Persinger files for re-election in Dewey Beach

Incumbent Commissioner Gary Persinger has filed to run for re-election in Dewey Beach.

“I still enjoy doing this, and I have enjoyed every interaction I’ve had with my fellow commissioners over the last several years,” he said. “We’ve been very productive, and with a good group of commissioners, it’s a good opportunity to get more things done.”

First elected in 2016, Persinger has owned property in Dewey Beach for more than 30 years and serves as commissioner liaison to the audit, charter and code, and climate change committees.

Commissioners have a good working relationship with town staff, and committee members are willing to pitch in and help the town move forward, he said.

“These are all good reasons to continue,” he said. “It’s a positive environment.”

Looking back, Persinger said communication between the town and its stakeholders has improved since 2016, when there were no email blasts or a monthly newsletter. 

Still, he said, council needs to find a way to better communicate with property owners on upcoming issues so they know a change could be coming and they can offer their opinion. In the past, he said, some property owners stated that ordinances were passed in the dead of winter when no one was around.

“We don’t want to go back to that,” he said.

The town has passed fiscally responsible budgets with six months of operating funds tucked away for a rainy day, which he said is good, sound policy. A continued focus on infrastructure has put attention on climate change policies, he said.

“Even if you don’t believe in climate change, everyone can see we’re having more severe storms we have to try to mitigate,” he said.

Climate change is not a happy conversation, because water is rising toward homes and solutions are needed, he said. The town needs to implement a resiliency policy and fund, he said, which would be different from the current rainy-day fund used for economic challenges.

Now, he said, the town is considering raising the freeboard requirement another 2 feet. New buildings in the flood zone may be slightly higher if the requirement is raised, he said, but it’s important that homes be protected in the areas of town most affected.

“The bayside is at highest risk now, but the ocean is on the other side,” he said.

Code review is a continual process, he said, and the town has made great strides to improve the town code and charter. 

With 30 years of experience in the lobbying environment, Persinger said he uses his professional expertise as a foundation in this volunteer service role. Commissioners are always willing to sit down and work through issues brought forward, he said.

“We don’t always agree, but a healthy respect among commissioners and town staff presents a good environment for getting things done,” he said.

In addition to Stevens’ seat, a two-year seat held by Mayor Bill Stevens also expires in September; Stevens filed to run for re-election July 31.

The candidate filing and voter registration deadline is Thursday, 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.