Mr. Cooper, potentially, at this point, is the police department and city hall a huge maintenance issue? Probably not, right, commissioners? I’ll excuse Mr. Mills from that question, because he has been advocating for upgrades to both facilities for more years than he has been a commissioner. I wonder what a poll of police officers and city employees would disclose?

From earlier newspaper reports, it looks like the budget committee meetings were essentially a repeat of prior years. Again in this year’s financial cycle it appears that the mayor and commissioners enacted short-term fixes to address long-term city budget problems. They have again ignored the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

Specifically, they have ignored the pressing need to address the real - not potential - huge maintenance issues with the police department and city hall. They have again failed to consider employing a financial advisor who could lead the city out of this financial wasteland. Long-term improvements to city maintenance facilities and other critical city service infrastructure are being deferred. Fewer employees are being forced to do more; declining morale will eventually result in the loss of valuable human resources.

Nevertheless, I understand the city employees did an extraordinary job clearing the streets of snow. How much longer can we expect such loyalty? How much longer can we put off such critical decisions?
Hoyte Decker
Rehoboth Beach

Dewey commissioner taken to task
I think there is some information that your readers would like to have about the incident that was not included in Rob Kunzig’s article.

When Commissioner Zeke Przygocki acknowledged the joke which involved him presenting a box of condoms to a town employee, undoubtedly to the delight of a group that was present during the presentation, he contended “it was meant to be a simple joke but he now realizes it was inappropriate.” What an insightful comment on his personal behavior. What the commissioner failed to mention is that his standup comedy routine was undoubtedly well received with rave reviews because he reenacted the presentation in the new town manager’s office. Again I’m sure to more rave reviews. Former Dewey Beach Mayor Pat Wright acknowledged the commissioner’s rapier wit with the following comment in your article of March 16; “I know they love Zeke. Stuff happens. Go forward.” I would not call his behavior a one-time mistake, but at least a two-time mistake, if not more. The comedy routine was a blatant attempt to degrade and humiliate a fellow town commissioner and by doing so he created a hostile work environment in the town hall, while imposing his prejudice on all that was present.

The reenactment in the new town manager’s office, even though she was not present, shows a level of disrespect for her private work space. Ms. Smith, who has been universally acclaimed as a button down professional, must be appalled. By using her office as comedy central, he conveys a lack of respect for the management hierarchy in Dewey Beach. He should be barred from the town hall.

At the Saturday, March 13 town meeting, Commissioner Przygocki, wearing a bright orange shirt, made an opening statement. He called that statement an apology. I saw it on the webcam from my home. If you are interested, please watch Commissioner Przygocki in action and draw your own conclusions. However, I would characterize his statement as an equal mix of ego and anger, never to be confused as a sincere apology.
It is interesting that the repentant standup comic commissioner’s wife, daughter and female friend, also wearing bright orange shirts, were sitting directly in front of Commissioner Diane Hanson, glaring at her during the entire meeting. Commissioner Przygocki, according to LinkedIn, is a 1984 sociology and criminology graduate at the University Of Tennessee Knoxville. That would explain the orange color. It doesn’t explain why a grown man, his wife, daughter and female friend would be enamored with his school colors 26 years after his college graduation.
Does anyone really think that this type of individual should be a commissioner in our beloved town?
Anthony E. Murray
Sarasota, Fla.

