Dewey commissioner candidates’ forum set for Aug. 23
The Dewey Beach Civic League will host a town commissioner candidates’ forum at 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, ahead of the town’s nonpartisan municipal election Saturday, Sept. 20.
The forum, which will take place at the lifesaving station at 1 Dagsworthy Ave., gives residents an opportunity to meet the candidates running for town council and learn more about their stances on various topics and issues related to Dewey Beach.
There are three seats up for grabs and an equal number of candidates – all incumbents – filed thus far for this year’s election. Candidates include Commissioners Elisabeth Gibbings, Paul Bauer and David Jasinski.
The candidate filing deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21.
If no other candidates enter the race, the incumbents will remain unopposed and no election will be held. The town has not held a municipal election since 2020.
According to Dewey Beach Civic League President Diane Hanson, the candidates’ forum will take place regardless of whether an election is held. Hanson encourages all Dewey residents, property owners, friends and neighbors to attend.
Immediately following the forum will be the DBCL’s annual league membership meeting. Town Manager Bill Zolper and Police Chief Constance Speake will be in attendance to share the town’s latest developments, and refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the meeting.
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
