Editorial

People of this community and nationwide, rejoice. Your voices were heard loud and clear on election day.

Whether or not the people you voted for won their respective races, we should all take pride in the fact that voter turnout was high this election, and people came out to have their voices heard.

As voters go to the booths on Tuesday, Nov. 4, they will have numerous decisions to make — both on local races and national candidates.

Really? It’s really come to this?

That was our collective response when first hearing that Ocean View Town Council Member Roy Thomas had his tires slashed recently. We knew emotions have been running high throughout Ocean View lately, and we knew that Thomas was one of the main characters in the political battles that have inflamed the town, but for someone to take it that far?

The race for state representative of the 38th District is shaping up to be a good one.

A conversation that took place in the Oct. 6 Selbyville Town Council meeting was one that the entire community should take note of — and prepare to hear more of the same in different towns around our area.

Forget the bickering and political posturing in present day Ocean View for a moment, and instead wrap your mind around what made the town such a special place to begin with — the reason so many people have made it their home, as well as why people are so passionate when it comes to the operations of the town.

The Ocean View Historical Society is trying to do just that.

The recent vote by Ocean View Town Council to change the police chief’s contract is unsettling on many levels.

The passing of the proverbial torch went on in Bethany Beach on Wednesday, and the good vibrations appeared to permeate from town hall.

Hang on to your hats. It’s time to give credit to Sussex County Council.

The shoulder season is now in full swing, and downtown Bethany Beach will be the center of attention this weekend.

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end to the summer season down here in our little slice of coastal paradise.

It would seem our sleepy little community is becoming a little less sleepy. And, thankfully, local law enforcement has stepped up to the challenge.

There is little doubt that technology has had an intense impact on nearly every facet of our lives.

Beginning with the invention of the wheel, continuing on with cars and airplanes and exploding in recent years with the computer chip and Internet, society has always looked for “The Next Big Thing.”

We knew when we stopped running the television listings a few months ago, there would be some reaction from our readers. That being said, we probably underestimated the response.

Just getting into town for a week of vacation at the shore? Or, do you live here year-round, and you’re just looking for something fun to do that doesn’t require you battling beach traffic?

Trust me, we have the perfect event for you.

The group announcement Tuesday morning that three Sussex County Council members would not be seeking re-election this year has certainly grabbed headlines and facilitated conversations throughout the community this week, and with good reason.

As the Senior League Softball World Series in Roxana nears, it’s important to stress once again what a feather this is in our collective caps.

In response to residents’ concerns about not having an adequate say at town meetings, the Ocean View Town Council voted Tuesday night to try a four-month experimental change at its meetings that would allow for more participation from residents on current issues.

For what’s perceived to be a little beach community, we certainly can do the small-town patriotic event as well as anybody.

The State Senate and House recently passed SB 235, a bill that would disclose specific information about the eight “cancer clusters” in the state recently identified by the Division of Public Health. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has reportedly disagreed with releasing this information because she feels it violates confidentiality and privacy issues.

The tragic ambulance crash Tuesday morning that claimed the lives of an 82-year-old patient and a 31-year-old paramedic sent shockwaves throughout our entire community.

It appears the acrimony still exists in Ocean View.

Though the recent town council and mayoral elections caused many to believe that the town was heading down a less-confrontational road, public sentiment over the proposed gas station in the town has stirred up bad feelings and worse behavior. Only now, it’s not the officials squabbling.

A slate of dignitaries was on hand last week for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Georgetown Veterans’ Outpatients Clinics, and smiles and optimism were shared by all.

It’s inspiring, really.

Three young men from this community, a year removed from walking the halls at Indian River High School, decided to walk some 400 miles from North Carolina to their homes in Sussex County. The trek seems to be the stuff reserved for young men full of vigor — a grueling test of the mental and physical limits of man.

This is a big summer season for this community.

As is the case in the majority of the nation, the real estate market has cooled. Gas prices could hinder some of our day-trippers and weekend visitors. And a general slow-down in the national economy leaves us somewhat vulnerable, if for no other reason many of our visitors come to us from locations hit hard by the downturn.

The Indian River School District is holding a referendum on Thursday, May 22, to generate funding for operating expenses, salaries and the implementation of full-day kindergarten.

As voters in the Indian River School District head to the polls this Tuesday, May 13, to elect representatives for three seats on the school board in Districts 4 and 5, it’s pretty clear that these candidates have the potential to have a tremendous impact on the lives of those in coastal Sussex County.

Prom night carries with it the notion of magic. It’s the formal ball, the last go-around with your classmates, the mystical night with that special person. It’s about high school kids putting on their formal best, dining at that special restaurant and generally being the stars of the show for that one unique evening.

For parents, well, there are indeed other emotions.

It’s really no secret that the town of Ocean View has been filled with acrimony over the past several months.

There comes a time in each man’s life when he must look himself in the mirror, take an honest appraisal of himself and come to terms with what he truly is in the grand scheme of things.