In a four-person race for two seats, Craig Thier and Suzanne Goode emerged victorious Aug. 10 in Rehoboth Beach’s 2024 municipal election.

Thier finished first with 611 votes, Goode was second with 521, Mark Saunders took third with 489 and Rachel Macha finished fourth with 448.

Speaking the day after the election, the first thing Thier did was thank his wife Lorrie for all her time and effort canvassing on his behalf. He said he would not have been successful without her efforts.

Thier said he believes people voted for him because of his experience as a business owner guiding organizations to improve budgeting and planning processes, and because of his 12 years of experience serving on a school board in New Jersey. That experience resonated with residents who are frustrated and seeking a new approach, he said.

“I would also like to thank the residents who supported me and believed in my vision from the beginning, and all the residents supporting me at the polls,” said Thier.

Goode said she’s honored to have been elected, and she respects the other candidates in the tight race.

Speaking on why she feels she was elected, Goode said voters seek more accountability and more common sense in major financial decisions. Voters feel the existing partnership with the county to treat wastewater from surrounding areas is sufficient and appropriate, but to lease the ocean outfall infrastructure to handle effluent from as far away as Lewes is fraught with too much risk to the city’s economy, beaches, health, welfare and quality of life, she said.

“Like myself, voters are grateful to experience the special qualities of their town,” said Goode. “However, they seek better governance to preserve the features which make the town so enjoyable.”

Saunders thanked everyone who participated in the election – supporters, city staff and all the voters.

“I think all the candidates ran good races,” said Saunders. “We can’t all be winners. I wish Craig and Suzanne the very best success as new commissioners.”

Macha could not be reached for comment.

In all, there were 1,147 votes cast – 652 in person at the convention center, 495 absentee. A total of 1,655 voters were registered. It was the city’s first election in three years.

Historically speaking, the total number of voters is the third highest for a non-mayoral election since 1990. In 2007, there were 1,206 voters. In 2021, there were 1,190 voters. 

Sitting Commissioners Toni Sharp and Tim Bennett did not seek re-election. Sharp was in the first term of her second time as commissioner. Bennett served one term.

Thier and Goode, both firsttime commissioners, will be sworn into office at the commissioner meeting Friday, Sept. 20. The term is for three years.