Today is a special day for me and, I am confident, for Rehoboth Beach. Today begins a new chapter in our hometown, a new openness in government and a brand-new cooperative attitude for getting things done - and I'd like to share my vision with you.
First, it's a new day, with the city committed to saying, "Yes! How can we help you?" Second, I will not be a gatekeeper; I will be a door opener, to be wide open for greater participation.
Here's a perfect example of what we can do together: I recently attended a meeting hosted by Commissioner Kathy McGuiness featuring Linda Kauffman, a resident of our city and former Allentown, Pa. Parking Department director. She led a lively discussion of Rehoboth parking and traffic issues. Underscoring the importance of the meeting, four current (and one future) commissioners were present. What struck me was how this event represented a new model for our city government. There was a dialog with ample citizen participation, serious questions, creative suggestions and a renewed sense that problems can be identified and solutions formulated.
It's my intention, with help and cooperation of the other commissioners and city manager, to realign the way we hold meetings. I'm certain we can manage our time more efficiently while affording ample opportunity for meaningful discussion. Agendas will be set well in advance, with coordination by all commissioners and the city manager, so all of us can be prepared to deliberate knowledgeably. I will expect commissioners advocating a position to have appropriate support material, submitted in advance, so other commissioners will be fully informed for debate.
Interestingly, since the election I learned there are numerous people with great experience and diverse backgrounds willing and interested in participating. I want us to take advantage of their willingness to bring their skills to the table as we create several new working committees. Our government must be more proactive. With our committees doing preliminary work, it will permit commissioners to focus on the decision-making part of the process.
As I emphasized during the campaign, transparency is important, with openness, accountability, and honesty. It's government's obligation to share information with our citizens. Our citizens have the right to access government documents and proceedings, and participate in decision-making. It's my plan to move the citizen comment time on our agenda to a slot near the beginning of meetings, rather than at the end. This way, agenda item deliberations may include the benefit of citizen comment.
In addition, our government should be responsive. It's not often practical or possible to offer immediate answers to citizens making comment, but they certainly should expect an answer. This means all callers, emailers and letter writers plus people who take the trouble to attend meetings can always expect to hear back from us. There will be correspondence in the folder!
People from all segments of town, property owners, businesses, even visitors, are telling me I have a lot of work ahead of me. I tell them they can have confidence in me. I am ready, willing, able and up for the challenge. Let's get started.
Paul Kuhns
mayor-elect, City of Rehoboth Beach
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