McGuiness steps down in Rehoboth

The longest serving commissioner in Rehoboth Beach has stepped down.

Commissioner Kathy McGuiness handed in her resignation over the weekend, Mayor Sam Cooper said at the commissioners’ Jan. 9 workshop.

“Her family duties were taking her more and more away from the city,” Cooper said.

McGuiness said she decided to resign because she was unable to make the meetings.

“It was very hard to make the decision, but it was the right thing to do,” she said.

McGuiness had served four consecutive terms in office –– and was up for reelection this year. McGuiness had the most votes of any candidate, 584, when she was last reelected in 2009. She said she was not going to run for a fifth term anyway and was happy with her record and accomplishments as commissioner.

McGuiness, a nonresident commissioner, was able to attend fewer meetings after she and her family moved to Park City, Utah, in 2010. Her three children are all active in skiing and snowboarding and much of McGuiness’ time these days is spent driving the children to events.

“They’re doing great,” she said.

McGuiness said she still plans to come back to Rehoboth for her other interests around town, including Main Street and real estate.

McGuiness was the founding president of Rehoboth Beach Main Street and still serves as secretary of its board of directors. She also has been a pharmacist and retail storeowner in Rehoboth, as well as the lead force in fundraising for Main Street’s annual July 4 fireworks show. McGuiness was first elected in 2000 and was the top vote getter every year she ran for office – 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009.

With McGuiness’s resignation, commissioners Pat Coluzzi and Stan Mills have the longest tenure on the board, with five years apiece. Both of them are up for reelection in 2013. Cooper is in his eighth consecutive term, but the mayor is elected separatly from the commissioners

Cooper said a new commissioner would be in place by the commissioners’ Friday, Jan. 20 meeting. When asked if he had anyone in mind, Cooper said, “I’m working on it.” As with other city boards, commissions and committees, the mayor appoints a candidate who must then be approved by the rest of the commissioners.