Is Dewey commissioner fit for office?
I feel compelled to write to you in reference to my comments at the last Dewey Beach town meeting noted in your paper (Hanson asks Przygocki to resign; Przygocki remains, March 16). My point was missed. I was misunderstood by your reporter.
I was said to have “condemned Przygocki’s gag,” and quoted as saying that worse things have been said publicly. To begin with, I in no way think that Przygocki’s disgraceful behavior was a “gag.” It was the attempt of a commissioner to belittle a fellow commissioner with whom he does not agree on some political issues. This was done in town hall before other town employees. This type of thing is done to diminish a colleague in the eyes of those with whom they work, and to reduce their effectiveness in their job as a public servant. This behavior is not a “gag.” Gags are funny; this was malicious and juvenile behavior.
Secondly, my comment that “worse things have been said publicly” was a response to efforts by some speakers to criticize the person who spoke to the newspaper. These speakers’ comments appeared to be an attempt to deflect blame and responsibility from Mr. Przygocki, who should shoulder all the blame. The person who came forward with the information is to be praised, not criticized. The town’s property owners should be made aware of this unprofessional behavior on the part of a commissioner who represents them. The original newspaper article did this.
If nothing else, this occurrence should serve as a warning in the future. Voters should carefully and thoroughly consider the past service and involvement of those candidates running for elected public office. When a candidate has not been active, or made an effort to attend meetings and to get involved prior to running for office, a red flag should go up. Is there any way in this situation to know what one will get by voting for this candidate? Are they truly fit to serve in a public office?
Betsy Damos
Dewey Beach

Dewey has been made a laughingstock
I attended Saturday’s town meeting in Dewey Beach. Early in the proceedings, Commissioner Zeke Przygocki read a statement regarding his recent behavior in town hall. Throughout his so-called apology, Zeke referred to his actions as a joke. He blamed the newspaper and the person who revealed his bad behavior for embarrassing the town, and he ended by asking Commissioner Hanson to apologize to his wife for causing her embarrassment.

To address these statements:

• This was not a joke. There was nothing humorous about Commissioner Przygocki’s actions – they were clearly intended to demean a fellow commissioner. If Mr. Przygocki honestly believes this was funny, his character and judgment are hopelessly flawed.

• The person who revealed the incident did not embarrass the town. Mr. Przygocki, alone, is responsible for that. As a Dewey Beach commissioner, he serves the citizens of this town; those citizens have a right to be made aware of any behavior that reflects poorly on the town or that brings into question the ability of a commissioner to serve on their behalf. The person who exposed this appalling incident deserves our thanks.

• Mrs. Hanson does not owe anyone an apology. She has remained aboveboard and dignified throughout this ordeal. She is not responsible for Mr. Przygocki’s wife’s name appearing in the newspaper: that decision was made by the Cape Gazette. If anyone is embarrassed by association to this incident, again, Zeke alone is to blame.
Unfortunately, Mr. Przygocki’s “apology” was not the only low point in Saturday’s meeting. Several former Dewey Beach officials made arguments intended to mitigate the seriousness of Commissioner Przygocki’s actions or to shift blame for the problems caused by them.

For example:

Former Mayor Pat Wright made light of Zeke’s box-of-condoms presentation, categorizing it as a joke and, absurdly, comparing it to a rubber roach that had circulated through town hall.

Former Commissioner Dale Cooke insisted that the real villain was the person who leaked the story to the press, going so far as to say, “To the anonymous source, I hope he rots in hell.”

However offensive the above comments may have been, the lowest point in Saturday’s meeting occurred when Commissioner Hanson’s motion to recommend resignation failed to be seconded. This occurred despite apparent support for such an action. Commissioner Appelbaum (who was unable to attend due to ill health) had earlier texted his opinion that Commissioner Przygocki should step down. Commissioner Seitz read a statement expressing similar sentiments. At the close of the meeting, Mayor Solloway referred to the town hall incident as “reprehensible.” Yet, when it came time to officially ask for Commissioner Przygocki’s resignation, no one spoke up.

Our town had an opportunity to save face in the community - and to do the right thing. Instead, through the silence of its commissioners, it has failed to officially sanction Commissioner Przygocki and has sent the message that Dewey Beach tolerates and accepts his childish and malicious behavior.

Dewey Beach has been made a laughingstock by this incident. As long as Mr. Przygocki remains a part of our town council, we will continue to be vulnerable to derision.
Linda Winton
property owner
Dewey Beach

Dewey commissioner calls for resignation
The following letter was sent to fellow members of the Dewey Beach Board of Commissioners with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I wanted to share with you additional thoughts regarding the Commissioner Zeke Przygocki incident that occurred recently at town hall. First of all, I have been happily married to an independent woman for over 20 years and together we raised our 19-year-old independent daughter. While in business and helping to raise our children, my wife and I stood up for what is right, especially equal rights for everyone. Most of us have heard inappropriate jokes that denigrate one’s race, sex, religion or physical disability. For me, my family, when I was in business, and in my home I find these comments, jokes and gestures wholly inappropriate.

