Our choices for Rehoboth election

As is typically the case in Rehoboth Beach, voters have a strong field of candidates to choose from in the annual election. Four candidates are seeking two seats for three-year terms: incumbent Commissioner Richard Byrne; former Commissioner Mary “Toni” Sharp; Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission member Rachel Macha; and Tim Bennett, a newcomer working his way into the Rehoboth governmental structure.

All four candidates demonstrate a good grasp of the primary challenges facing Rehoboth Beach: perennial parking and congestion issues; stormwater and other infrastructure needs; revitalization of Baltimore and Wilmington avenue commercial areas; and balancing needs of residents, businesses and visitors.  

The Cape Gazette editorial board feels that on balance, Richard Byrne and Mary “Toni” Sharp offer the best qualities and experience to help Rehoboth Beach adapt to and progress in the 21st century.

Sharp is the nuts-and-bolts, let's-get-it-done candidate who keeps her eye on the ball, cuts through the bureaucratic haze to get to the heart of issues, and brings a ton of experience as a member of several city committees and volunteer in community organizations. A former commissioner, she knows how the city works; she understands the importance of handing off thorny issues to the city manager and professional staff for recommendations, and listening around the city herself to help develop priorities.

Byrne brings a similar set of volunteer and committee involvements to his extensive awareness of what makes Rehoboth tick, and the ebb and flow of the concerns on the minds of residents and businesses. His professional administrative experience brings important perspective, and he has shown strong commitment to preserving Rehoboth’s natural assets and making Rehoboth ever more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists. He is an unapologetic advocate of Clear Space and supports helping the organization navigate the process that will result in new facilities to further burnish the resort’s cultural attractiveness.

Voters can cast their ballots from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at city hall, or via mail-in ballots requested through city hall no later than Tuesday, Aug. 10, and returned before polls close Aug. 14.