Mark Saunders, third challenger, enters Rehoboth election

With just over a week to go before the June 3 deadline to file for Rehoboth Beach’s annual election, a third challenger has entered the race.

Resident Mark Saunders filed his paperwork with the city May 20. He joins challengers Suzanne Goode and Craig Thier. As of press deadline May 23, incumbent Commissioners Toni Sharp and Tim Bennett have not filed for re-election.

Saunders said quality-of-life issues are always a primary concern, especially in the face of relentless growth, both in the city and surrounding areas. Of course, he said, a budget must be maintained that is balanced and sustainable, while still providing high-quality services.

Saunders is a six-year member of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association, including two as president. This experience provides keen insight on the challenge of maintaining the charming small-city feel that also has a vibrant, in-scale business community, he said.

Saunders is a member of the city’s board of adjustment and served on the city’s parking and garage investigation committees. Saunders and his husband Bob have been property owners since 2005 and full-time residents since 2013. He and Bob have two rescue dogs, Henry and Rosie.

“We believe Rehoboth Beach is the best city in America, and we are proud and happy to call this city our home,” said Saunders.

While not unusual, even if no one else files, having this many challengers isn’t the norm. According to the city’s election data dating back to 1990, there have been seven years with three or more challengers – five in 1995; five in 2005, including one for mayor; three in 2012; five in 2014, including one for mayor; three in 2018; six in 2019; five in 2020, including one for mayor.

As for the incumbents, neither Bennett or Sharp has made up their mind yet.

No plans at this time, said Sharp. However, she said, public service is important to her and she may not be finished yet.

Bennett has said he’s continuing to weigh his options.

The same set of city data shows that if Sharp and Bennett decide to run for re-election, there has been an election with five or more candidates about one-third of the time since 1990. The modern-day record is seven in 2014, when the mayoral race was between Sam Cooper and Thomas McGlone, and the commissioner race was among Francis “Bunky” Markert, Kathy McGuiness, John Meng, Lawrence Myslewski and Lorraine Zellers.

The election will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

Important election information

The deadline for candidates to file a nominating petition is 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 3. Nominating petitions must be signed by no fewer than 10 and no more than 25 qualified electors of the city.

To vote in Rehoboth Beach elections, voters must be at least 18; a city resident or freeholder for at least 30 days, or a 10-year leaseholder for at least six months; and registered in the city's Book of Registered Voters. The deadline to register to vote in this election is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 11.

Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 26, and will be mailed to all who have a request form on file. Absentee ballot request forms must be filed no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 9. Absentee ballots must be received via mail or in person before polls close on election day.

To request a nominating petition or for more election information, contact the city’s staff election officials Donna Moore or Steven Perry by emailing elections@cityofrehoboth.com or calling 302-227-6181, Ext. 159.