No sparks fly at Dewey debate

Transparency, finance and infrastructure issues surfaced at Dewey Beach Civic League’s annual commissioner candidates forum Aug. 25.

Incumbent Gary Persinger and challengers David Moskowitz and Bill Stevens have filed for two open commissioner seats in Dewey’s municipal election Saturday, Sept. 15.

All candidates agreed a trust issue with the police department can be resolved. Stevens said organizations like Dewey Citizens for Accountability were formed because there were issues.

“By having a strong communication plan, the right commissioners and a great town manager on board, people will see there is transparency and that mistrust will go away,” he said.

Moskowitz said the town’s audit committee, strong internal controls and a conflict-of-interest policy will improve relations.

Persinger said much of the mistrust evolved from a lack of communication.

“There’s no question the police department’s participation in the [surplus military equipment] program was not handled as it should have been,” he said. “We will solve the trust issues over time as we have a more effective relationship between the town manager and police department.”

While candidates agreed the town’s image has improved, Persinger and Moskowitz said the investigation into the police department’s involvement in the military surplus equipment program is not yet settled.

Persinger said he offered motions that require the town manager and police department to identify needed items, but the town needs to review equipment obtained through the program.

Moskowitz said, “It’s clear there are more issues. Most assets weren’t covered; 90 percent of the assets were not looked at.”

Stevens said the real problem was a lack of communication, and that proper oversight will lead to transparency.

Moskowitz said while he has managed Dewey’s investment portfolio of $4.6 million for five years and created an investment policy, there are still money and internal control problems.

“I believe I’m the person to fix it,” he said. “I’ve been working to try to make a difference, and if you give me the chance, I believe I would be a good commissioner for you.”

Stevens said the town needs to be fiscally responsible but not so conservative it does not receive a return on investment.

Moskowitz said the beach portfolio has 2.9 percent return, with the benchmark set at 2.2 percent, so it is outperforming expectations. He said the rental tax should stay as it is.

“It went from from zero to 500 grand a year in income, so why would you kill a golden goose?” he said. “There’s a lack of enforcement, so if you raise it you will get less people paying.”

Persinger said the town needs to remove the accommodations tax from its charter and receive more resident feedback before raising it.

“Open government and citizen participation are essential,” he said. “Join a committee, and let us hear your voice.”

Stevens said the town could increase revenue from the accommodations tax by ensuring all rental property owners are paying the tax.

All candidates said they would like to keep the town’s building height limit at 35 feet, but Persinger and Moskowitz said some considerations will be needed to help homeowners mitigate flooding issues.

Persinger and Moskowitz also agreed the beach replenishment tax should be reserved for the beach as it was intended, and that funds for the bayside shoreline should be secured elsewhere. Stevens disagreed; he said the beach replenishment tax revenue should also address bayside issues.

Election information

Eligible voters may vote by absentee ballot before the election or by voting machine on election day, Saturday, Sept. 15.

Absentee affidavits are available in Town Hall, 105 Rodney Ave, where absentee voting takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4, to Friday, Sept. 7, and Monday, Sept. 10, to Thursday, Sept 13, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, Sept. 14.

Weekend absentee voting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, and Saturday, Sept. 8, in Town Hall.

The election will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Call Dewey Beach Town Hall at 302-227-6363.