I am writing to express my appreciation for the volunteer members of Rehoboth Beach's governing body, and to offer some observations that I hope will be helpful.
The mayor and commissioners have the daunting task of making choices about complex issues with legal, financial, environmental and societal consequences, most often without the benefit of being professionals in any of these areas.
Currently they are grappling with problems facing residents, visitors and businesses, hoping to make decisions that benefit all groups.
It has become apparent at recent mayor and commissioner meetings, that there are both widely divergent opinions, and a lack of substantive information regarding two issues - proposed voting changes and what is needed to support downtown businesses. While it is easy to agree with the stated intentions of inclusion through expanding voting to LLCs and filling empty storefronts by re-funding Main Street, it is more difficult to be comfortable with the widely perceived pressure to make hasty decisions in the absence of good data.
I am urging the commissioners and the community at large to insist on taking the time and doing the research necessary to assure that any decisions that are made result in desired, identified and intended consequences, and avoid unwanted, hidden and unintended consequences. The above results are hard to imagine in the absence of a shared goal or vision for the city.
I would like to suggest that if the commissioners committed themselves to working toward identifying the goals that I believe they already may have in common, it could facilitate a more open and informed process, going forward.
The Town Hall meeting Dec. 2 to address proposed voting changes has promised us analysis and discussion. I have previously asked for and hope the city, which has available the resource of legal counsel, will provide the analysis of the proposed voting changes: pros and cons, risks and benefits. I also urge the newly re-formed and provisionally city-supported Main Street program to focus on the economic restructuring aspect of their charge, which involves analyzing the current challenges to our downtown businesses and pursuing concrete solutions.
With a shared vision, clearly identified goals and good information leading to wise decision making, there is no reason Rehoboth Beach cannot continue to be a prosperous community that retains its special beauty and is livable for all.
Sturges Dodge
Rehoboth Beach
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