We have been extremely busy leading up to Election Day on August 8, 2015.  Because of the overwhelmingly generous support we have received from those of you who are passionate about preserving what is best about Rehoboth Beach, we have been able to make the case about the issues confronting the city and the reasons why we embrace the zoning changes enacted by the Mayor and Commissioners which will help stem the tide of the overscale houses being built as high occupancy rentals that negatively impact their immediate neighbors.  We have sent a mailing to all registered voters, placed a full page ad in the Cape Gazette, and sent a follow-up postcard to voters.  In addition we have organized a letter writing campaign to the Cape Gazette justifying the new zoning ordinances and for showing support for the two candidates running who have the courage to stand behind them, Patrick Gossett and Bill Sargent. 

If you missed it, here is the text of the letter to voters: 

Every election is important. But the election for Rehoboth Beach Commissioner this year is of special importance.

As you know, after a great deal of public comment, the Mayor and Commissioners, on a 6-1 vote, approved ordinances that will continue to shape the very future of our city. But because some people are aggressively fighting to protect their financial interests to the detriment of the community,this battle is not done.

These two outstanding public servants have fought, often without thanks or recognition, to retain all the elements that make Rehoboth Beach so special: our clean beaches, our vital businesses, our beautiful and quiet residential neighborhoods, and most of all, the people of the city who know their neighbors and work together for the betterment of our community.

Patrick and Bill have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the future of Rehoboth Beach, voting to move the ocean outfall and the new City Hall project to financing and construction, and fighting to preserve and grow the city's public and private green space.

But recently they have been under attack for their votes on the noise and pool ordinance, and especially their votes on the zoning changes enacted just this month. And what did those votes do, or not do, for the homeowners of our city?

• Those who disagree with the ordinances approved by 6 out of 7 commissioners are claiming that they will decrease the value of our homes and property. In fact, the opposite is true. Strong but fair local zoning always delivers higher property values. 

• In Rehoboth Beach, we have heard the dire predictions of lost business, fewer visitors and collapsing property values any time the city has enacted the type of ordinances passed at the recent meeting. And each time, property values in our city have RISEN, often dramatically.  

• If you are not building a swimming pool, the ordinances do NOT reduce the allowable floor-to-area ratio (FAR) for homes built on 50x100 lots, which make up the vast majority of lots in Rehoboth Beach.

• The new ordinances do NOT prevent anyone from renovating their existing homes. Current and future owners may renovate, or even tear down and rebuild up to 50% of their home without triggering the new codes. If an existing home is destroyed by fire or natural disaster, the Code allows it to be replaced back to its previous footprint.

• The new codes do NOT prohibit bathrooms, swimming pools, porches or any other features.

• And finally, the new codes increase the green space required on a lot from 40% to 50%. 
   

Patrick Gossett and Bill Sargent fought hard for these changes, and now it is our turn to fight hard for them. There are those in the city who don't want you to know the truth about Patrick and Bill's outstanding records. They want you to ignore the years of hard work they have done as Commissioners.

Our city is at a tipping point. We can elect conscientious hard-working commissioners with proven records of acting in the interest of ALL citizens, or we can elect challengers who are fighting for the interests of a few.

The answer is clear to us.

If you have any questions about the record of these Commissioners, please feel free to contact them directly at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

If you have questions about voting procedure, including absentee voting, please refer to the city's website, www.cityofrehoboth.com or call City Hall at 302-227-6181.

We must work to see that Patrick Gossett and Bill Sargent are re-electedso they can continue to fight for ALL the residents and visitors in Rehoboth Beach.

We leave you with one final appeal,

PLEASE DO YOUR CIVIC DUTY AND VOTE!