First, regarding the issue of the Rehoboth Art League and the Town of Henlopen Acres, I beg to differ regarding the town fathers and their reaction. The town fathers would be proud that the current administration is concerned about the integrity of the community and the potential problems that could arise by allowing the construction of an 11,275-square-foot building, which would replace the current 2,500-square-foot Chambers Studio, and increasing the parking by four spaces to a total of 44. Mr. Heuisler refers to the Rehoboth Art League as Henlopen Acres’ “only major public amenity.” What he failed to mention is this public amenity pays no property taxes nor does it provide a source of revenue to the town. The art league does, however, use the town’s infrastructure and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This exchange between the town and the art league has a history dating back to August 2007, when the art league originally presented to the board of adjustment a request for a use variance and a parking variance for a new Chambers Studio. The five-member board denied the variances in November, 2007. The vote was four denials and one abstention.

The art league then filed an appeal in Superior Court, which upheld the board’s decision. In late 2009, another appeal was filed in the Supreme Court. On March 29, 2010, the Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the Superior Court. The Rehoboth Art League has failed to make its case at every level. This is not about being anti-art league. The art league is and will always be a vital part of Henlopen Acres. It is about the art league working with Henlopen Acres and mutually agreeing on a solution that would maintain the essential character of Henopen Acres while allowing the Rehoboth Art League to make the necessary improvements. Mr. Heuisler’s letter noted two incidents that occurred in Henlopen Acres, which he clearly feels reflects the negative governing by the current and possibly newly elected town commissioners.

The first example was a situation where the residents did not comply with the town regulations and bylaws that apply to all residents and have been in place for some time. This noncompliance resulted in multiple violations that ultimately ended in court. Mr. Heuisler chose not to mention the resident’s name as well as the second person who testified on behalf of the town. He did choose to name Frank Jamison as the other individual who testified. I assume he named Mr. Jamison because he is a first-time candidate for commissioner in Saturday’s election and wanted to portray him in a negative light. What he did not mention is that Mr. Jamison was subpoenaed by the town of Henlopen Acres to testify. Mr. Heuisler’s second example was the incident which occurred during a city meeting. Mr. David Lyons, a current commissioner and a candidate for re-election this Saturday, filed a complaint of assault against the same resident and the magistrate dismissed the charge. However, it should be noted that other individuals were in attendance and witnessed Mr. Lyons being hit with papers.

In conclusion, I feel that the voting residents of Henlopen Acres, when given complete and accurate information, will be able to judge the individual merits of each candidate.
Gail L. Richards
Rehoboth Beach

Briggs King enters the ‘lion’s den’
The appearance of Rep. Ruth Briggs King before the Aug. 23 meeting of the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA) drew a packed house at the Oak Orchard Fire Hall. DMOHA President Ed Speraw introduced the Republican incumbent as a modern-day “Daniel entering the lion’s den.” Briggs King defended her record regarding manufactured home legislation, and she recognized the need to preserve the largest block of non-government affordable housing in Delaware. While she opposes rent control, which was made illegal by a court decision, she did say legislation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) regarding rents may be possible.

Rep. Briggs King answered a DMHOA questionnaire from the podium stating she was opposed to monopolies, did not consider herself a hypocrite, and believes the competition is a key component for the free enterprise system. Regarding “crime without punishment,” she said that in the case of children there may be cause for consideration. During the question-and-answer period, she claimed that manufactured home communities were not monopolies because they were controlled by contract even though the community owners can raise rents without limits once a year. She had no answer to community owners being fined for civil or criminal infraction being able to recoup the money from the unlimited rent increases which becomes “crime without punishment.” Nor could she cite any competition that existed that keeps rents competitive consistent with a monopoly.

She defended the community owners’ claim of increases when land values were rising but no decreases during the recession because their expenses may have gone up. Ms. Briggs King previously served as executive director of the Community Owners Association.
How well she convinced the manufactured home owners in attendance can only be determined at the polls.
Fred Neil
Dover

Clark will provide peceful solution in Acres
We would like to thank Justice Henry Horsey for his accurate and thoughtful letter in the Cape Gazette. We think that it is appropriate to set the record straight on the history of the Rehoboth Art League.
One of the incumbent commissioners, who is running for re-election, stated in a recent letter to the electorate of Henlopen Acres that he wants to “establish clear and enforceable codes that apply uniform building standards.” Most incumbents run on their record.
We applaud him for wanting to establish clear and enforceable codes; however, we ask where has en been for the last three years? The commissioners suffered the embarrassment of legally attacking one of our neighbors in Henlopen Acres and having the case dismissed by the courts because the Henlopen Acres codes are not clear and enforceable.
He also states that homeowners’ concerns were settled by open and candid discussions among neighbors and that the property owners caused $70,000 to be spent by the town for legal expenses. The commissioners elected to spend this money, not the property owners.
We submit that this issue could have been settled by open and candid discussions. The incumbent commissioner steadfastly refused to discuss this matter on numerous occasions.
We support Martin Clark and his pledge to build a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that exist in Henlopen Acres and his desire to re-establish a community of good will.
Betsy and Shaw Wilgis
Henlopen Acres

