Most involved Lewes citizens who attend city council meetings are aware that a change is needed on city council. In fact, all three challengers are running on that platform due to lack of transparency, lack of responsiveness to citizen concerns and the all-too-frequent disconnect between the council and volunteer organizations.
After six years of no elections due to a lack of challengers, we finally have not one new candidate, but three challengers to the two incumbents. That in and of itself speaks volumes to me. But, the real question is who is best qualified to replace the two incumbents and initiate real change quickly, or as I like to say can “hit the ground running.”
My first choice is Tim Ritzert who is beholden to no one … no real estate business, no developers, no financial interests in any companies.
He has spent several years participating in city council meetings, attending city committee/commission meetings to understand how this city functions and has been a responsible, well-respected citizen advocate for his community. An excellent writer and researcher, he circulates a newsletter to inform and educate us on the issues we face as a community.
But most importantly as I have worked with him on a number of projects, I have seen the benefit of his analytical mind and approach to problem solving. He knows not only what needs to be done, but how to get it done.
We all want change, but from my experience as retired chair of the Lewes Scenic & Historic Byway Committee for 11 years, we needed change yesterday. We have no time to wait while a newly elected official learns the ropes.
With all due respect for the other candidates, if you want a very capable and informed elected official who will not be in any way beholden to anyone, who understands the issues and will initiate the change we need now, Tim Ritzert is the clear choice.
Gail Van Gilder
Lewes
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