My name is Mark Betchkal. I am writing here a third time to tell you why I am running for commissioner of Rehoboth Beach.
In my previous letters, I addressed maintaining the success of Rehoboth Beach through improving the zoning and building codes, protecting the environment, strengthening the city’s physical infrastructure, and continuing our strong economic development. Today I am writing about open and transparent government.
Let’s have transparent government. In the spring of 2018, three properties were issued a building permits. Each was a corner lot with a fence on the property line abutting the sidewalk of the side yard.
One house built a fence. But the other two houses, while originally issued a permit for a fence at the same location on the lot as the first house, were denied a fence.
Three identical situations, two different outcomes - and no explanation from the city. Inquiries were made to the city. Initial concerns were voiced by some in City Hall. However, as soon as the city solicitor became involved, all communication was shut down. The city knew it had acted improperly, and rather than admit fault and correct the situation, the city shut down communication.
If a situation like this is ever brought to my attention, be assured I will put the interests of the residents before the institutional interests of the city. I will fight any attempt by the city to cover up its errors.
I will also push for a new requirement that the schedules of the mayor, the city manager, the chief building inspector, chief of police, and the members of the board of commissioners be publicly posted every day and remain posted for 24 months.
We should know whom our elected and non-elected leaders are meeting with and the topics of discussion, so we are not stunned by a new development that we learn about for the first time in a news report or as an agenda item of a commission, committee, or task force meeting.
The residents of Scarborough Village, Scarborough Extended, and the west Pines each first heard about large developments adjacent to their homes in the newspaper. That is wrong.
I am a resident, homeowner, business owner, and community activist in Rehoboth Beach since October 2007. I ask for your vote Aug. 10.
Mark Betchkal
candidate
Rehoboth Beach
Board of Commissioners
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