Mills, Sharp uncontested in Rehoboth election
There will be no municipal election in Rehoboth Beach this year as only two candidates filed for two available seats.
Incumbent Stan Mills filed just before the June 1 filing deadline to retain his seat. Toni Sharp filed May 10 and found her path to a three-year term unimpeded when Commissioner Pat Coluzzi decided not to run. Both candidates filed as residents.
“I’m just shocked no one filed,” Sharp said. “I’m thrilled. I’m humbled by the fact that I get the opportunity to do this.”
Sharp said she had mixed feelings about the uncontested election because she was looking forward to meeting people on the campaign trail, but she is grateful for the gift of time to be able to get to know her fellow commissioners.
Sharp said her concerns as a commissioner would include issues such as water quality, growth management and financial stability.
For his part, Mills said, “I welcome the opportunity to serve for another term, so that I can keep the momentum of ongoing projects such as handicapped accessibility on sidewalks, wastewater discharge project, the Boardwalk and wayfinding signs.”
In addition, he said he hopes to continue to improve communications between government and the public by revamping the city’s website to make it more user-friendly. Mills said his current project is improving wayfinding signs on the Boardwalk, so visitors can more easily find amenities such as bathrooms and shower towers.
“Without having to campaign, I can focus my energy on these ongoing projects,” he said.
Mills praised Coluzzi – the two became city commissioners together in 2007 and ran uncontested in 2010.
“Commissioner Coluzzi has been an asset to the board of commissioners,” he said. “She will be missed and will continue to serve the community in some capacity.”
“I look forward to working with the current council, and I welcome Commissioner-elect Toni Sharp to the board,” Mills said.
Sharp and Mills will be sworn into their seats at the Friday, Sept. 20 commissioners' meeting.
