There is more than one reason we should all support Kathy McGuiness and Paul Kuhns. They are true avid community supporters, business supporters, champions of all our local causes and supporters and promoters of not just small businesses but Rehoboth Beach in total. This town needs to get past the pitting of neighbor against neighbor, local against tourist, resident against business. The fact is, we can't survive without everyone. We need to move forward with some progressive thinking.
Not planning for the future has gotten us here over the last 30 years. The city has proved that it can operate out of trailers. We have done so for the last year. The City Hall is a foregone conclusion at this point. But the millions it cost and the many more millions it is over budget could have been prevented. To say the people voted for it is a copout. It should never have been put to a vote.
A responsible leader would have moved the City Hall out to the property in West Rehoboth, or the property where the city maintenance is located. We can drive to a police station; we can drive for meetings. The new building does not generate one dime in revenue. We should have built a larger convention center with parking below and above and charged for the convenience year around. It could at least have eventually paid for itself with the bigger acts and conventions it could have attracted, and would have been a win-win for the entire downtown area. But as I said, it is a foregone conclusion.
Instead we get that building that we will all have to pay for. To think that business can afford to pay the difference is wrong. I know it will be a thought, because just raising rental taxes won't do it. Especially when you have the mentality that we hate tourists. You can't say that we can do it by raising the cost for building permits, when we don't do anything to encourage building. We lost the fight with Route 1; that is unmanageable now.
We need people who will bring everyone together and figure out a way to get business back in town. Just look at Baltimore Avenue and all the vacant stores. Look at Rehoboth Avenue. If we don't do something to attract better-quality businesses, we are going to end up with nothing but T-shirt shops. Look at Ocean City; look at the boardwalks in Jersey.
We are so lucky. Right now we have a perfect blend. But we are bordering on losing some great places. To get back to my original thought, since I digress. If as a resident you think you won't be impacted by the overruns, not to mention what they will be for the outfall, you are sadly mistaken. That burden will be passed on to all of us. No matter who gets in office this time. I salute him for serving for so long; anyone that serves in public office should be applauded for their willingness to do so. But we need people who have the insight to welcome and include all.
Be open to discussions, and be willing to change.
I love this town, and support every aspect of it as much as I possibly can. Not just as a business owner, but as a resident, I wholeheartedly support both Paul Kuhns and Kathy McGuiness. I can’t stress that enough. We need them even if this town doesn’t know it.
Hugh Fuller
Rehoboth Beach
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