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Rehoboth needs to move forward

July 29, 2016

My name is Richard Perry. I am a full-time resident and candidate for the board of commissioners of Rehoboth Beach.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners' Association and CAMP Rehoboth for sponsoring a candidates' forum last Friday night. It was a very hot and muggy evening but many residents of Rehoboth Beach showed up to participate. As I have long stated, citizen involvement in our government is essential to our governing process and our future as a community. Thank you for your participation.

Our city faces many old and new challenges. Increasing pressures on our city's revenues (in part due to significantly decreased building permitting fees), extraordinary expenses associated with the wastewater outfall and construction and outfitting of a new City Hall complex, and discontent with recently enacted ordinances, such as trash, and other unpopular initiatives are but a few of these challenges. I believe that I can bring a businesslike and financial perspective and a fresh viewpoint to the board of commissioners as we address these and other issues.

Too often, the board of commissioners devotes an enormous amount of time chasing solutions to problems that do not exist. The recent attempt to over-regulate and further restrict our incredible restaurant businesses is a prime example. That's like cutting off the hand that feeds you in this community. In the meantime, important issues have languished. The board of commissioners needs, instead, to focus more on real issues – like financial soundness, a long-term capital plan, trees, off-street parking, improved relations with our citizens and other general reforms.

Aside from addressing these challenges, we still have to address the challenge of a divided community. At the recent board of commissioners workshop meeting on trees, I was pleased and encouraged to see many who have opposed each other in the past come together for a common purpose that we all care about. At the candidates' forum Friday night, on the other hand, it was disheartening to me to see that the division that developed over the last two years appears to be alive and well.

As a community, it is time to put aside those differences, give the noise and zoning ordinances a chance to work, bury our animosities, and unite behind a common purpose – the welfare of our city. Our common goal is to ensure that Rehoboth Beach is that unique seaside place we are all proud to call home. We will only get there if we take the time to get to know and respect each other.

I believe the board of commissioners needs to move forward with clarity of purpose, focus and efficiency. I believe the board of commissioners must focus on real problems – not non-issues. Drawing on my experience as a corporate, banking and securities lawyer and business executive, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and make that happen. Please vote for Richard Perry Aug. 13.

Richard J. Perry Jr.
resident candidate for
Rehoboth Beach commissioner

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