LEWES, Del. - In a historic moment for the city of Lewes, Amy Marasco was officially sworn in as the city’s first woman mayor Wednesday during a ceremony at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center.
Marasco, previously the city treasurer of Lewes and former vice mayor of Hillsboro, VA, was the sole candidate for mayor and confirmed by City Council earlier this month. She succeeds outgoing Mayor Andrew Williams, who announced he is not seeking re-election for personal reasons but has not ruled out returning in the future.
“I am very proud and excited." said Marasco.
Marasco spoke about the historic importance of her election.
“I would say there is no glass ceiling in Lewes,” she said. “And I think it is important as women and also people of color, when we break through those, we’re sending the message to the next generations that you are welcome at this table as well.”
Marasco said her first priorities as mayor will include tackling food insecurity, saying she plans to ask residents to bring nonperishable food items to city meetings. Marasco also wants to set up an environmental and resiliency committee to be better prepared in the coastal area.
Civic participation will also be a key focus during her term.
“We have little problems to work on and big problems,” said Marasco. “And I need citizens as part of all of that. So I believe it’s our job to make it easier for citizens to engage.”
Lewes local and environmentalist Sally Boswell said she’s encouraged by the mayor’s vision.
“Her ideas for how those open spaces will be managed and protected are very in alignment with my concerns and my interests,” said Boswell. “So I’ll be stepping up to help out wherever I can.”
Marasco will serve a three-year term and will have the option to run for re-election after that.