Chrzanowski withdraws from Rehoboth Beach election

Incumbent Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski has announced he is no longer seeking re-election for a third term in Rehoboth Beach’s municipal election in August.

“I felt obligated to seek re-election to remain a voice of reason, thoughtful analysis of the issues and proposals, and to encourage rational decisions that truly address matters and are in the best interests of Rehoboth Beach and its stakeholders,” said Chrzanowski, in a prepared statement June 8. “While I could, if re-elected, arrange my schedule to attend meetings and fulfill other obligations, I concluded that, due to the current demands on me in connection with my businesses and some current family affairs, I do not have the time required to devote to an election campaign our voters deserve.”

There are still three candidates for two open commissioner seats – Chris Galanty, Jeffrey Goode and Susan Stewart. All are first-time candidates. Sitting Commissioner Francis “Bunky” Markert also did not file for re-election.

Chrzanowski’s withdrawal means that for the second year in a row, Rehoboth Beach will have two new commissioners. It also means that at the conclusion of the election, five of the city’s commissioners will have one year of experience or less. Commissioners Suzanne Goode, Mark Saunders and Craig Thier are all in their first year.

Mayor Stan Mills and Commissioner Patrick Gossett, who will both be up for re-election next year, are both in their second stint as elected city officials. Mills was previously a commissioner for 12 years, while Gossett was one for nine.

Chrzanowski, who was first elected in 2019, said he will remain vigilant about the issues that matter to the city and all of its stakeholders. As a resident and property owner in Rehoboth Beach, he said he shares a vested and personal interest in how the city is governed and the impact of decisions that are made, he said.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you. Thank you for all of your support,” said Chrzanowski.

Following his announcement, Chrzanowski said he’s not endorsing any specific candidates going forward.

The election is Saturday, Aug. 9. To be eligible to vote, a person must be 18, a resident, freeholder or leaseholder, and registered in the city’s books of registered voters. If a registered voter misses two consecutive annual elections, their name will be placed on an inactive list and they will be notified by postcard requesting their voting status. The deadline to register is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10.

Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 25. Ballots will be sent to everyone who has an absentee ballot request form on file. Any qualified elector may request an absentee ballot to vote by filing a request for an absentee ballot form no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 8. The deadline for the city to mail ballots is Tuesday, Aug. 5. Ballots must be received by mail or in person before the polls close on the day of the election.

The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association’s annual candidate forum will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 19, in the upstairs meeting room of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, 219 Rehoboth Ave. There is elevator access available.

The Cape Gazette’s candidate questionnaire will run in the Friday, Aug. 1 edition.

For more information, contact the city’s election office at 302-227-6181, Ext. 108, or go online to rehobothbeachde.gov.