A recent outburst by Commissioner Suzanne Goode has prompted Rehoboth Beach to update its code of conduct for civility in the workplace. While enforcing decorum is not inherently wrong, a much larger and more troubling issue remains unresolved.
Despite FOIA violations, lawsuits, and repeated calls from the public for greater transparency, some of Rehoboth Beach’s elected officials continue to withhold critical information – not just from residents, but also from certain commissioners – regarding an ongoing lawsuit alleging the city violated its charter when hiring City Manager Taylour Tedder.
The city has admitted to spending roughly $150,000 of taxpayer money defending itself. Yet City Solicitor Lisa Borin Ogden shifted the blame, stating that, “the legal fees are driven by the plaintiff’s actions, the litigation they commenced, and the bills will continue to mount as the city must put forth a defense.” This response conveniently sidesteps the central question: Was there any wrongdoing by the mayor and commissioners during the hiring process?
Equally concerning, it was disclosed that a settlement proposal exists – one that would require certain elected officials to resign and agree never to seek office again. Even with this explosive revelation, a motion to hold a special meeting so commissioners who were not on the board during Tedder’s hiring could discuss the lawsuit was denied. The city has refused to provide any further details.
This is simply unacceptable. Both the public and the current city commissioners deserve full transparency regarding these proceedings. The damage to public confidence is already significant, and the continued secrecy only deepens distrust and erodes faith in local leadership.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporter Chris Flood.
