Candidates vying for district 3 seat on Sussex County Council

LEWES, Del. – Two candidates, 1 council seat. Incumbent councilman Irwin “I.G.” Burton and candidate Mark Schaeffer are going head to head to secure a spot on the Sussex County Council and help move the county in the right direction. Over the years Sussex County has grown with more people and businesses moving to the area. But with that growth, came a lot of traffic and congestion. Something that candidate Mark Schaeffer says needs to be addressed.

“On day one I will lobby the council to support the institution of the traffic investment districts,” said Schaeffer.

Officials say these districts would help plan for growth, while also planning for traffic. A plan councilman Burton says he and the council have already been working on.

“We are right in the threshold of signing this TID in this one area which is around 24.”

Another issue on the Table? Making sure first responders in the area get the money they need from the state’s funding formula to keep up with calls.

“It’s very important that we have those services available to the citizens when they need them. Our volunteers deserve our full support and they’re not getting that, and I plan on giving that to them,” said Schaeffer.

“We’ve got to make all of Sussex County safe so we are working with the Fire Association to look at the formula with the association,” said Burton.

Schaeffer also argues that if he’s elected into office, he’d make sure there’d be no tax increases. Something he says his opponent has failed to do.

“We don’t need tax increases. My opponent has voted for tax increases, we don’t need any tax increases we have a surplus in the county,” said Schaeffer.

“The facts are there’s been no tax increase and there will not be,” said Burton.

Both candidates tell 47 ABC that if elected, creating more job opportunities in the county would be a top priority.

“We’ve developed a business park in Georgetown, we’re looking at one in Seaford. The council is very responsive to doing that and with my business experience on bringing businesses to the area it’s a good match,” said Burton.

“We need to focus on creating employment opportunities here at home for our youth so when they do graduate from high school they don’t have to leave the community to find a job,” said Schaeffer.

The election will take place on Tuesday, September 15th from 7 AM until 8 PM.