Sussex residents are engaged

Paging through this edition’s Viewpoints section will tell you everything you need to know about the residents of the Cape Region and beyond.

The upcoming Milton election; roundabouts on Kings Highway in Lewes; proposed development along Route 9, Route 24 and at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 16. It continues with offshore wind farms, propane rates and business licenses for Millsboro craft fairs. Reporter Chris Flood’s column touches on the hyperlocal nature of having the president’s beach home in our community.

As this Friday’s Viewpoints section illustrates, there is no shortage of issues in this growing and diverse community. That’s a good thing.

It shows the residents of Sussex County, both new and long-established, are engaged, and they love where they live – they care.

When the Cape Gazette was founded nearly 31 years ago, it was with that same love of the community. Founders Dennis Forney and Trish Vernon, neither of whom grew up in Sussex County, saw a need for a new newspaper. The previous newspaper where they had worked for many years had lost its direction and focus on telling local stories well. We continue their mission today.

Research shows government becomes more expensive, less effective and less efficient when local journalism disappears. Civic engagement drops. When local news leaves a community, fewer people run for public office, and voter turnout goes down. 

As the Viewpoints section shows, Sussex County residents are engaged. They want their home to be the best it can be. Without outspoken individuals and groups like the Sussex Preservation Coalition showing up to town and county council meetings, or public workshops about transportation or environmental issues, decisions would be made in the dark.

By reporting on these issues, we strive to shine a light on things that may affect residents’ lives. It’s these residents’ responsibility to take it from there. If this edition is any indication, they’re doing just that.