In the letter announcing his candidacy for mayor, the challenger Paul Kuhns states that Mayor Sam Cooper has done an outstanding job in making the city what it is now - a viable, financially sound and well-managed city for its citizens, visitors and businesses.
Under his strong leadership and experience, the city has improved greatly, completing the Rehoboth Avenue Streetscape project, a redesigned bridge spanning Lake Gerar, a complete reconstruction of the Boardwalk, and the recently completed Lake Avenue street renovation. Soon to follow will be the completion of the city's new Municipal Complex housing City Hall, the Police Department, 911 Center and all the city's administrative services.
These are a few of the major projects that Mayor Cooper has guided over his career. It is safe to say that no one knows the infrastructure of the city better than Mayor Cooper.
Over the same period of time, and even during the economic downturn in 2008-09, city finances remained stable, city services continued without reduction or interruption and property taxes remained unchanged. We call that sound fiscal management.
Regarding the municipal complex, bear in mind that the decision to proceed with construction was passed unanimously in 2016 by all commissioners, including Commissioners McGuinness and Kuhns, with the full knowledge that bids were already $1.5 million over the loan amount. Those same individuals who agreed to proceed with the project are those that now criticize the cost "overruns." Indeed, this is a project with many moving parts, so it is unrealistic to believe that there would not be change-orders in a project of this size and complexity. How many of your own projects were completed without changes or cost increases?
However, if you look more closely, you will see that the overruns cited represent only 6 percent of the total project, while the commissioners approved a budget which is balanced and which does not include any increase in taxes.
With the upcoming ocean outfall project, the city needs Sam Cooper's expertise and experience more than ever. He has worked with the engineers. He understands the process. He has done these kinds of projects before and has done them well. That is why we are voting for Sam Cooper to continue as mayor and why we encourage all voters to do the same Aug. 12.
Harry and Kay Nothacker
Rehoboth Beach
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