Putting Community First
For me, the word community brings to mind a group of people who share a powerful story that expresses their identity, shapes their values, and nurtures their sense of belonging. And for all of us in Lewes, that story is rooted in our identity as the first town in the first state – long defined by its beautiful geography, quaint charm, and small-town values.
Yet as powerful as that shared story is, it is being rapidly rewritten by “sprawl” – irresponsible, uncontrolled development that erodes beaches; destroys natural habitats; contaminates air, water and soil; spawns traffic congestion; and strains existing infrastructure. All of which leaves us vulnerable to the dangerous impact of climate change and threatens the very essence of what makes Lewes a great place to live, work and learn.
It’s time we prioritize the long-term needs of our community over the short-term profits from development – which is why I am running for mayor on a transformational platform grounded in the following tenets:
Sustainable Development Policies and Practices
- Adopt responsible land use policies and nature-based solutions that contain sprawl; promote energy security; mitigate stormwater runoff; preserve natural/scenic environments; and protect historic landmarks.
- Work with state and county partners to align comprehensive planning and reporting activities.
- Implement commonsense noise and pollution abatement regulations.
A Vibrant Local Economy That Fosters Age, Income and Cultural Diversity
- Provide incentives for attracting and retaining “right fit” businesses and affordable housing.
- Designate areas for shared office and studio spaces to support teleworkers and local artisans.
- Collaborate with Lewes BPW on Community Choice Energy and to institute community broadband furnishing high-quality, low-cost Internet access for all.
- Build an institutional alliance that includes universities and schools.
Health and Safety Measures That Promote Community Wellbeing
- Create cross-town transportation and parking options to reduce traffic and enhance walkability.
- Appoint an holistic Board of Public Health that addresses both traditional and alternative services.
- Enforce existing rules around biking safety, litter, and pet waste disposal.
- Maintain sidewalks and roadways for optimal accessibility under all weather conditions.
Transparent, Responsive and Inclusive Governance
- Get the community vote on budget priorities based on cost-benefit analysis.
- Host regular public and online forums to leverage local talent and expertise, while sharing information and stimulating civic engagement.
- Hire a dedicated City Solicitor to advise and represent the community’s interests.
- Launch a community mediation process for resolving differences and conflicts among individuals, groups, and organizations.