I attended last week’s town hall meeting by website; as you know, I am in the 27th week of a 30-week treatment for head and neck cancer. I offer this as no excuse as I try to do my job. At Saturday’s meeting, I made comments through our town solicitor; however, because of my illness and the limitation of not being present at the meeting, I was not able to fully convey the depths of my feeling on this issue. I stand by my statement read on my behalf by Town Solicitor Glenn Mandalas and quoted in the Cape Gazette; “Przygocki’s joke cannot be misinterpreted; it was uncalled for, and he should resign.” Then and now I fully support Commissioner Diane Hanson’s position that Commissioner Przygocki step down.

Since Commissioner Przygocki has become a commissioner, he and I have forged out what I consider a very respectful relationship. We do not always agree with each other on matters; however, we normally find kernels of respect for the other’s position. With regard to this matter, there is no common ground other than his immediate resignation. His behavior, the involvement of a town employee and a commissioner at their place of employment is totally and completely inexcusable.

I am also troubled by how this matter may have been handled by our mayor. It seemed as though in the beginning there were steps to brush this matter under the carpet, to simply make this matter go away. Perhaps this was done since we were in the transition with a new town manager or perhaps there were other reasons. I would like to know.

I do not believe the charter nor the code provide me as a commissioner the road map to remove Commissioner Przygocki from office. However, I take my responsibilities as commissioner and in representing the people of Dewey Beach very seriously. With the depths and magnitude of his transgressions while at the same time perpetuating what appears to be insidious positions of a personal nature against Commissioner Hanson, I will now wonder how and if the Town of Dewey Beach can live with Commissioner Przygocki in office.

Here is what I would like.

Does the charter or code offer us a remedy for this matter?

How can we as commissioners vote to ask that Commissioner Przygocki resign?

Can we get a full report as to how this matter was investigated?

If Commissioner Przygocki remains as commissioner, what will be the protection for the town, its employees and fellow commissioners that similar reprehensible behavior does not happen again?
Commissioner Marc Appelbaum
Dewey Beach

Przygocki should step down, says resident
The following letter was sent to Dewey Beach Commissioner Zeke Przygocki, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.

I read about your outrageous behavior and actions recently and I am angered by your lack of judgment, your gross disregard for your elected office and most of all, by your sophomoric “sense of humor” which is not one bit funny. You need to come clean and make a sincere apology and then step down from your seat as commissioner. We have enough issues to deal with without getting sidetracked by your ludicrous behavior.
George Pappas
Dewey Beach

Paying to park in shoulder season bad idea
I just finished reading the article about Rehoboth considering extending the parking meter season in September.  This proposal is just another nail in the coffin of many downtown Rehoboth businesses. The shoulder season for many businesses is a time that can make or break them. The idea is one more indication that Rehoboth is unfriendly toward visitors and local businesses.  Paying to park in season is a fact in most beach resort towns. Visitors expect it. Paying to park in the shoulder seasons is not good for business and sends the wrong message.

A much better idea would be to extend the parking pass hours in season. I have found that many people who buy/have a (seasonal) pass find trouble finding non-metered spaces in season after 5 p.m. Extending the pass hours until 8 or 9 p.m. (in season) would force visitors who come into town in the evening to have a pass or park at a metered space. There essentially would be no more free parking for visitors in season after 5 p.m. Many visitors have figured out this loophole in the evening parking hours (after 5 p.m.) and take advantage of it. Fixing this loophole would be a much better idea for generating additional revenue than adding an additional two weeks of metered parking in September.
Thomas Resh
Rehoboth Beach

State park casino idea inappropriate
I wholeheartedly agree with Kit Zak’s letter to the editor March 2, referring to the casino resort proposal for the Delaware Seashore State Park. Outrageous aptly describes this proposal, which would destroy the beauty and integrity of the state park and also would be a blight on our beautiful coastline – and add even more to the Route 1 summer traffic.

