Jane Gruenebaum announces bid for county council District 3 seat

Balanced growth advocate Jane Gruenebaum declared her candidacy for the District 3 Sussex County Council position July 8, saying she will work to offset the rampant development that has burdened roads, schools and medical facilities.

“Like many coastal residents, I believe enough is enough. The current status quo serves the interests of a few. As a Sussex County Council member, I will bring balance to the table, and I will work to change those ordinances that ignore concerns about the environment and infrastructure,” said Gruenebaum, a Democrat.

Gruenebaum, a Rehoboth Beach resident, co-founded and led the Sussex Preservation Coalition, which, through its monthly meetings, brought together citizens and decision makers from the state and county levels to discuss environmental issues. She resigned last week as SPC president to run for the District 3 county council seat.

As president of SPC, Gruenebaum said she worked to bring a positive voice to the discussion of these important issues and will do the same as a council member.

“I want to make this clear: I am not anti-development. I am for a balanced, common-sense approach. In fact, we need more affordable homes built in Sussex County,” said Gruenebaum. “We cannot keep voting for the same people and expect a different outcome. We are on an unsustainable path, and it is time for a change.”

Voters can learn more about Gruenebaum’s campaign at janeforsussex.com or by contacting her at janeforsussex2024@gmail.com. Sussex County Council District 3 borders along the county’s eastern coastline, roughly from Dewey Beach to Slaughter Beach.

To date, Republican incumbent Councilman Mark Schaeffer and Democratic challenger Dana Paskins have also filed to run for the District 3 seat. Gruenebaum’s announcement sets up a Democratic primary for Tuesday, Sept. 10.