Paul Bauer files for re-election in Dewey

Commissioner Paul Bauer has filed for re-election as a resident in the Dewey Beach municipal election, set for Saturday, Sept. 18.

First elected in 2017, he won another two-year term in 2019; he has served as council secretary for three years. Bauer said he has no formal agenda.

“The town is running well and I want to keep the momentum going,” he said July 29. “We’ve worked well together and gotten more things done collectively over the past year. There may be things we disagree on, but we do so respectfully.”

Bauer said relationships he’s formed with state and local leaders have helped council accomplish tasks. The town’s struggle with wireless carriers’ installation of 5G poles has emerged as a major issue, he said, so he has worked with grassroots campaign Save Dewey Beach and legislators to move poles from the dunes and put the permitting approval process in town hands.

Public safety is always an issue, Bauer said, and one reason an extra full-time police officer was hired. Flashing lights at crosswalks informing drivers to stop for pedestrians, along with signage at the north and south entrances to town has helped, but more can be done, he said. Coastal Highway is Dewey’s main street, but it is controlled by the state, Bauer said, so he is working for approval to lower the speed limit through town to 25 mph from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends next year. 

Infrastructure projects will continue in the fall to clean stormwater drains and pipes to reduce clogs and flooding, he said. The town has worked with state officials to expand accessibility to the beach with extended dune mats and new beach wheelchairs, he said. Bauer said he would like outdoor dining to continue.

“It’s a good look for the town, and it reduces wait times for customers by having more tables available,” he said.

Budget performance has been outstanding, Bauer said, and he would like to begin planning for a Town Hall replacement. Bauer serves as commissioner liaison to the marketing committee, which has launched a beautification fundraising effort he expects to offset the town’s green space maintenance costs.

“I think I’ve been fair, and I try to make the best decisions I can,” he said.

A former basketball coach, Bauer is a Slam Dunk to the Beach board member and a Dewey Beach Lions Club member. He and his wife Tina will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in October. They have two grown children.

Seats held by Bauer, Mayor Dale Cooke and Commissioner David Jasinski are up for election. Cooke announced he would not run for re-election. Jasinski and newcomer Elisabeth Gibbings have also filed. Candidate filing and voter registration deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19. Go to townofdeweybeach.com or call 302-227-6363 for details.