Dewey Beach town contractor resigns
Officials announced on Monday that amid controversy surrounding Dewey Beach town manager Marc Appelbaum, the town's contractor has resigned, effective immediately.
Dewey Beach town commissioner Mike Dunmyer says, "On Friday, I received notification that a PIC complaint had been filed against me, alleging that I had a conflict of interest relating to matters concerning Town Manager Marc Appelbaum because my wife, Mary Dunmyer reports to him as a 1099 contractor.
First, it is important to note that her title is "Project Director," not, as the complaint erroneously states, "Assistant to the Town Manager." Second, Mary is one of the most highly educated people working in Town Hall, has a unique skill set, and is very well regarded. Her employment has never depended on Mr. Appelbaum's situation. Further, she has worked at a pay rate that is a tiny fraction of her prior compensation levels out of a sense of duty to the town. This has never been about financial gain for her or our family.
Despite that, I have been careful to balance my obligation to govern with the potential for any appearance of impropriety over the past two years. I have recused myself whenever a matter has had direct impact on my wife, such as discussion of a new method for determining employee bonuses.
On matters further removed I have sought guidance from our Town Solicitor before proceeding and on every occasion have been told there was no need to recuse myself. When we began to evaluate the recent employee complaint filed against Mr. Appelbaum, I asked our Town Solicitor AND a second attorney with significant expertise in HR law about whether I should recuse myself.
Both stated that I should not recuse myself. As such I've voted in favor of affirming the Town Solicitor's decision to engage outside counsel to conduct a full and fair investigation of the employees' complaints. This vote passed (4 – 1) and thus would have passed without my vote as well. In my view, this takes the employees' concerns very seriously and represents a deep commitment to developing the fact base necessary to make the right decision going forward.
At this point, however, these considerations are moot as my wife, Mary Dunmyer has resigned from the Town of Dewey Beach effective immediately (Monday, August 28).
She is simply fed up with being used as a pawn in the politically motivated attacks of certain self-interested people in the town and has grown weary of the intimidation tactics being used by some non-Administration employees and property owners. This is a great loss to Dewey Beach as Mary's expertise is unique in town and has been essential to the success of numerous projects."
Dave Davis, one of the complaintants, says, "It is unfortunate that Commissioner Dunmyer simply did not choose to recuse himself from voting on Appelbaum issues since he is not seeking re-election and has only one meeting left to attend prior to the end of his service on Council.
We believe the conflict of interest situation is heightened with his wife's resignation and that Mr. Dunmyer's close personal experience with his wife's employment and now resignation from her job serving Mr. Appelbaum continues to be a conflict that would affect Mr. Dunmyer's judgment in discussing and disposing of issues related to Mr. Appelbaum.
We again ask that Mr. Dunmyer proceed with great caution by proactively asking the PIC for an opinion on his voting and perceived personal interest and conflicts.
We understand that PIC can issue a prompt opinion if asked by a Commissioner and believe this is the most responsible way to address the situation. Alternatively, another Commissioner or Council as a body, could proactively ask the PIC for an opinion on this matter. "
Ms. Dunmyer's resignation comes after Appelbaum was accused by former town employees of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment. Accusations include that Appelbaum would wear pajama bottoms without underwear to work and that he would scream and swear in front of employees.
