Dorfman gets close-to-home endorsement
Editor:
I am writing this letter to let you know that my husband, Jerry Dorfman, is running for re-election to the Bethany Beach Town Council.
Jerry was appointed to council three and a half years ago to fill a vacancy. He was chosen because he was on several town committees and the other people on council knew how hard he worked and how capable he is. He has served on the Planning Commission, Trolley Committee, the Transportation Working Group, Board of Elections and the Pedestrian Study Commission and is in his seventh year on the Charter & Ordinance Committee. When elected two years ago, he was selected by council to be secretary/treasurer and chair the Budget and Finance Committee. Jerry also led the effort to get recycling in Bethany.
I think that our town is a wonderful place to live. It is financially sound, with the lowest tax rate in the State of Delaware. It is beautiful and has won an award for horticultural achievement from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The beach is clean and has been replenished. The boardwalk is soon to be expanded. Our ambulance service, which was threatened to be interrupted, has been assured for the future. Our drinking water is clean. I would like to continue the responsible, responsive and open town government that we now enjoy.
Please vote for my husband, Jerry Dorfman, on Sept. 6.
Cherie Dorfman
Bethany Beach
St. Ann’s thankful for help with event
Editor:
St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Del., wishes to thank the Coastal Point for the article and picture taken by Ryan Saxton featuring the “Guiding Light Quilt.” The quilt was designed and put together by a group of women from St. Ann’s and was raffled off at our 28th Annual Bazaar.
Edna Conner was the lucky winner, having bought her ticket at Hocker’s Supermarket.
Thank you to all the local business owners who donated a gift card or gift for our silent auction.
A special thanks to Miller’s Creek Antiques for the wicker table and chairs, to Armand’s for the pizza donations and Bethany Blues for donating their delicious barbecue.
Many parishioners put in long hours to make our bazaar what it is, but without the patronage of our parishioners and community members it wouldn’t be the success that it is. We are grateful to you all.
The dates for our 2009 bazaar are July 30 through Aug. 1. Hope to see you then.
Pat Duchesne, Chairperson
St. Ann’s Catholic Church Annual Bazaar
McClenny picks up support from reader
Editor:
I encourage voters to re-elect Tony McClenny to the Bethany Beach Town Council.
I met Tony in 2004 as he was campaigning for his first term on the town council. Since then, I have come to know Tony as an excellent leader who learns the issues, builds consensus and then works to implement the best solutions for the town. He is not a “politician,” but if politicians were like Tony, government at all levels would be much more reflective of voter’s needs and beliefs. Anyone who knows Tony will agree that he is easily approachable and eagerly listens to the issues and recommendations of his constituents.
Tony’s list of accomplishments reflects his concern for Bethany Beach. Two major examples of his dedication include the successful effort to bring ambulance service to Bethany Beach and the recent beach replenishment project.
His success is further underlined by his record of service as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, Charter and Ordinance Review Committee, Communication Committee, Election Board, Planning Commission and on the committee that brought the Trolleys to Bethany Beach. Tony has also invested many hours in preparing himself and the town to respond to natural disasters. His knowledge of disaster preparedness and communications are additional facets of his value to our community.
Tony’s proven background, enthusiasm and work ethic have served us well over the past four years. Let’s continue to benefit from Tony McClenny’s success by re-electing him to another term.
Bill Duveneck
Bethany Beach
Reader takes exception to Point column
Editor:
I read Ms. Titus’s column, “That’s My Point,” (Aug. 22, 2008) with interest and puzzlement. Since she used no names, it was impossible to tell the aggrieved from the aggressor. Left to my own devices, I think the aggressors are the losing candidates in the April election and their supporters who are conducting a campaign of intimidation and disruption. I must assume (because Ms. Titus did not identify the players) that is the group she referred to as having a “mob mentality.”
I also take exception to her description of the election as being a “modest victory” for an unnamed candidate. Who is it — Mayor Gordon Wood or Councilman Perry Mitchell? Both had much more than a “modest margin.” Wood’s victory was 59 percent-plus of the vote to Susan White’s 40 percent-plus.
