Rachel Macha running for commissioner in Rehoboth

The mother of a set of twins and a set of triplets, Rachel Macha said she and her husband have always encouraged their children to give back to the community. From churches and homeowners associations, to schools and nonprofit organizations, she said, giving back to the community has always been a good way to provide balance to her life.

Now, with the kids getting older, Macha has set her eyes on her next community organization – the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners. She filed her paperwork for the city’s 2020 municipal election May 14, launching her first run for elected office.

She is already a member of the city’s planning and parks and shade tree commissions.

During an interview May 18, she said those commissions have given her a good look into how things work within the city.

Macha said the comprehensive development plan process – specifically surveys done last year – has provided a lot of feedback on how citizens and businesses think the city is doing. There’s an opportunity to be doing more and listening more to citizens, she said.

Macha has spent much of her professional career in software technology, specifically, she said, customer service and customer success. If a person uses an 800 number to call a bank, a cable company or an arm of the federal government, they’re probably using the technology of the company she works for, she said.

She said her strengths are listening, understanding problems and then working to come up with the best solutions.

Macha said she has loved Rehoboth Beach since she visited as a young girl. She and her husband have owned a home in town for 20 years, and all five of her kids have spent their summers working in Rehoboth since they were 14 years old. 

“It’s a generational love for Rehoboth,” said Macha. “It’s a bit of a dream come true to own a home here.”

Macha said she had decided to run for office before COVID-19, and she said she would look forward to the challenge of making sure the city rebounds.

“I’m more of a glass half-full type of person,” said Macha. “I’ve been in business my whole life. Getting frustrated doesn’t help.”

Macha is the third person to file for Rehoboth’s 2020 municipal election. Mayor Paul Kuhns filed for re-election May 1, while former Commissioner Jay Lagree filed his paperwork with the city May 11.

Incumbent Commissioners Lisa Schlosser and Steve Scheffer are also up for re-election. Schlosser is in her first term as an elected official in Rehoboth. Scheffer was appointed by the other commissioners in December 2018 to fill the vacancy that occurred when former Commissioner Kathy McGuiness took office as state auditor. As of press deadline May 21, neither had filed.

Rehoboth 2020 municipal election information

Rehoboth Beach’s 2020 annual municipal election is Saturday, Aug. 8. Interested candidates must turn in a petition signed by at least 10 qualified voters, but not more than 25, to the city manager by 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 8. To get a nominating petition, submit a request to elections@cityofrehoboth.com or call 302-227-6181, Donna Moore, Ext. 108 or Jean Lee, Ext. 114.

Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 24. Ballots will be sent to everyone who has an absentee ballot request form on file. The deadline for the city to mail ballots is Tuesday, Aug. 4. Ballots must be received by mail or in person before the polls close on the day of the election.

To be eligible to vote, a person must register on or before Thursday, July 9. Any qualified elector may request an absentee ballot to vote by filing a request for an absentee ballot form, which is available online, no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 7. For more information, contact Donna Moore at 302-227-6181, Ext. 108, or go online to www.cityofrehoboth.com.