Dewey Beach Mayor Bill Stevens files for re-election

Dewey Beach Mayor Bill Stevens has filed to run in this year’s municipal election, set for Saturday, Sept. 21.

In Dewey, commissioners serve two-year terms and elect a mayor to serve a one-year term. Stevens, a resident commissioner, was first elected in 2020 and was then elected mayor by his fellow commissioners in 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

Stevens said he has focused on public safety and protecting property owners’ rights during his tenure, and would like to see through a number of town projects, including the new municipal building, set to break ground this fall. 

The financing of the estimated $7 million facility will be funded primarily with state, county and federal grants combined with the use of funds generated through consecutive strong financial years, he said.

Additionally, he said by phone July 31, the council is working so well together and accomplishing many things.

“It’s easier when the council has respect for each other,” he said. “It wasn’t always that way in the past, but I want to keep it our future.”

Stevens noted the passage of 89 resolutions and ordinances under his leadership, largely aimed at improving the charter, infrastructure, and safety of visitors and residents. 

“We really have done so much in a short period of time, and it’s going to continue to take this team’s input to move forward,” he said.

Each measure passed with a minimum of four votes to ensure a super majority approved the change, he said.

“I have no personal agenda, and I’m not trying to sway decisions,” he said. “I seek input and clarity, and I want to continue that.”

As a professional acting chief financial officer for start-up companies, Stevens said he is accustomed to working clients toward solutions, to get them to walk in the same direction.

“I get people to see the gray and get into the middle, and it’s carried over into Dewey Beach,” he said

During his terms, Stevens oversaw the hiring of a town manager and chief of police, and was subsequently involved in negotiating the police department collective bargaining agreement. 

“Under the leadership of the town manager and police chief, there are no issues in town hall,” Stevens said. “There used to be not just a physical wall, but also an emotional wall between departments, and that is gone.”

Stevens said his business expertise has helped improve financial reporting, and the town has seen consecutive strong financial performances year over year during his tenure. 

“And with no property tax, which is pretty incredible,” he said.

Stevens said he hopes to build on council’s success by maintaining a balanced budget; by working with and listening to the community and employees to maintain public safety on streets and beaches; enhancing communication with property owners; and working with state and local leaders for representation.

“I believe this council leadership has been able to unify town residents, businesses and visitors, and I want that to continue,” he said. “Hopefully, town residents agree and give me another two years of service.”

In addition to Stevens’ seat, a two-year seat held by Commissioner Gary Persinger also expires in September. The candidate filing deadline is Thursday, Aug. 22; as of the Cape Gazette press deadline, only Stevens had filed to run.

The voter registration deadline is also Aug. 22, and the election is set for Saturday, Sept. 21. For more information, including how to vote by absentee ballot, call Dewey Beach Town Hall at 302-227-6363 or go to townofdeweybeach.com/departments/boardofelections.