I was born and raised in Delaware and am a lifelong Republican. My wife Ruby and I reside in Lewes and are parishioners at St. Peter's Church. We are both certified EMTs and remain active Lewes Volunteer Fire Department members. We've been blessed with five children and twelve grandchildren, who are the joy of our lives.
I am a graduate of the University of Delaware's class of 1988, and my business background includes construction, appraising, and auctioneering. I am also an associate commercial broker for the Long & Foster real estate company. I have extensive experience working with local attorneys, engineers, architects, and municipalities regarding land use issues throughout New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.
Public service has been a central part of most of my adult life. As the former Kent County Republican chairman, I was able to keep the GOP competitive by insisting on a platform of responsible government and fiscal integrity. I was also the Mayor of the Town of Smyrna for six years, during which time 2,000 jobs were created in Smyrna, and I played an integral part in attracting the 1.2 million sq. ft. Wal-Mart Distribution Center to Smyrna's Business Park.
Additionally, I've served on the board of directors of numerous non-profit organizations, including the American Red Cross of Central Delaware, the Central Delaware YMCA, and the Kent General Hospital Foundation. I've also served on the Governor's Council on Labor for the State of Delaware, am a past Commissioner of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council, and am a past Commissioner of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
I love all of Delaware, but Sussex County is particularly near and dear to my heart. I spent every summer of my youth living in Dewey Beach and working in Rehoboth Beach. Those were some of the best days of my life, and I always returned as often as possible to enjoy the natural beauty, festive culture, and relaxing character of Delaware's world-famous beach towns. Then, back in 2003, we finally couldn't resist the temptation anymore and decided to relocate to Lewes full time. It was the best decision we ever made!
That's why I'm so dedicated to making sure that our communities remain the best places in Delaware to work, live and play! I'm all for economic growth and opportunity, but that growth must be responsibly managed. And, of course, in order for our communities to continue to be the wonderful places they are, they have to be safe and livable. Our police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders have to have the full and unqualified support of the County government. And I'm sure you'll agree that we already pay more than enough in taxes. Government waste and political opportunism must be continually guarded against and kept in check.
As your County Councilman, my pledge to you is that I will protect our way of life and serve you diligently. I want you to know that you can always contact me directly with any concerns you may have. I will work tirelessly to be a problem solver, government reformer, and outspoken advocate for Sussex County, the best place in Delaware!
Sincerely;
Mark G. Schaeffer
Sussex County Councilman,
District 3