Rehoboth needs to revisit nonresident status
Recently I heard a rumor that Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Kathy McGuiness has moved to Park City, Utah. My initial response was “Really!” I then confirmed it with city leadership.
Certainly she would relinquish her seat. But I was told no, she will be flying back for meetings. Really!
Wow. I find that to be incredible as well as unbelievable. I know when I was a commissioner there were a least three meetings a week that consisted of committee responsibilities, meeting with the city manager and/or residents who needed attention.
I am disappointed that Commissioner McGuiness did not inform her constituency by announcing her move.
As a nonresident commissioner she has the right to live wherever she wants, even China. But when the voters cast their votes, they voted for a commissioner who lived less then a mile from the city limits, not 2,000 miles away.
Flying here for meetings, voting on issues and then flying back to Utah is not what I want as my city representation.
You can’t feel the pulse of our beach community from the mountains of Utah.
It is time for the city commissioners to revisit the city charter, specifically reviewing the definitions of resident and nonresident classifications.
BA Cochran
Rehoboth Beach

Meeting on Sussex board of adjustment a sham
I attended the Sussex County Council and Board of Adjustment workshop held Aug. 17. I would like to thank your reporter, Ron MacArthur, for the coverage of much that occurred. Because he is a reporter, he must make every effort to remain impartial and I believe he does that, despite the overwhelming evidence “that something is really rotten in Sussex County.” I am not under that restriction of neutrality because I have dealt firsthand as one of the members of the ad hoc Committee with the wall of silence and the attempt to suppress what has been going on with some of the council members and the board of adjustment.

On numerous occasions I have done what I could to bring these issues to the public and have submitted my own recommendations to the council at the same time the committee’s report was submitted. Needless to say, they have not been well received except by a couple of council members who consistently try to be fair, Joan Deaver and George Cole. This is my interpretation of the meeting Aug. 17.

1. Mr. Beryl, county attorney who sits in on board of adjustment meetings, prepared a “whitewash” handout to defend the approval rate we have all, except for Sam Wilson, complained about. Mr. Moore, attorney who sits in on council meetings, in his opening comments, explained that many opinions about problems with the code and the board of adjustment’s approval rate were the reason they were holding the workshop. Sam Wilson interrupted with, “You know what opinions are, they are in the middle of ignorance and knowledge, and as far as I am concerned, these opinions are toward the lower end of that.” We are well aware, Mr. Wilson, that you don’t care what the citizens of Sussex County think. Mr. Beryl continued to say the approval rate numbers were “skewed” by necessary approvals. Example he presented, approval so “mom and dad can live in a mobile home behind someone’s house because they can’t afford to put them in a nursing home.” This is a needed “hardship” case. When asked about how many they see, Lawrence Lank, director, said, “Not many, maybe 40.” This skews the approval numbers???.  They simply don’t want to deal with the code wording and the lax enforcement of the “proper code” approval percentages they have compiled for years. I know change takes time, but this whitewash will not do.

2. Michael Vincent had about 30 words to say during the two-hour meeting, and Vance Phillips continued to lean back in his chair with his hands behind his head as if he were bored with the whole thing. He had about 35 words to say in between cleaning his fingernails and leaving the room on at least two occasions.

3. Members of the board of adjustment, except for one who said he was confused about what they were supposed to do on the board, really didn’t offer much at all. Thank heavens for Joan and George, who really attempted to hit one or two key points. And then there was Sam Wilson again, stating that the board is there to make adjustments, and there is nothing wrong with all the approvals, and he thinks it should be even higher, maybe 90 percent. Between this whitewash attempt and Phillips and Wilson, we have a lot of work to do.
Dorothy Boucher
Lewes

Why I’m running for re-election in Dewey
The voters of Dewey Beach elected me, Marty Seitz, as a commissioner in September 2008. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I am running for a second term to continue the progress we made during my first two-year term.

I feel that it is the right of the community to determine its fate and will continue to serve the “will of the people.” I will maintain the fiscal responsibility we developed during my first term and not let the town backslide. With my steady disposition, I have calmed the rhetoric and strengthened relationships between property and business owners. I look forward to implementing solutions to key issues impacting Dewey’s overall quality of life in a way that reduces conflict and increases property values and revenues for all owners. Dewey Beach citizens, please vote for me now by absentee ballot or in person Saturday, Sept. 25. Thank you.
Marty Seitz
candidate for re-election as commissioner
Dewey Beach

Pot calling kettle black in Dewey Beach
I have been wondering when Pat Wright would re-emerge from her home at Kings Creek Country Club to take up the cause of Dewey Beach Enterprises again. When I first read her letter to the editor last week, “Outside Dewey interests need to pack bags” I thought she was talking about herself. Since she doesn’t live in Dewey and only owns commercial property here, it is not surprising that she favors commercial developers.