I have spoken with many tourists from New Jersey the past several years and they have told me what a great job Delaware has done to protect the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastline from just this very type of development. We do have a completely different type of ambiance from either the Jersey shore or Ocean City, Md., and a casino resort does not fit in with what Delaware has along the coastline – small, quaint seaside towns with very few high-rise buildings and many natural, open water views and protected wildlife and beach areas.

I encourage those who agree to call and/or write to your local representative, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the governor and the state parks and anyone else who could be involved in the consideration of such a proposal. To sell the soul and spirit of our beach and coastline is no answer for more jobs and increased income for the parks, county and state. There are other sites more acceptable to such development that are near the shore but not right on top of it.
Susan M. Maclary
Rehoboth Beach


Preserve the beauty of our state parks
It is difficult to understand the reasoning behind placing a casino at Indian River Inlet. Placing such a large development within the state wildlife preserve would clearly endanger the ailing bay and definitely impact on the quality of life for those who attempt to travel on Coastal Highway.

It is clear that the state is suffering financially during this recession and needs to find the means to bridge the financial gap. Maybe casinos are the answer; I don’t pretend to know all the details. I am sure there are arguments for and against. But allowing a casino to enter into a state park within the footprint of the inlet feeding Rehoboth Bay just increases the stress on wildlife and those traveling north and south on Coastal Highway.

Will this bring quality jobs to Delaware? I don’t believe so. It will help initially within the construction trade and end as quickly as it starts. Will this help increase tourism during the summer season? I don’t believe so. If anything, I think tourists and locals will avoid the Coastal Highway corridor due to the alarming traffic and congestion that will most definitely occur. The infrastructure is taxed to the limits during the summer season as it is, and as population increases the increased traffic will completely bring summer tourism to a grinding halt. Adding a casino will exacerbate the problem that exists now.

Sussex County has beautiful resorts and a spectacular natural wildlife preserve along the stretch from Dewey to Fenwick. Let’s keep it that way and put our energy in cleaning the bay, protecting our environment and adding to our quality of life.
Jim Dedes
Rehoboth Beach


Protect our fragile ecosystems
Our bay estuaries are an essential part of the ecological fabric that defines this area in which we live here on the shore in Sussex County. These estuaries provide a valuable set of ecological services to humans and to other fauna and flora that call this coastal area home. Why would our county and state government consider granting permission for the development of a casino and resort in a state park designated to conserve these estuaries for now and for the future?

There are lots of other locations in the county, including the other three proposed sites, where a casino might make sense. The construction of a casino-resort in the midst of a state park protecting one of our most precious ecosystem resources is an absolutely bizarre idea that makes little sense, except perhaps to those who stand to gain financially from developing and running the Delaware Seashore Resort & Casino on this particular site. The casino-resort “complex” would further stress an already heavily stressed bay and coastal estuary system around Indian River Inlet. The construction of the complex and associated infrastructure would cause damage enough, never mind the degrading impact of light, noise, and waste pollution from the complex’s operations and the journeys of associated visitors.

Why are we as a populace still willing to consider supporting economic options that destroy our area’s precious natural resources instead of restoring them? There are lots of good business ideas coming into practice that reward conservation and support rejuvenation of our ecosystems through innovative public-private partnerships. Sam Calagione’s work with the City of Lewes to augment Canalfront Park with canoe- and kayak-related infrastructure and the ecotourism options such an extension supports are an example of positive steps toward sustainable economic growth.

My vote is to withhold our power to destroy and therefore to end consideration of approving the creation of the Delaware Seashore Resort & Casino in our state park. We are a species that can go to great efforts to save what we treasure. Let us work to reduce pressures on threatened spots like our bay estuaries and scrupulously support economic alternatives that reward the restoration and conservation of our fragile bay, marsh and beach ecosystems.
John E.H. Ryan, PhD
Rehoboth Beach

Doggies at Beach staff deserves praise
I wish to commend the staff of Doggies at the Beach. Without them, my greyhound Zephyr would have been in a world of hurt. Thanks to the expertise, professionalism and compassion they showed when he was in their care a few weekends ago, he lives to run again.

