Two challengers enter Rehoboth’s 2024 municipal election

With weeks to go before the deadline, two challengers have entered the race for two open seats in Rehoboth Beach’s annual municipal election.

Suzanne Goode and Craig Thier filed paperwork with the city May 13 and May 14, respectively.

Goode, who ran and lost in 2019, said she’s running because the city needs to rein in spending, generate revenue more efficiently, and bring accountability and transparency. Additionally, she said, during public meetings, citizens aren't given any feedback to their questions and concerns. She wants to change that policy so free speech is restored for sitting commissioners, she said.

“If citizens call me for help, they will get answers,” said Goode. “Local issues are the ones which affect us deeply, so answers are important.”

Goode said she would like to speed up the permit process, and the city’s infrastructure is her top priority in the next three years.

“I hope common sense and due diligence on my part will contribute to more reasonable decisions in city hall,” said Goode. “I want to thank all stakeholders in Rehoboth for the honor of being considered for their vote.”

Thier said he is running for office to help the city ensure financial stability by improving and enhancing its budgeting and comprehensive development plan processes.

Thier said he has 15 years of experience doing this as the founding partner of Blue Line Planning, a consulting company. He said he helped organizations of various sizes improve their budgeting and forecasting processes by implementing software solutions and adopting best practices.

In addition to his consulting experience, Their said he’s served on a board of education in New Jersey for 12 years, five of which were as board president.

“Through this experience I have an excellent understanding of the role, responsibilities and time commitment of a city commissioner,” said Thier.

Commissioner Toni Sharp, in the first term of her second stint as a commissioner, and Commissioner Tim Bennett, in his first term, are the two commissioners up for re-election this year.

Bennett said he has not decided on his path forward. He is weighing the demands of a full-time job and of a commissioner, he said, in an email May 16.

Sharp could not be reached for comment.

There hasn’t been an election in Rehoboth Beach since Sharp and Bennett defeated incumbent Commissioner Richard Byrne and former Planning Commissioner Rachel Macha in 2021. In 2022, Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski won re-election and Commissioner Francis “Bunky” Markert was elected after incumbent Commissioner Susan Gay decided not to run for re-election. In 2023, it appeared there would be an election when Mayor Stan Mills, incumbent Commissioner Patrick Gossett, incumbent Commissioner Jay Lagree and first-time challenger Don Preston filed. However, Lagree withdrew his name from the race shortly after the filing deadline.

The election, if there is one, will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

Important dates 

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.

Editor’s note: Commissioner Tim Bennett’s comments were added to the online version after the deadline for the print version had passed.