Lewes residents have interesting choices for the mayoral election. Ric Moore is a documentary filmmaker with some expertise in energy policy. Andrew Williams is a market researcher and recently elected council member. Both are good guys, and I believe both have the best intentions in their efforts to address our problems.
Yet neither comes close to being the right choice for mayor alongside Ted Becker.
Reason 1: Take a walk around town. Second Street is thriving, with great restaurants and stores, and a streetscape that’s been spotlighted by countless media outlets. It is the way it is because of Ted Becker, who led with a vision to ensure all businesses are open year- round and encouraged small business owners as opposed to chain restaurants and retail. Simply put, it could be a very different place, with Kentucky Fried Chicken at one intersection and Bed, Bath and Beyond occupying what are now several individual storefronts. We avoided this in favor of what we have today because of Mayor Becker’s leadership, and local residents and visitors are benefitting as a result.
Keep walking down streets lined with beautifully preserved historic architecture downtown and vibrant suburban neighborhoods just beyond. If you own property in the area, you know its value has appreciated tremendously during the past decade. Ted has been one of the strongest leaders in historic preservation efforts, and vigorously backed the regulations that protect our architecture and make it much more valuable. Under different leadership, many of the most treasured properties could have been leveled.
And how about Canalfront Park? If you love it, you can thank Ted Becker, who led a 10-year effort to rally public support to save it from development and follow the vision realized today. He also worked with others to skillfully bring in a $2 million grant from the Save America’s Treasures program at the National Park Service along with support from other governmental agencies, which was one of the biggest factors in creating this amazing place.
Yes, there are reasons to worry about Lewes. Many worry that existing homeowners on Rodney and Hoornkill will be threatened by flooding that could arise from the Fisher’s Cove development. There’s a danger the town’s main aquifer will be paved over due to too much new housing on Kings Highway. And we’re in an ongoing battle to figure out how to deal with water and sewer issues.
If all of that is keeping you up at night, I understand the reaction that “We need change! Someone new!”
But the fact is Lewes residents are benefiting tremendously thanks to Ted Becker’s leadership and vision. If you’re unhappy about certain recent events, blame the people and interests who are driving them. And don’t make the knee-jerk mistake of throwing your vote to someone just because he’s offering fresh thinking or because he cares. Vote for the guy with the track record and experience to protect our prosperity and effectively address all of the tough challenges we’ll face in the coming years.
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