Candidate claims breaking of election law in Rehoboth

There’s less than a week until the Rehoboth election, and it appears someone is trying to affect the outcome by mailing an anonymous letter that candidate Gary Glass says is breaking Delaware election law by spreading false information about him.

“In this country, our elections and the democratic process are under attack on multiple fronts, and it is extremely sad to see that someone in our local community is joining the attack on democracy,” said Glass in an Aug. 4 email.

Glass said voters have been receiving a letter in hand-written envelopes postmarked July 31. He said he has responded by mailing a letter of his own pointing out specific falsehoods in the anonymous letter.

Glass said he has never suggested a lottery for property rentals, is not proposing new taxes, has never run a mini-hotel, has never supported beach passes and has not proposed anything to discourage visitors to Rehoboth.

Glass is one of three candidates for two open seats in Rehoboth’s 2018 election, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 11. The other two candidates are Richard Byrne and Pat Coluzzi. Incumbents Patrick Gossett and Jay Lagree are not running for re-election.

Glass said he has filed a written complaint with State Election Commissioner Elaine Manlove, who could not be reached for comment before press deadline Monday, Aug. 6.

Glass said the letter violates state election laws in multiple ways. He said all election material like this must state who has paid for the advertisement, and if the other candidates or their advisors had any role in this mailing or knowledge of it, they must report this to the commissioner of elections.

“Also, given the expense of a mailing like this, it probably violates the contribution limits,” Glass said.

In an emails Aug. 4, Byrne and Coluzzi said they had not seen the letter and were not aware of who sent it.

“I will personally not be involved in any negative campaigning or negative comments. We should all be above negativity in this campaign,” said Byrne.

“Sorry to hear of such negative campaigning. We are better than that,” said Coluzzi.

In a follow-up email Aug. 5, Glass said he has full confidence that the commissioner of elections will get to the bottom of this and bring those responsible to justice. At the same time, he said, he is writing to Gov. John Carney and state representatives to ensure that this matter is addressed as a priority.

The election will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11, in the convention center, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The terms of office are three years for each position.

Any qualified voter may request an absentee ballot to vote by filing a written affidavit no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 10.

For more information on the election, refer to the city charter, available online at cityofrehoboth.com or contact Donna Moore at 302-227-6181, ext. 108.