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Delaware Coastal Cities Balance Interests of Visitors and Fulltime Residents

 

        REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) - New commissioners in Delaware's beach towns say their biggest challenge is balancing the interests of full-time residents and those who visit or live there part-time.

     Mark Hunker, the newest commissioner in Rehoboth Beach, tells The Daily Times that his vote goes to what he believes the community needs, and he favors the masses over the few. Hunker, who is gay and owns two restaurants, says he doesn't want to represent only gay community interests or business interests.

     Delaware's beach towns each face unique issues that can divide residential and business interests. In Dewey Beach, it often means defending lawsuits. In Rehoboth Beach, a polarizing noise and patio ordinance has raised tensions.

     Joy Howell, a new Dewey Beach commissioner, says she ran for office to bring balance to the town.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.