In 25 years as a journalist, covering five presidential campaigns and literally dozens of local and state elections, a 60/40 split in a two-person race was reported as a “decisive,” “commanding,” even “overwhelming” victory. The Chicago Tribune even called such a margin as a “landslide” (if it had supported the winning candidate).
Mitchell won 52 percent of the vote in a four-candidate race. The headline that came to mind was “Mitchell Laps the Field,” which I saw used in many such races, not “Mitchell Wins by a Modest Margin.”
She wrote, “I know police and town administration aren’t good bedfellows.” They can be, and are, “good bedfellows” in hundreds of communities across this country, including some in Delaware. We don’t have to go more than two or three miles to find police and town administration getting along quite well in the same building — Bethany Beach and Dagsboro come to mind immediately.
She also wrote, “I want to trust what my council members tell me.” I could not agree more. However, throughout the past three years under the previous councils, we were misled time after time about the cost and size of the police headquarters, now called the Public Safety Center.
Council members who voted for the building always claimed they had no choice that Josh Freeman dictated the size or there would have been no building. However, the town’s deed has absolutely no specifications on size or what town department is to be housed therein.
Council clearly had the right and freedom to construct a building for any town need — library, public works or police department. Even if the late Mr. Freeman had demanded a certain size or use, the town did not have to accede to that demand. Further, there is no clause calling for a building to be exclusively used by the police department. The building is what the majority of the previous councils wanted, not what was forced on them.
Some of the council members who voted for the current building always said doubling the size by adding the second story was recommended by the architect, but that doesn’t mean they had to follow that expensive recommendation.
One final note about “mob mentality” as Ms. Titus accurately calls it. Had she been at the Aug. 12, 2008, town council meeting, and had she stayed for the second Citizen’s Privilege at the end of the meeting, she would have witnessed raucous, intimidating activity. I chose to chide Councilman Bill Wichman for urging citizens at the Taxpayers Rally to “come stomp around, make noise and keep getting after them.” In the context of the Rally, “them” was a reference to the other council members.
As I finished the third sentence, the booing and catcalls brought the meeting to a halt. After several attempts, Mayor Wood was able to restore order. I finished the statement and was met with another round of vehement booing. One man mouthed the following to my wife: “Shut up, you stupid b—-h!”
During the second half of the meeting, the defeated mayoral candidate conducted a loud, disruptive running commentary on the council activity. Seated in the back row, he ignored requests by residents seated three or four rows to be quiet. All in all, this was the most out-of-control audience behavior my wife and I have experienced in the four years we have lived here.
Like Ms. Titus, we hope that civility and respect return to the town council meetings soon, but it won’t until those displaying “mob mentality” back off and let this new town council (now four months old) try to resolve some of the thorny problems it inherited. The citizens who attend the council meetings have the right to participate without being subjected to abuse by those who try to intimidate, disrupt and interfere with the governing process. We agree with Ms. Titus about a need to control the “mob mentality,” and we immediately (on Aug. 13) asked the mayor to take steps to make the meetings secure and free from such counterproductive activity.
Ed Herbert
Ocean View
Herrington supports Carney in efforts
Editor:
When I was a boy of only 14, I lost my father to cancer. Some years later, I lost my mother to cancer. It affected my entire life, and not in a positive way. It was devastating.
For 23 years of my life, I worked in the healthcare field; for several of those years as an oncology nurse. Later in my life, I became a funeral director and currently work for one of the larger funeral homes in Sussex County. In the latter role, I have noted during the process of filing death certificates the alarming number of deaths related to cancer among my fellow Sussex County residents.
It is with this background I applaud Mr. John Carney, our lieutenant governor, for his efforts to secure legislation requiring release of data about potential cancer hotspots, and our right to know, and his desire to bring improved health care to all Delawareans. This is a wonderful step in the right direction and, hopefully, will assist healthcare workers, doctors, scientists and researchers to form a team effort to pinpoint any way possible to help reduce cancer occurrence and deaths.
I can say with total personal firsthand knowledge — one single cancer death is devastating to a family, to a community and to us all, let alone the horrible number of cancer cases we record every year.
