This year, for the first time in six years, there are new candidates for Lewes City Council.
The incumbent council members/candidates offer continuation of their service and continuation of the current path for Lewes. One even says he is “proud of the annexation zones he helped develop over a year-and-a-half period” (Cape Gazette March 6, /2020) and then placed campaign signs in front of the development that used to be the Fourth Street forest.
Thank you for your service, gentlemen. It is time for Lewes to move on.
Lewes needs to solve the immediate issues like its relationship with the Lewes Board of Public Works and then look to the long-term future. Too often, LCC allows itself to be backed into a corner. Decisions made today have long-term impacts and must be made in the framework of a comprehensive plan. For example, if a housing development is built today, it is likely to be a housing development 50 years from now. Lewes needs a plan that will look 30-50 years in the future and will address infrastructure, water, stormwater management, sea level rise, development and financial issues.
With the terms of two council members expiring, three newcomers have stepped up to offer their services. Of these, one offers Lewes a new perspective that is rooted in Lewes traditions. One who has established his career and is willing to put in the unselfish effort required for Lewes.
That candidate is Andrew Williams.
At 43, Andrew is decades younger than current council members or other candidates. He has a business career outside of Lewes and no conflicts in doing what is right for the city. He has no ties to developers or other real estate interests. He is a natural collaborator, is open to hearing all points of view, and makes decisions after gathering the facts. He will be a valued member of city council but unlikely to be a member of its cliques. We need this independent view.
Andrew has deep roots in Lewes. He and his wife, Rita Karapurkar Williams, grew up in Lewes and are Cape graduates. They moved back to Lewes six years ago to raise their family. Andrew and Rita understand what a unique community Lewes is.
They understand its charm, welcoming ambiance and history. They have committed their future to Lewes. Andrew understands how threatened Lewes can be if environmental and development threats are not addressed.
Andrew’s vision sees Lewes as much more than a retirement community, overrun by summer tourists, with bars and T-shirt shops. Andrew sees Lewes as a place for families to live, work, play and grow. A city that has a mix of people from different backgrounds who live together. An attractive and charming place for businesses to prosper, a downtown that serves the community. A city that is walkable, bikeable and accessible with modern services, transportation and infrastructure.
A city that can handle a vibrant beach and waterfront that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Please join us in voting for Andrew Williams for Lewes City Council July 19.
Marylinda Maddi and Bob Heffernan
Lewes
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