Ted Becker seeks third term as Lewes mayor
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker will seek a third term.
After spending 10 years on council, he ran unopposed for the open mayoral seat in 2014, taking over from longtime mayor Jim Ford. He ran unopposed again in 2016, the city’s first three-year term following a charter change.
He is the only Lewes elected official up for re-election this spring.
“There’s more work to do,” Becker said. “There are many projects ongoing within the city, and some I’d like to see completed. I enjoy working with the people, too. That’s kind of where I’m at.”
Among his top issues is dealing with the rapid growth of the areas just outside the city limits. “The city government has gotten extremely busy,” he said, pointing to the hiring of the city planner in 2017 and city council’s consideration of hiring another part-time planner in the upcoming fiscal year. “Everything has ramped up,” he said. “There are a lot of growth pressures in this community.”
He also remains concerned about how the city will deal with climate change and sea-level rise. That’s one issue he’s tackling with Delaware’s seven other coastal mayors in the Association of Coastal Towns, which he chairs.
ACT was formed in the early 2000s, but went defunct. It was revitalized about two years ago to discuss mutual concerns related to beach replenishment and renourishment. It’s also discussed issues related to climate change and subsidence. “It remains the opinion of the group that we’re stronger and better as one voice,” he said.
More recently, he said, Sussex County Councilman I.G. Burton and County Administrator Todd Lawson have been active participants. The group has had the ear of Lewes’ state representatives Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, as well as Democratic Sen. Tom Carper.
“We continue to attract people from every level of government regarding our concerns about environmental issues,” Becker said.
Becker is also the chair of the Sussex County Association of Towns, a group similar to ACT that is open to officials from all municipalities in the county. In addition, Becker is also a member of the Delaware Health Care Commission and the Health Resources Board, a group that reviews approvals for expansions and development of healthcare facilities in the state.
Becker bought a home in Lewes in 1981 and moved to the city full time in 2000. He is the managing partner of Stewart Becker Properties. He previously worked with the U.S. Division of Special Education, the U.S. Department of Education and served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1978 to 1996.
Anyone interested in becoming a candidate for the mayoral election must file a Candidate Filing Form with the city manager. The form is available on the city’s website, www.ci.lewes.de.us or at city hall, 114 E. Third St. The deadline to file is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4.