Thank you, John Carney, and God bless you! I hope you get elected our next governor so you can keep up the good work.
Bob Herrington Jr.
Ocean View
Support for Hastings from local family
Editor:
“In order to be a leader, a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army or in an office. If a man’s associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other.”
Dwight Eisenhower, the commander of all Allied Forces in World War II and the 34th president of the United States, defined leadership in just this way. In consideration of Eisenhower’s definition, a voter’s expectation should be nothing less than a representative with integrity, leadership skills and his words and actions in agreement with one another. We are reminded of observed qualities of our State Rep. Hastings of the 41st.
With the enthusiasm of the presidential election 2008, we, too, are enthusiastic about our incumbent Greg Hastings and the opportunity for his re-election to return to Dover to represent all constituents of the 41st Election District. Our district needs to be represented by one who truly desires to serve the people and who understands our issues and concerns and who has a vision for the future of the 41st Election District and for Delaware.
Thank you for your support and vote on Election Day for Rep. Greg Hastings, a proven leader in business and education, and a man of integrity.
Harry and Luray McClung
Millsboro
Meredith checks in to offer her opinions
Editor:
I agree that it is time to “take the town back,” but in Joseph Fedick’s letter of Aug. 22, 2008, his facts are wrong.
(1) He speaks of “uncontrolled spending” (which is not a fact). We still have three of the councilmen who were on the council during this period. They certainly are not “undoing” any uncontrolled spending when I hear they are unnecessarily moving the town offices to the Public Safety Building. How is this saving any taxpayer money?
(2) The property adjacent to the park was a one-time opportunity for the town to expand the park and have more land for the town’s use. This purchase was sanctioned and encouraged by the councilman sitting to the left of the mayor on the dais and voted on by other councilmen. These properties were purchased subsequent to the building of the Public Safety Building. The Public Works Department could use the Lampee house, which is next to town hall on West Avenue. Additional garage space could be built on this property. A $1.4 million Public Works Building was never seriously considered by the town council. It was a preliminary estimate for a new building.
(3) The $2.4 million approximate cost of the Public Safety Building was far below the original estimate of $4 million for that building. For full police coverage, 24/7 service, you need eight police officers, including the chief; do the math! Our police do assist surrounding towns and they assist ours. This keeps the crime rate down for all of us.
(4) The Citizens Auxiliary Patrol (CAP) does provide manpower to assist in the Senior Home Check-in Program. They also do drive-through checks of the communities in Ocean View. If there is a problem, they radio the police officer so the police officers don’t have to always do these checks.
(5) Yes, the town’s police cars and the car the town manager is driving do belong to the taxpayers. Are the taxpayers happy their car is being driven over 100 miles a day round trip? Are they in favor of this perk? The police cars sit idle and would be of no use to us in case of any emergency. Are we really saving that much money? I would like to see the $2 million that the town manager has “saved” the town itemized. I know that much needed drainage projects for the town have been delayed, as is the hiring of needed public works personnel.
(6) And finally, about Mr. Fedick’s statement about my husband being banned (without an escort) from town hall – never in the history of this town has a member of the town government, including citizen committee members, ever been told they couldn’t enter the town offices without an escort!
This was the demand of one councilman (the same one on the left of the mayor on the dais). The “new rule” was never discussed or voted on by the council or the mayor. How paranoid is the town government? What are they afraid of? My husband was in the town office paying his taxes and checking on our water bill when he was told of this new “rule.”
When did this become a new rule? Of course he said “hi” to the staff he worked with for 10 years. He does consider many town employees our friends and will continue to do so. By the way, he has received calls from other towns about this new “policy,” and they think it is ridiculous!
(7) If anyone has a question or comment, you may call us. We would be glad to give you the facts.
Bette Meredith
Ocean View
Olmstead urges clean election in town
Editor:
Letters of support and endorsement of candidates for the Bethany Beach Town Council are a valid and important part of the election process. I do believe that there are citizens who, not personally knowing candidates, appreciate being apprised of the viewpoint of others regarding the qualities and qualifications of those who have put their names forward to serve if elected.
