I am running as the Republican candidate for the 3rd District Sussex County Council position. I am a lifelong Delawarean and have committed my life to serving our communities. I served as mayor of Smyrna and Little Creek for a decade. During my tenure, I delivered balanced budgets every year, and never once voted for a tax increase. I oversaw operations of the public works department (water, sewer, and electric), parks and recreation department, as well as the police department. I am enormously proud to have been associated with our police officers, and they will always have my unyielding support for their service.
I am a member of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. I served as commissioner of the Delaware River & Bay Authority, councilman of the U.S. Department of Commerce Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, and my wife and I both serve as volunteer EMTs and firefighters at the Lewes Fire Department.
Once again, I have felt a call to duty to serve our amazing community due to the lack of leadership and achievement of my opponent. I have had in-depth conversations with the citizens of our district who have stated the following concerns with regard to Mr. Burton’s positions on the following issues:
My opponent has stated publicly that the Sussex County tax rate is not sustainable and property taxes will have to be raised. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. I assure you that, as your councilman, I will never vote to increase your taxes. My opponent likes to make the excuse that he has only raised user fees. We all know that user fees are just another word for taxes. Don’t buy this doublespeak.
He has done nothing to resolve or solve our horrendous traffic conditions and congestion. He recently defended his inaction by stating, “’I’m in the middle of writing another MOU [memorandum of understanding]” with the Delaware Department of Transportation. We don’t need any more MOUs written which has resulted in Burton creating one study committee after another with nothing to show for it. Our elected officials should be expected to produce results, and I have a proven successful track record in public service in which I have delivered results.
He continues to attack our property owner rights by imposing unconstitutional restrictions on our farmers’ and property owners’ land.
He abandoned our first responders and firefighters in the 3rd District. We generate the bulk of the revenue for the Sussex County fund to support our first responders. Not only does my opponent refuse to work with and support us, but he won’t even return calls from the EMS providers.
I look forward to solving these issues in my first few months of service and will work tirelessly to find solutions to the issues that confront us. I will be visiting your home and neighborhood over the next few weeks, and hopefully have an opportunity to speak with you and your families. Please contact me at mgs1777@comcast.net. I ask for your vote Sept. 15 and your support.
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