve something more, or have been shorted some sense of restitution either for themselves or slighted due to someone else’s recognition for community service.

The "Extreme Makeover" reality check that Jim McDonald jumped the gun on without keeping himself in check, and the latest supplement of Betty Nicotra’s disenchantment of the “right kind” of Sussex County publicity proves it out once again. But the most provoking was the L. Bennett “What have you done for the locals lately?” This one went over the top of the self-indulging attitude that really drew the line in the sand. Special parking places in the summer for locals because he can’t enjoy his town with the tourist? That’s astounding.

Dale and Ken Dunning have been serving and transforming lives in this community over a decade. Their commission to life and love have touched more than what a million dollars could ever bear to accomplish, whether a million or millions, it’s a simple token to the dedication and service to the community that these people have provided all of local humankind. With the endowment supporting the costs associated with running the mission, and the dividends from the invested time of volunteers and contractors alike, it’s this type of incredible human effort that will make many more dreams possible, and for decades to come. Congratulations to everyone who had any element of involvement in this "Extreme Makeover" endeavor for the well-deserving Dunnings. “Mine is a calling; I fall in love with my people” says Dunning.

What is yours, aristocrats of Lewes?

Greg Ositko
Rehoboth Beach

Many thanks to Rehoboth workers

Many thanks goes to the employees of the City of Rehoboth Beach.  They all did an outstanding job in preparation for hurricane Irene and in the aftermath as well.  We are lucky to have such dedicated employees.  Next time you see the city’s employees, thank them for a job well done!
Pat Coluzzi
commissioner
Rehoboth Beach

Many thanks to Depot

This is to convey community appreciation to the Home Depot and its staff for being open and well-stocked in a time of need.  They had plenty of plywood, sand bags and generators before Hurricane Irene came to visit.  In addition, during my lastt-minute visit at 3 p.m. on Saturday, I was assisted by a very competent clerk who quickly found a siphon and a hacksaw for me.  When I asked if he had drawn the short straw to work when everyone was evacuating, he said, "No.  This is the Home Depot." Many thanks!
Marc Collard
Lewes

Shields Elementary thanks businesses

At Shields Elementary School we have a large wooden playground that the students and the community love to play on. Our supportive PTO has had many fundraisers over the years in order to maintain this structure, provide mulch for student safety, and add other metal pieces as well. The community has agreed that we need to preserve this structure for all to enjoy.

This summer when it became time for another round of maintenance, our PTO President Sunny Wilson reached out to Schell Brothers to provide us help with this task. Not only did Schell Brothers agree to help us at no charge, they elicited the help of Sundew Painting Inc. which power-washed the entire structure, and Sherwin Williams which donated all of the necessary stain. The PTO and I were thrilled by this outpouring of support.

About 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 5, I was looking out my office window and I saw a parade of Schell Brothers trucks driving down Shields Avenue toward the playground. The company just finished a meeting and had all available employees come to take on the monumental task of painting our playground. We had expert painters, sales reps, secretaries, designers and even a Shields student who came out to make a difference. They quickly got to work, led by Dan Matta, and began conquering this huge task. When I came out with my paint brush at 1:30 p.m., most of the grunt work was done. With the final crew of about 15 people, they put on the finishing touches and wrapped up the project for the day around 3:30 p.m. The professionalism, generosity, and spirit of community was more than I could have ever hoped for. I feel proud to be a part of such of wonderful school and such a supportive community. Thanks again Schell Brothers, Sundew Painting, Sherwin Williams and the Shields PTO.
Jenny Nauman
principal
Shields Elementary School
Lewes