A response to Oeffner’s net reel letter

This is a response Joan Oeffner’s letter.

Why don’t you identify yourself as a member of the Lewes Ethics Committee, and also state what the outcome of the ethics committee reported to the mayor as a result of my two ethics complaints I lodged in 2021 (See Cape Gazette 5/7/21)? Perhaps I remind you of chairperson Mark Harris’s statement regarding my complaints:

These sections in the Lewes’ Code of Conduct 9-2 Definitions; 9-3 Standards of Conduct and 9-5 Recusal. I think you might be in violation. Also, the Code of Conduct does not seem to allow second chances either.

You reveal the same kind of rationale that Blacks have faced in this community, the so-called code words to cover perhaps the true motive. By this time, we do not need your direction to understand the opposition. You are using the same emotional floodgates argument to frighten and intimidate people to your viewpoint as repeated by a member of HPARC. The fear of future challenges to HPARC’ authority is not a reasonable argument, but pure emotional speculation. So, according to you, we who disagree are either exercising our First Amendment rights or race baiting, suggested without evidence. Just throw the inflammatory words out there, similar to the floodgates approach.

I am glad you dance, laugh and sing, though we are no longer minstrels. This statement smacks of “some of my best friends are...,” which is so superficial, typical and demeaning. Perhaps you need to have serious discussions about race, such as participating in Dialogue to Action or Sacred Ground. I might have missed you at the Sept. 5 rally, where you would have learned more about the significance of the net reel. Perhaps your neighbors attended; it was a very diversified event. I, for one, am tired of acting as a teacher and racial liaison.

The difference between your rigid, dogmatic, intractable approach and HPRAC is the Supreme Court creates exceptions and at times moves toward justice, equity and fairness. You are stuck in your desire to be right just like HPARC. You forget how the laws have evolved, changed and distinguished precedents to carve out exceptions.

You mentioned being on Lewes Historical Society at one point. As far as I know, this Sept. 5 event by the Black community and the possible creation of a Black Neighborhood Walking Tour have been the only efforts to commemorate elements of the Black community and Lewes’ Jim Crow past. The menhaden fish industry and the symbolism of the net reel should be prominent as a precursor of America’s future.

Does your statement reflect the entirety of the Shipcarpenter’s Square community? Would this be an example of playing the “race card”? I have never heard a Black voice raised in opposition to the current location. With all the historical information you recited, you neglected to mention the significance of the baseball field. Why isn’t there a historical plaque or marker on Shipcarpenter’s Square sponsored by your community or HPARC? Has no one ever approached your community on the publication of its roots? Hmmm?

Finally, both the City of Lewes and HPRAC have not been able to admit mistakes in dealing with the Black history of Lewes or honoring its heroes.