Persinger, Moskowitz win in Dewey election

Incumbent Gary Persinger and newcomer David Moskowitz were elected commissioners at the Dewey Beach municipal election Sept. 15.

Persinger was the top vote-getter, with 405 total votes; 198 by machine and 207 absentee. Moskowitz had 302 total votes; 124 by machine and 178 absentee. Candidate Bill Stevens ended his run with 227 total votes; 132 by machine and 95 absentee. Absentee votes outnumbered machine votes, 480 to 454.

After results were announced, an ebullient Moskowitz shook hands and hugged supporters.

“I feel amazing,” Moskowitz said. “It was a tight race, and every vote counted.”

Moskowitz said in the weeks before the election, he visited restaurants and businesses, and spoke to people on the street to discuss issues.

“I want to work to make Dewey the place it wants to be,” he said. “I’m happy to work with everyone.”

Moskowitz’s election shows Dewey voters are not quite ready to forget the police department’s involvement in the military surplus program, despite Mayor T.J. Redefer’s insistence on moving forward.

Dewey’s investment committee chair for five years, Moskowitz campaigned heavily on his criticism of an independent auditor’s review of the program that was accepted by commissioners, as well as his financial acumen and a call for open government.

Commissioner liaison to the town’s budget and finance and investment committees, Persinger is a 30-year Dewey property owner. He said he looks forward to serving another two years on town council.

“I feel good. I’m very happy. The voters have spoken,” Persinger said. “There are a lot of issues, and we’ll be very busy.”

Redefer thanked the candidates, saying they all showed their love for the town.

“It’s a tough job to run, and I’m proud of everyone who took the time to run,” Redefer said. “It’s a thankless job to serve, and we’ll welcome the commissioners and begin to work together. I look forward to this year.”

Stevens, who was backed by Redefer and Commissioner Paul Bauer, said he plans to become involved in town committees. He has not ruled out a future run for commissioner.

The Sept. 22 organizational meeting, where new commissioners are sworn in and the mayor determined, has been postponed.

Town Clerk Ashleigh Hudson said one new commissioner will be out of town that day, so council will reschedule. Hudson said notice of the new date will be posted on the town website at least one week before the meeting.