It is time to permanently break the cycle of the old guard governance structure in Rehoboth Beach that no longer represents the citizens as it should. The people, businesses and guests of our amazing Rehoboth Beach deserve a mayor and board of commissioners that will govern for them with a modern vision, more transparency, enhanced accountability, respect for their constituents and fiscal acumen.
The current board majority has served multiple years in this and other city roles and, to be fair, their commitment to public service is commendable. However, the board majority has not adapted its policy agenda to the current needs of the city and has become complacent in following the State of Delaware law. As examples, this board has participated in violating Delaware Freedom of Information Act laws on three occasions in the past five-plus months, and violated the city charter by hiring a city manager who did not meet the mandatory requirements.
In addition to violating Delaware law, the board majority and its appointees have failed to resolve multiple building proposals in the city, causing legal fees to skyrocket and buildings in town to fall into disrepair, and other income-generating opportunities to remain unbuilt. As a result of an outdated policy agenda, the board majority has increased the budget by more than 30% in the last three years; has raised taxes and parking fees to a point of breaking; and failed to successfully negotiate with the state to maintain the management of, and revenue from, Deauville Beach, a resident favorite as our finest north side beach.
This is a city that is already suffering from a public confidence crisis, and a city that is also on the verge of a fiscal crisis. What can voters do? Please continue to keep up to date on the issues. Most importantly, vote in person Saturday, Aug. 10 or vote by absentee ballot.
I’m voting for Suzanne Goode.
Let’s do what is good for Rehoboth!
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