Having read with interest the biographies for all four of the candidates for Rehoboth Beach commissioner, it appears they all say they love the city and want to preserve its charm. That’s good, as far as it goes, but I want to know what distinguishes them. For example, with one particular candidate - Rachel Macha - I have some serious questions. In talking with dozens and dozens of other voters I have learned they have the same concerns! During the review of the site plans for Clear Space Theatre, there were accusations of violations of ethical standards and improper behavior by Macha, a recent appointee to the planning commission, and seemingly inexperienced. A formal complaint was filed with the Delaware Public Integrity Commission, and then Macha asked for an opinion from them. The PIC issued some sort of advisory letter, and she subsequently recused herself, all the way through to the final action of the planning commission on Clear Space. Therefore, on the most important decision of the planning commission in many years, she did not have a say on the approval. To quote the Cape Gazette (Feb. 26): “Following a hearing with the state’s Public Integrity Commission, Rehoboth Beach Planning Commissioner Rachel Macha has recused herself from the Clear Space hearing set to resume Friday, Feb. 26.” Originally “…Macha said she would not recuse herself. However, she said she asked the PIC for an advisory opinion…” and subsequently she recused herself.
So what are the facts? What did the state Public Integrity Commission say about Rachel Macha that caused her to recuse herself? While Macha is under no requirement to share this information, she is now seeking a position where she is directly accountable to the voters. How do we know she can be trusted to do the ethical thing if she kept advice hidden from us, and why isn’t she transparent enough to share the PIC’s letter? This is as serious an issue as any other in this election. Truth matters, now and at all times. And while I am at it, I would all like to know why Macha hasn’t shared what the PIC proceeding cost us. The fact is that the taxpayers of Rehoboth Beach paid over $14,000 for her legal defense in the matter. But she has never seen fit to share that information with us, the people who paid her bill. Rachel says in her campaign material that she wants to “increase city communication and collaboration.” Here is a great place to start. Tell us the truth, Rachel. Let us see what the Public Integrity Commission said about your actions on the planning commission so that we can now make our own decision as to whether you are ethically fit for the office.
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