However, I find it unfortunate and dismaying to read letters that inappropriately and unfairly diminish the time and efforts of those who are currently serving on council and are left feeling a need to defend themselves, or ignore the attacks on the part of those who support other candidates. Viewpoint is one thing, misrepresenting the facts is another.
Looking forward to my sixth year as a Bethany Beach council member, I can attest to the fact that those with whom I have served have had as their goal what they perceive as openly working for the best interest of the town and its citizens. That assuredly does not mean always agreeing, but the process seems to work with seven members voting as consensus is reached.
Let’s have an election where candidates are chosen by their merits rather than as an alternative to an unfair portrayal of those who have served and choose to do so again.
Carol Olmstead, Mayor
Bethany Beach
Killmer gets letter of support in election
Editor:
I have known Lewis Killmer for nearly 40 years and know well his energy, dignity, intelligence and compassion, which he has already shared with the Bethany Beach community, working on the Planning Commission, and in his previous service as a councilman. I am grateful that Lew Killmer once more offered to serve again as a councilman and I write to encourage my fellow Bethany Beach citizens to support his candidacy.
In my experience, Lew Killmer loves God and his fellow man. He has served his country in the armed forces, is a dedicated, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, friend and co-worker. In his work life, he was a consummate professional. He has a sense of humor and a sense of propriety. He loves flowers, music and learning why and how things work. He has not only cultivated his beautiful gardens, but also his own life and the lives of those around him. I am privileged to know him and blessed to call him my friend.
As someone who has been coming to Bethany Beach for more than 15 years and who has owned a house here for the last five of those years, I believe we are all privileged that Lew Killmer wants to continue to give back to this community and I intend to vote for Lew on Election Day. I hope that the rest of Bethany Beach will join me in supporting Lew Killmer for Bethany Beach Town Council.
Carol A. Scott
Bethany Beach
Young and Wode for Town Council
Editor:
I urge your Bethany Beach-resident readers who believe that big changes on the Bethany town council are needed to keep our town the preeminent “Quiet Resort” and who believe that residents are fast losing any meaningful voice in how this place is governed to vote for Margaret Young and Steve Wode.
Steve Wode, almost alone among council members, is asking the tough questions on our behalf and working hard for the interests and priorities that residents and home owners support. Without Steve, the council will have no strong, informed and insistent advocate for pedestrian and bicycle safety. This need is the highest of high priorities, brought on by the incredible congestion and overcrowding that council policies — over time — have created.
Margaret Young is more directly and actively involved in activities that benefit regular owners and residents than anyone I know in Bethany. Last year, she came within seven votes of defeating the incumbent mayor. Her efforts on behalf of rolling back the council’s unfortunate residential height increase two years ago were critical to the petition drive’s success.
Margaret knows what most people want for our town and understands that it is the council’s job to pursue the wishes of the people, not the narrow interests of special pleaders. Margaret was the first resident to urge the council to place benches on the top of our high dune so that those who have enjoyed resting and watching the surf could continue to do so.
The views of four candidates, Dorfman, Gordon, Killmer and McClenny, as expressed in their essays for the BBLA newsletter, are quite similar. Their election, as a team of four, was recently urged by one of the town’s most prominent business figures.
If we were electing a choir instead of a council, singing from the same hymn book would be a big plus. But the council needs change, different points of view, a greater sense of purpose on behalf of the great majority of residents and a real commitment to honest public involvement. We need common sense for the common good, now more than ever.
Pat and Dan Costello
Bethany Beach
Denault offers ticket for town election
Editor:
We have an opportunity to elect individuals to our town council who have all proven their dedication to the town of Bethany Beach.
Tony McClenny and Jerry Dorfman have devoted untold hours serving on the Town Council and many of the town’s committees. They both have attended many meetings of state and local officials over the years, and they have never lost sight of what makes Bethany so special to us all.
Lew Killmer has the knowledge and experience to join council and not miss a beat, having served on council in the past. His tenacity as chairman of the town’s planning commission has resulted in a revised and updated town code that is clear, concise and understandable. We need Lew on the council.
Jack Gordon has an impressive background that will be an asset to Council. Jack has also dedicated many hours to serving on various town committees. His role on the Budget and Finance Committee has helped position the town to weather possible tough times going forward.
