Marasco sworn in as Lewes mayor

“The next chapter of Lewes is not written only by a mayor and her council; it is written by all of us.”

Those were the words of Amy Marasco minutes after she was sworn in as the city’s first female mayor.

Marasco placed her hand on a Bible and recited the oath of office just after noon, May 21. She promised to launch a new era of getting people engaged in citizen democracy.

“Bring your ideas, your worries, your concerns. But, also, bring your ideas and solutions. Bring your patience and your hope,” she said.

Marasco said she wants to form small, ad hoc working groups, which she called bite-sized engagement.

“Not everyone has the time and energy to be on a big committee, but we’ve got small problems that could be solved in 90 days,” Marasco said.

Marasco promised the audience at the Rollins Center, and watching online, that she would be a good steward of taxpayer resources, the environment and the future.

“We are doing it for the next generations that will enjoy our parks, walk our beaches, raise their families and start their businesses here,” she said. “As much as we have to keep our eye on the ball today, we always have to look forward to what they will need, so that we pass it to them.”

Marasco heard from many of her constituents right after the ceremony.

“People have already said, ‘I’m interested, tap me.’ That’s the call for action,” Marasco said.

Marasco welcomed many family members to witness her big day. She said her late husband was one of 20 children, and that she has more than 130 great-nieces and -nephews.

Onyx Taylor, her great-great nephew, held the Bible while she took the oath. She said other relatives were watching the livestream, including her sister who lives in Italy.

After the ceremony, Marasco hosted a Taste of Lewes reception at the Rollins Center. Many Lewes restaurants provided sandwiches, pizza and dessert.

Marasco said it was her gift – “No taxpayer dollars used.”

Marasco was elected to city council in 2024, after serving on the Lewes Planning Commission. She succeeds Andrew Williams, who did not run for re-election.

Councilman Tim Ritzert, who served as emcee for the ceremony, said he looks forward to working with the new mayor.

“We worked together well during her first year of service on council. I’m expecting that to continue, moving forward,” Ritzert said.

“Onward and upward,” said Councilman Joe Elder. “Council has been doing a lot of good things, and now with the addition of Amy [as mayor], we’re going to continue to move forward.”

Marasco said her view of governance is straightforward.

“Lead with your heart, govern with wisdom and common sense. The phase, ‘We’ve always done it that way,’ will not go well with me,” Marasco said.