My summer has been greatly enriched by the conversations I’ve had with many Rehoboth citizens, and I thank you all for welcoming me into your homes, and attending my neighborhood events. I was honored to receive the Cape Gazette endorsement. I am humbled by the many people who have taken the time to submit endorsement letters for me, and pleased that my supporters chose to focus on what I bring to the city, rather than making negative comments about others.
My campaign has had a two-pronged approach: a vision for Rehoboth Beach centering on our unique sense of place as the key to both our economic success and our quality of life; and fiscal responsibility to assure that we maintain the services and infrastructure to support it. One is not possible without the other.
The city is currently consumed with major challenges and decisions concerning stormwater management and wastewater plant upgrades that will affect the city, the beach, businesses, residents and visitors for decades. In addressing the city’s needs, we must also address the needs of our homeowners, many of whom have their own challenges.
No incumbent or returning commissioner is running this year, a factor that makes it especially important for new commissioners to be knowledgeable about the city and its current issues. Serving on the planning commission for the past two years has been the perfect training ground for serving on the board of commissioners.
My platform is based on fairness, transparency, and using a common-sense approach to address the challenges we face. I stand on my record of integrity and honesty in everything I do.
There is one recent troubling development I’d like to address. We have many good people in the community serving on commissions and committees. But when some in our community strike out with hateful letters containing false statements about individuals, the city as a whole suffers. Fewer people will step forward to serve in that kind of environment. I hope such actions are limited to the election season and that divisiveness ends Aug. 10.
I believe in confronting our challenges head-on to arrive at sound policy decisions built on input from the public and allowing for the open nature of debate, including differences of opinion. I don’t shy away from controversy or secretly work behind closed doors, but rather I strongly support the public processes we have in place as the best way to make decisions that benefit the entire community. Ours is a little corner of paradise - let’s keep it that way!
I will put my experience and knowledge to good use on Day 1 as a commissioner, collaborating with my fellow commissioners to build consensus, just as I’ve done on the planning commission for the past two years. I ask for your vote tomorrow, Aug. 10, so that I can continue my work in public service for the citizens of Rehoboth Beach.
Susan Gay
candidate for Rehoboth Beach
city commissioner
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