Patrick Gossett files for re-election in Rehoboth Beach
With a little less than a week until the filing deadline, Rehoboth Beach’s municipal election is beginning to take shape.
Mayor Stan Mills filed for re-election May 16. Now, Commissioner Patrick Gossett has filed for re-election. Gossett, in the first term of his second go-round as commissioner, filed May 25. He previously served for nine years before deciding not to run in 2018.
“In short, I am running because I have the experience and common sense needed to continue to address the key issues facing our city,” said Gossett, in an email May 28. “Rehoboth Beach is busier than ever, year-round, and this year’s annual city budget is $37.5 million. This is no small operation, and the city needs to be guided by experienced and knowledgeable individuals.”
Gossett said the key issues he will continue to address include: working with the new city manager to address managed development in keeping with the city’s reputation and vision; improvements to ensure fair and equitable code enforcement; streamlining the permitting process in the building and licensing department; working as a library task force member to ensure it continues to be an asset in the city; implementing the 2020 comprehensive development plan, with a focus on the Baltimore and Wilmington avenues streetscape; and ensuring the city is prepared to implement key recommendations from the recently commissioned parking and traffic study.
“I thank the citizens for the confidence they have placed in me in previous elections, and look forward to returning to the commission to continue serving them,” said Gossett. “Working together, we will keep our brand as a clean, safe and friendly, ‘The Nation’s Summer Capital.’”
Commissioner Jay Lagree is also up for re-election. As of press deadline May 29, he had not filed.
2023 election information
Rehoboth Beach’s annual municipal election is Saturday, Aug. 12. 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 5. To get a nominating petition, submit a request to elections@cityofrehoboth.com or call Donna Moore or Steven Perry 302-227-6181, Ext. 159.
To be eligible to vote, a person must be 18, a resident, freeholder or leaseholder, and registered in the city’s books of registered voters. If a registered voter misses two consecutive annual elections, their name will be placed on an inactive list and they will be notified by postcard requesting their voting status. The deadline to register is on or before Thursday, July 13.
Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 28. Ballots will be sent to everyone who has an absentee ballot request form on file. Any qualified elector may request an absentee ballot to vote by filing a request for an absentee ballot form no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 11. The deadline for the city to mail ballots is Tuesday, Aug. 8. Ballots must be received by mail or in person before the polls close on the day of the election.
For more information, contact Donna Moore at 302-227-6181, ext. 108, or go to cityofrehoboth.com.