What is surprising is that she attacks the homeowners here who also own homes elsewhere and yet love Dewey so much they volunteer hundreds of hours to work for the town. She filed ethics charges three years ago against volunteers trying to serve the town, including Commissioner Diane Hanson who has served this town selflessly and bravely, charges later dismissed. Pat Wright also attacked David King, who was later recognized for his outstanding service and named Volunteer of the Year. Why would a former mayor do that?
Unfortunately, Pat speaks out for Dewey Beach Enterprises who has sued the town five times, and also for commissioners who sexually harass their colleagues. She contributes to the Alice in Wonderland fantasy that somehow Dewey Beach Enterprises (DBE) is the victim rather than the aggressor. The facts say otherwise. A number of us who have homes elsewhere spend more time in Dewey Beach than “full-time” residents who spend much of the year in the Bahamas or Florida. Property owners from Newark and Wilmington and Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. serve on town committees in Dewey year-round, and if we didn’t, we wouldn’t have the results or the volunteer spirit that makes this town so special. We work side by side together, property owners from all areas, making Dewey a great East Coast beach town.

When the nor’easters strike, we’re the ones calling our neighbors who are away and worried about their properties flooding, whether those neighbors are “locals” who happen to be in Florida or Wilmington or part-time residents. We all join together to decorate town beach fences, organize holiday parties to promote festive spirit and pull weeds for town beautification. It takes all of us working together to make the town special and it shows. The town has some issues like noise, public intoxication, litter and a little too much partying, but most of us like the live entertainment here and enjoy the big venues as well as the small ones.

By far the most important issue here is that over 86 percent of the town’s voters voted to keep our height limit at 35 feet. A month ago, almost a hundred locals and out-of-town owners spent three hours at a town meeting to support the town commissioners in strengthening the 35-foot ordinance. Whatever our other differences, we are all united in preserving a beach town we live in and love. Unfortunately, we have one citizen here who doesn’t want to be a good neighbor. DBE wants to violate two of the town’s laws by building a 68-foot hotel. We now have five lawsuits against the town from a bully who doesn’t respect our laws. Who do you stand with? It’s not too late to join with us and ask big and small, in-town and out-of-town property owners to respect our laws.
Joy Howell
Dewey Beach

Lewes BPW manager should answer questions
The following letter was sent to Lewes Board of Public Works General Manager Ken Mecham with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
Paul Griffith of Lewes wrote a very clear and concise letter to you which was published in the Aug. 20 edition of the Cape Gazette requesting information regarding the operations of the Lewes Board of Public Works and the recent increases in utility charges. I believe such information as he requested would be readily available to the general manager of any corporation or organization, including the Lewes Board of Public Works and therefore, warrant a timely reply.

I would like to see your public answer to Mr. Griffith’s letter, which perhaps might better inform those residents of Lewes, like myself, who are so dissatisfied with the recent outrageous increases in the utility charges.
Robert O’Mullan
Lewes

Rehoboth Art League show a great success
On behalf of the Rehoboth Art League, I would like to thank everyone who helped make our 37th Annual Outdoor Art Show a success. Starting at the very top, the weather could not have been better. More than 100 high-quality artists shared all their creative talents. Of particular note is the artistic eye of Steve Rogers, who oversaw the reconfiguring of the show’s layout. Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s generous support was a significant contribution. Our kind Henlopen Acres neighbors not only coped with traffic, but also reached out with their warm hospitality. Twenty-three families provided parking on their property for our visiting artists. Some even housed artists in their homes. Finally, two households had receptions for the artists on each Saturday evening of the show’s two weekends.

Most nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers. The art league is blessed with many. This Outdoor Art Show tapped the efforts and talents of 123 volunteers and docents. We can’t say thanks enough. One group of volunteers, S.A.R.A. (Sussex Amateur Radio Association) added technology to our logistical team that was headed up by the Rehoboth Beach Fire Police. Another great contributor that added a level of professional expertise was the CPA firm of McBride Shopa. To have four accountants in our treasurer’s tent was a real luxury.
The musical artistry of “Crabmeat” Thompson, New and Used Blue Grass, Van Williamson Trio, A String-N-A Prayer, Island Boyz, Sounds of Steel, and Mystic Warriors added ambience to the show site. A behind-the-scenes show saver was Paul DeVilbiss, landscape architect and his men, who with no notice repaired the washed out roads and pathways following the torrential rain storm of the Thursday night before the show’s first weekend.

The press, both local and statewide, provided excellent coverage of our event for which we are most grateful. Finally, the art league’s staff must be recognized. Having worked 19 consecutive days of 10-plus hours each day, they continued to be helpful, warm and collaborative.
To all, thank you,
Larry Sweigert
interim executive director
Rehoboth Art League