Rehoboth set to swear in new mayor Sept. 15

Mayor-elect Paul Kuhns is set to take the oath of office at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15, at the Rehoboth fire hall, marking the first time since 1990 that a new mayor has taken office in Rehoboth Beach.

Back then, George H.W. Bush was president, the first Gulf War hadn’t happened yet, the Soviet Union still existed and an adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” was a big hit – as a television miniseries.

Kuhns said he is excited about the possibilities.  “I think once I am sworn in, it will sink in.  I am still a bit overwhelmed and really look forward to the future for Rehoboth Beach.”  

Kuhns ended the 27-year reign of Mayor Sam Cooper in August, when he defeated the former mayor by 200 more votes. While Kuhns will take Cooper’s seat, the former mayor will be honored at the Sept. 15 meeting with a proclamation designating Oct. 1 as Samuel R. Cooper Day in Rehoboth.

“I believe Sam deserves recognition for the 27 years he has served as mayor of Rehoboth Beach. He has done so much for our community, and it is appropriate that he be recognized for the service to the community and its constituents,” Kuhns said.

In addition to Kuhns, Kathy McGuiness and Lisa Schlosser will also be sworn in. Kuhns is also expected to nominate someone to fill the year remaining on his term as commissioner. Who will that be? Kuhns said the answer will have to wait until the Sept. 15 commissioners’ meeting. 

In anticipation of Kuhns taking office, changes are already visible: the agenda includes a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting, in which anyone from the public may speak for up to three minutes. The commissioners will not respond to public comments; previously, the public comment period was at the end of the meeting.

The commissioners will also make appointments to the planning commission, board of adjustment and audit committee, and discuss committees, the current election process and audio/video policies.