Zephyr has stayed at Doggies at the Beach many times, to his sheer delight. Whenever he walks through their door, he exhibits what for him is as close to “joyous” as he gets (he is a dog with “issues”). But recently, he gave the Doggies at the Beach crew a test of their emergency system and they passed with flying colors. They didn’t have to be so kind and caring the night Zephyr became sick as a dog. He was eventually diagnosed with gastroenteritis, but not before nearly fainting, bringing in the vet on call, needing emergency IVs, and keeping the overnight care employee awake and by his side. I was out of town, but was kept updated every few hours by the staff, who seemed to be taking his illness even harder than I was. The next morning, he was taken to Savannah Animal Hospital by the staff. Once he was stable, the hospital vet asked if I wanted him to stay there or go back to Doggies at the Beach. I didn’t hesitate to tell her to send him back, knowing they would treat him like I would (OK, even better).

Thank you to Jim Reiter, owner of Doggies at the Beach, Gail Stewart (who kept me posted at every step along the way), Wade Caldwell (overnight care, who stayed up with one sick pup and shuttled him to and from Savannah), Dr. Jaine Weise (the vet on call), and all of the rest of the staff who work around the clock to care for our animals. You all came through for both of us when we needed you, and we are very grateful for that. It is a joy and relief to know that, if I have to leave my dog behind, I can leave him in a second home at Doggies at the Beach!
Janet Redman
Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth woman thanks all who saved her
On Sunday, Feb. 7, when the first snowfall was over and everyone was trying to dig themselves out, I thought I would be very clever and sneak the shovel out back to help with the digging around the heat pump and porch. I hadn’t been at this very long when I realized something was very wrong.

I came into the house and was hardly able to get my coat and gloves off and was so tired I barely made it to the couch. I won’t go into a lot of detail, but to say that everything you have ever heard about women and heart attacks happened to me that day.

However, this letter is to thank from the bottom of my somewhat damaged heart the terrific people from the Rehoboth and Lewes fire and rescue who helped save my life that Sunday morning. They were wonderful, professional and caring to me. I went into cardiac arrest and have been told this was a very close call and I was a very lucky woman. I believe I was lucky because those men were there that day.

They could not get the ambulance down to my street because of the snow and they carried me carefully in the utility truck to the ambulance. I don’t know which one held my had that day, but he kept talking to me and telling me I would make it – just to hang on. He told me he was Irish too, but I’m not too sure of that. I think he would have told me anything to keep me on my toes.

I want him to know that I can tell Lou and my children that I love them myself now. It took me a while to get their names but they are paramedic Mike Farlow, Chief Donald Mitchell Jr., EMT Trevor Fiest, paramedic Rob Luksic, EMT John Hazzard, EMT Jimmy May, EMT Charles Arnold and Lin Martin. Thank you all; you’re the greatest. Also, a big thanks to the staff at Beebe Medical Center ER, cath lab and fifth-floor nurses and aides. You were great and you deserve more than a pat on the back.
Mary Ruth Wilson
The Landing
Rehoboth

Everyone urged to drive safely in Cape Region
I’m a 52-year-old husband and father of two, and I have seen a lot of changes in my area. We have openers, trimmers, mowers, clippers, sprayers, spreaders, microwaves, airplanes, washers, dryers, dicers, slicers, blenders, answering machines, calculators, typewriters, cell phones, printers, computers, fax machines, pizza and newspaper delivery, checks, credit cards, timers, buzzers, alarms, precooked, prefabricated, preprogrammed, prerecorded, prewashed, predialing, redialing, express lines, mail order, home shopping networks, remote controls, air mail, fast food, drive-ins, drive-throughs, automatic this and automatic that, quick and easy, superfast - all these things to help save time, but we get in our cars and drive dangerously to get our clothes out of the dryer before they wrinkle. I’m scared for my family and friends. Please drive safely.
Jerry Lynch
Rehoboth Beach