Two candidates file for Milton council seats

There will not be an election in Milton this March, as just two candidates have filed to run for two town council seats.

Incumbent Councilwoman Randi Meredith and newcomer Scotty Edler will be sworn in as council members in April. Edler will be taking the seat of Councilman Rich Baty, who will not run for another term.

Meredith is the town’s vice mayor and will be entering her second term on council, having first been elected in 2020. In her second term, she said, she plans to continue her focus of improving the town’s transportation infrastructure to increase safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. 

“With the increase in motor vehicle drivers headed through Milton, there will be more instances of potential conflict between all modes of transportation,” she said. “Our streets and sidewalks must be updated to reduce the instances of conflict and to reduce any physical impact resulting from that conflict.”

Besides being vice mayor, Meredith also serves as the chair of the streets and sidewalks committee and the parks and recreation committee. 

Edler is a Delaware native who was born in Wilmington, but raised in Milton. A graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, Edler made his career as a history teacher and moved back to Milton permanently in 2018. 

“I believe that Milton is the greatest small town in the state of Delaware, even maybe the entire United States,” Edler said. “I have always wanted to serve my community and fight for the future of our town. I also wanted to bring a younger perspective to the town council. It is hard for those of average working age to volunteer for these positions due to career and child-raising obligations. I want to be a voice for those who need representation but may have to wait until their generation has the time to run.”

He began his service in Milton on the parks and recreation committee. As a historian, he said he wants to preserve Milton’s small-town charm while dealing with the modern realities of a growing population. Edler said he would like to bridge the gap between people who were born and raised in Milton, and those who recently moved there, as he has experience with both. Finally, Edler said, he would like to address parking issues in the town center. 

Baty, town treasurer and Army veteran, has served two terms on council since 2017. He did not respond to a request for comment.