I am running for re-election for Rehoboth Beach commissioner because I love living in this beautiful city and I have a great desire to keep it the welcoming, clean, safe and eco-friendly city that has drawn me here for the past 30 years. My wife Sherri Wright and I have owned here since 2002 and have lived here full time since 2009. Our three children and their families, including three grandsons, love Rehoboth and visit us here several times each year.
I have over 30 years of experience in the extension service at both University of Maryland and University of Minnesota. I had statewide responsibility for administering, managing and leading county extension programs in 4-H, family consumer science and agriculture. These programs were collaborations of citizens, volunteers, youth and community organizations, and other county, state and federal agencies.
Since retirement, I have spent the past 12 years full time in Rehoboth Beach serving on boards and providing leadership to community groups. Until recently, I served as president of the Sussex Family YMCA Board of Governors, as a member of the Delaware YMCA Association Board of Directors, as vice president of the DE SPCA, and six years as chair of Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf’s RD Committee.
It has been an honor to serve as a city commissioner since being elected in 2018 - an inspiring, challenging and productive term.
It was my privilege to author the legislation creating Steve Elkins Way. I created and now chair the environment committee. I chair the animal issues committee. I serve on the trees & green infrastructure committee and the personnel committee.
Currently I serve on the board of directors of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center and as a lead volunteer with Rehoboth in Bloom.
Both short- and long-range planning are critical to preserve and maintain the qualities that have made the City of Rehoboth Beach so special for so many decades. Our city faces several important issues that I will continue to work diligently on with the commissioners/mayor, city boards/commissions/committees and staff.
Critical issues include: maintaining the balance with our community identities - residents, businesses and visitors; preserving our unique residential neighborhoods; protecting our natural environment and proactively responding to climate change; upgrading our infrastructure and ensuring pedestrian safety; and promoting an ethically transparent government.
If re-elected, I will do everything I can to support our historic neighborhoods and residential housing, lovely parks, good restaurants, thriving businesses, great theater, and a unique Boardwalk for residents and visitors. And where I can take my three grandsons to the best beach in the country.
I look forward to meeting with you this summer. Please reach out and let me know what is on your mind.
Eligible voters have until July 15 to register to vote at City Hall.
I ask for your vote Aug. 14, at Rehoboth Convention Center. Thank you.
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