Dewey Names Interim Town Manager

BY ALEX RUOFF • DELAWARE COAST PRESS

DEWEY BEACH — Officials have announced that local property owner Ken Lodge will act as an interim town manager until a long-term candidate can be found.

Lodge has been named as transitional liaison, to fulfill the duties of Gordon Elliott, whose three-month contract extend as town manager ended recently. His duties are expected to be similar to those of town manager, only his contract is set for a short period of time.

“I’m really thinking of it as payback for all the things the town has given me over the years,” Lodge said. “I’ve benefited from this town since I a child and now I hope it can get something from me.”

Officials said the position can be held until Feb. 3 of next year, with the possibility of two one-month extensions if necessary. The position pays $280 per day.

Lodge said he has been a Dewey Beach property owner since 1972, spending much of his vacation time in the area.

The town manager is Dewey’s highest administrative position, putting Lodge in charge of coordinating the town’s employees. Dewey officials said they believe having a temporary replacement will benefit the town while a replacement is sought.

“We discussed the idea of an interim person and I think it’s not going to change much,” said Commissioner Martin Seitz. “Our town employees are very capable individuals … I have a lot of faith in them.”

Lodge served on the Town Manager Search Committee — the group tasked to make recommendations for a permanent candidate for town manager.

Town officials said they have received a recommendation from the committee for the position, but would not disclose the candidate’s name. Officials are slated to make that announcement after an agreement with candidate is reached.