None of us want to lose “our” Bethany. However, we need individuals who can help guide the Town of Bethany Beach into the future, not people who only want to reminisce about the past. More than ever we need experience, proven leadership and individuals who will focus on the Bethany of tomorrow. Please vote for Tony McClenny, Jerry Dorfman, Lew Killmer and Jack Gordon on Sept. 6.
Paul Denault, Past-President
Bethany Beach Landowner’s Association
Hayden gives his thoughts on Ocean View
Editor:
Many of the citizens of Ocean View, including myself, have been disenchanted by the new Town Council. For the three councilmen to give themselves a pat on their back in the local papers and call complainers: “sore losers” is an insult to involved townspeople and to honest citizens. Their plaudits are disingenuous.
For one, why has the council resorted to “Mason’s Rules” instead of “Robert’s Rules?” Is it an effort to negotiate their agenda in a way that the mayor and townsfolk cannot have free expression? At the last Council meeting, the mayor was constantly restrained by these rules that the councilmen from District 3 and 4 used as a roadblock.
What about the councilman from District 3 who sent out a letter on his own to the governor, warning that a petition may be forthcoming from a minority of citizens and should not be given credence? Why did this same councilman, who promised open communication with his constituents, refuse to send his e-mails to a number of people in his district? Why? because they might disagree with him, that’s why.
Why did the Council determine at the June meeting that a letter be prepared by the town manager to each council member with their comments added before it being sent to “The Public Integrity Committee,” regarding a possible conflict of interest by two councilmen, not carried out by the town manager? Why did this happen with an excuse given by the town manager who lives in Denton, Md., that he was not aware that he should have done this? Doesn’t he read the minutes of the meetings he attends?
Concerning the management of Ocean View, how is it that we are supposedly saving $2 million dollars over a five-year period, going to save money by moving town hall to the Public Safety Building? It was quoted that this would only cost $175,000, but, surely, for the move, the reconfiguration of the Police Department itself and new furniture and fixtures, it is going to cost significantly more.
Also, do townspeople know that the town has already spent an excessive amount of money in an effort to divert water in the ditches of one community of Ocean View to the Savannah’s Landing ditches without guarantee that homes on Judith’s Run will not be adversely affected? Where is the transparency of government concerning the present high cost of this project and its impact on the budget of this town?
One more thing: the past town council members, including the past mayor, do not know how or why an outside lawyer was brought in to examine the contract of our police chief at the cost of $7,500. Who approved that? It can be deduced from the July meeting only the town manager and the councilman from District 4 know, based on the discussion at the Town Council meeting. Why would they want to get rid of the chief anyway, considering his innovations and his use of federal grant money?
And, by the way, is this councilman from District 4 so insecure that he has to bring in people from his district to praise his questionable work? Although this councilman is most diligent in planning for meetings, an examination of recent meetings indicates that he is ram-rodding proposals down the throat of the mayor left and right. Who is the elected mayor of Ocean View, Gordon Wood or this District 4 councilman?
This letter is not one of sour grapes but for uninformed citizens unable to attend council meetings. People should want to know how our town is managed and how our taxes are spent. There would be far less opposition to the town council if they would be more forthcoming and not counter-attack those who would question them.
Dennis Hayden
Ocean View
Support Lew Killmer for Bethany’s town council
Editor:
As a former Council member, I served two terms with Lew Killmer and two other current council members running for election. There was no one more prepared for issues than Lew Killmer. He has and does his homework.
How has he served Bethany Beach?
Well, he’s chaired the Planning Commission and served, as well, on the Charter and Ordinance Review Committee. He is currently on the Audit Committee. He served on the Trolley Committee and the DELDOT Traffic Study Group. Probably one of the most important committees he served was the Delaware League of Local Governments Municipal Election Legislative Committee. With help from Lew, they preserved the right for part-time residents to vote in local elections. Otherwise, a majority of Bethany’s residents would not have the ability to vote in the upcoming town election.
