By Glenn Rolfe

DAGSBORO — The town’s leadership reins remain with Brian Baull, as he was selected to be mayor for the sixth consecutive year during Town Council’s annual reorganization Monday.

The vote supporting Councilman William Chandler III’s nomination of Mayor Baull was unanimous.

“Brian does a wonderful job. I second that nomination,” said Councilwoman Theresa Ulrich.
The mayor gladly accepted the position once again.“ I appreciate … that. Thank you very much,” he said.

Mayor Baull and Councilwoman Ulrich, both unopposed in reelection bids, as well as newcomer William Labor, were the three candidates who filed for three open seats on the town’s governing body and were sworn in Monday.

Dagsboro council terms are for two years.

Councilman Labor, who took the oath of office via telephone, as he and his family were on vacation, follows Patrick Miller, who did not seek another term to devote more time to family.

Mayor Baull and Councilwoman Ulrich are both beginning their ninth years on council.

Had there been a contested election, it would have been held Dec. 4.

Last year there also was no election in Dagsboro because incumbents Norwood Truitt and Councilman Chandler were unopposed.

In 2019, Councilwoman Ulrich, Councilman Miller and Mayor Baull defeated challenger James Thompson in retaining their seats. That election drew just 45 of Dagsboro’s approximately 700 registered voters.

In its reorganization Monday, Councilwoman Ulrich was selected vice mayor, Councilman Chandler was chosen to serve as secretary/treasurer, and Councilman Truitt as assistant secretary.

Town Council meets on the third Monday of each month at the Bethel Center on Clayton Street, typically at 6 p.m.

Mayor Baull looked ahead Monday, saying growth is a top priority.

“We’d like to see new people moving to town and enjoying what we have there and what we have to offer,” he said. “There is some growth coming. And it is something that we’ve all got to consider. I am one vote out of five people, so we have to look at what is being presented to us and see if it is something smart that the town can handle as far as infrastructure. Can we handle it in terms of the roads, in terms of water service? Can we handle it in terms of fire service?

“Growth is always good, and I think your town does need to grow. But do you want it to be all of a sudden explosive, or do you want it to be more controlled and be in places where you can maybe grow the town slowly but steadily, that kind of thing?” Mayor Baull continued. “It’s going to be one of those things where it’s a balancing act. Some people might be in favor of it. Some people might want it to stay a small town. You’ve got to see what the people want, and then, hopefully, you make the best decision possible.”