Patrick Gossett in the race for 2020 Rehoboth election

The list of former Rehoboth Beach commissioners running in the city’s 2020 municipal election continues to grow.  First, it was Jay Lagree for commissioner. Then, Stan Mills filed for mayor.

Now, Patrick Gossett, a commissioner for nine years, has entered the race. He filed to run as a nonresident commissioner June 1.

Gossett said when he chose not to run for re-election in 2018 it was because he needed to take care of family health and other personal matters. Now, he said, those considerations have improved, and he is ready to continue to use his experience to serve the people of Rehoboth Beach.

“Recently, many people have asked me to return to the commission to continue to serve the people of Rehoboth Beach,” said Gossett, in an email June 1. “I am ready to serve the city again and will make sure the citizens are proud of our city and of me as their representative on the commission.”

Gossett said, like all communities across the country, COVID-19 has changed every aspect of  life and the economy. Rehoboth is at a crossroads for the future, he said.

“Should I be elected, my leadership experience and knowledge of city ordinances, policy and operations will allow me to hit the ground running,” he said.

Gossett said his vision for Rehoboth includes rebuilding the tourist economy that is so important to our city; restoring fiscally responsible government with clearly defined priorities; recommitting to maintaining a strong infrastructure; reimagining the post-pandemic character of the city:

“If we continue to relax our building and zoning codes, and the commercial development currently proposed within the city limits is approved, we will begin to look like Route 1 and Ocean City,” said Gossett.

Gossett’s filing makes five candidates for three seats – mayor and two commissioners. Mayor Paul Kuhns has filed for re-election and so has first-time candidate Rachel Macha.

Incumbent Commissioners Lisa Schlosser and Steve Scheffer are also up for re-election. As of June 1, neither had filed with the city.

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.

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.