He is in the process of beginning to organize a number of the surrounding municipalities in developing a Comprehensive Plan that focuses on the negative impact that over-development has on the quality of life related for the entire region. So when you here other contenders talking about what they “plan” to do about over-development, Lew has already been proactive in this important area.
Please do as I am going to do and vote for Lew Kilmer!
Harry Steele
Bethany Beach
Councilmen: Setting the record straight
Editor:
Ocean View Town Manger Dr. Gregory has been attacked and even ridiculed at public meetings. He is a town employee who cannot respond publicly to these attacks. He just smiles and shakes hands with all citizens, knowing that some want to see him fired and others plan to continue the unabated attacks in hopes that he will get fed up and quit. Since he cannot defend himself publicly, let us set forth the facts and let you draw the appropriate conclusions.
Dr. Gregory was hired unanimously by the Council to become the chief executive officer of the town government. He was apprised of the town’s financial position with increasing expenditures and the prospect of declining revenues. The real estate downturn has left the town with a bleak forecast on the revenue side of the ledger. Dr. Gregory has set forth a plan of action that will keep the town solvent for the next five years and accomplished this with no major increase in taxes, no reduction in staff, a minimum impact on services and no reduction in proposed raises for employees.
Dr. Gregory has conducted a number of feasibility studies to ascertain the facts before making recommendations on changes. Some of the changes, such as changing the police car policy and moving the administrative staff to second floor of the Public Safety building, having fallen disproportionately on the police department. A number of citizens feel these decisions are wrong and have voiced strong opposition. A simple solution would be for the Council to raise taxes, but the Council and town manager realize the burden this would impose on our large population of senior citizens.
This disgruntled group of citizens constantly calls into question the policy of Council giving Dr. Gregory a town car and paying for gas as he travels back and forth to work from Denton, Md., to Ocean View. This benefit was granted to Dr. Gregory by a unanimous vote of the Council to ensure that he would remain to address the concerns facing Ocean View. This same group has never complained about the benefit granted to the chief of police that he can use his police car for personal use.
As a Council, do we apologize for spending your tax dollars for such benefits? The answer is no. If you want to hire top-level professionals, you have to pay them well and often provide special incentives to ensure their continued employment and prevent them from seeking a better deal elsewhere. The question now remains, how successful has Dr Gregory been in meeting the goals established by the Council and the objectives he set to move Ocean View forward?
In the 18 months since Dr. Gregory has arrived, Dr. Gregory inherited a financial plan that had a cash deficit of over $1.5 million for the years FY 2009 through FY 2013. Since his arrival, he has had to adjust the revenue plan downward by another $2 million. The combination of these two items would have left Ocean View facing a $3.5 million cash deficit. If nothing had been done your taxes would have been raised by a minimum of 100 percent to 150 percent. To offset this cash deficit, Dr. Gregory has put together plans that recognize over $3 million in cash savings. These cost cutting measures negates any need for significant tax increases.
What other accomplishments has Dr. Gregory accomplished for the citizens of Ocean View? He oversaw the completion of the Public Safety Building and saved taxpayers thousands of dollars. He inherited a massive water system project and brought it in on schedule. Dr. Gregory has redesigned the badly needed public works building at a cost of $350,000, down from the original proposed cost of $1.4 million. He has done numerous feasibility studies that have saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars if these studies had been contracted out.
Drainage and street projects have been successfully carried out during his short tenure as town manager. He has been instrumental in revising the town’s land use plan. Dr. Gregory has initiated talks with our neighboring communities to complete a walking trail along the Assawoman Canal in conjunction with the State, which owns the land along the canal. What an amenity for the residents of Ocean View! This is just a small list of accomplishments that he and his very professional and dedicated staff have achieved for you the taxpayers of Ocean View.
Remember that any recommendation that he makes such as the new police car policy, moving the administrative staff to the second floor of the Public Safety Building or making budget cuts to keep the town solvent are not his decisions but the vote of the Town Council. So any blame or criticism that you wish to direct should be to the Town Council not to the town manager. He is doing the job that he was hired to do as the chief executive officer of the town, but ultimately he is responsible to the Town Council.
Roy Thomas and Richard Nippes
Ocean View Town Council