3 vie for 2 seats on Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners in Aug. 9 election: Voters guide

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2 days ago

Rehoboth Beach voters will choose two new commissioners Aug. 9.
Commissioners Francis "Bunky" Markert and Ed Chrzanowski are not seeking reelection.
Three newcomers have filed to take their places: Jeffrey Goode, Chris Galanty and Susan Stewart. The two winners will join commissioners Patrick Gossett, Mark Saunders, Suzanne Goode and Craig Thier, and Mayor Stan Mills in leading Rehoboth Beach.
Voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Delaware Online/The News Journal sent each of the three candidates an identical questionnaire. They are printed below unedited, except in the case of certain style issues.
Jeffrey Goode
Age: Not provided.
What qualifies you to run for this office?
I have been an economist and research manager for 40 years, mostly with the federal government in Washington, DC, and also overseas in Egypt and Switzerland. My most recent federal positions were with the Congressional Research Service and the Department of Labor. At CRS I headed an office of economists in performing research on international trade and finance to advise Congress during the Great Recession. For DOL, I advised department leadership on the economic impacts of changes to the overtime and minimum wage regulations. As an economist, I know how to evaluate both the benefits and costs of proposals and budgets. These skills are critical to our future in Rehoboth.
Overseas, I worked as a labor economist for the International Labor Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, where I managed research on the relationship of hours of work and unemployment. Before that I was a U.S. Foreign Service officer in Egypt. I conducted negotiations with Egypt's government leaders to reform its markets in conjunction with America's foreign aid program.
Since retiring from the federal government, I have worked as an international economic consultant. For example, on a USAID funded project, I analyzed the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the Middle East and North Africa region. I advised USAID on adjustments to the labor markets in response to COVID-19.
I have also taught economics as an adjunct professor at several universities including American University, Georgetown University, Catholic University, and most recently Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore. My education includes a Ph.D. in economics.
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Why are you running for this office?
I am running for office to be a voice for fiscal sanity and competence. Since my moving to Rehoboth full-time 8 years ago, the budget has ballooned from $19 million to $44 million. Most of this increase was in recent years, from $27.7 million in fiscal year 2022 to $44 million currently. The city has increased its spending by over twice the rate of inflation over the last several years.
On our current board, we have a bloc of four-to-five members who consistently vote together. If one of these four-to-five members of the board proposed that the sky is purple, the majority of this board would agree. For example, our current bloated budget of $44 million was passed by a vote of 6 to 1.
The rubber will meet the road in the next couple of years when Rehoboth Beach meets its borrowing limit of $75 million. The city is currently at $68 million, 90% of our limit. The city borrowed $5.5 million to pay for the new Rehoboth Beach Lifeguard Station. Each resident now owes about $60,000 per head for the city's debt! We must bring down this city's debt.
What do you see as the top three issues facing Rehoboth Beach and how do you plan to address them?
Fiscal sanity. Rehoboth has lost control over its spending. Post-COVID the city has increased its spending by over twice the rate of inflation. The budget during this time has expanded from $27.7 million to $44 million currently. This fiscal insanity has led to a dangerously increasing debt. The rubber will meet the road in the next couple of years when Rehoboth Beach meets its borrowing limit of $75 million. The city debt is currently at $68 million, 90% of our limit of $75 million. The city borrowed $5.5 million to pay for the new Rehoboth Beach Lifeguard Station. We must bring down this city's debt, not continue to increase it.I will not vote for any budget that exceeds the growth in inflation. I would also support a freeze on new hires beyond replacements. In a time of exploding budgets and growing deficits, we need to stop spending tax dollars on unnecessary consultants, pet projects and attorney fees ($900,000 last year).I will also argue for the Board to rescind the storm water impact fee. The approved impact fee will require expensive consulting and new employees. Only large cities can afford to amortize expenses. Stormwater expenses should be paid as part of our general budget.
Competence in decision-making by the board. On our current board, we have a bloc of four-to-five members who consistently vote together. If one of these four-to-five members of the board proposed that the sky is purple, the majority of this board would agree. The lack of tolerance for other ideas exhibited by this board has led to many poor decisions. For example, our current bloated budget of $44 million was passed by a vote 6-to-1, my wife the only commissioner voting against it. Perhaps the most egregious decision was the outrageous contract with the city manager, which includes an interest-free forgivable loan after seven years on a house. This decision continues to bleed the city in fighting a lawsuit on this contract by outraged citizens.Recently, at the July 7 workshop, a new commissioner requested that the city provide information on the city manager lawsuit. Until that point only the commissioners that made the wrong decision were kept in the loop. The newer commissioners that were on the board after the decision was made were out of the loop. So the people who made the bad decisions to begin with are the ones deciding how to proceed with the lawsuit. This lawsuit has to date cost the City of Rehoboth $150,000 in legal fees. The new commissioner wants to settle this bleeding of taxpayer money. So do I.Elect me in this election. My two opponents in the election are running as a joint ticket backed by the same cadre of folks who have caused many of our current problems and we do not need more of the same running our government.
Concentrate on everyday infrastructure improvements instead of large projects. The city should focus its infrastructure improvements on everyday issues instead of grandiose new projects like the Baltimore Streetscape or the building of the second-largest lifeguard station in the country.I will advocate and vote for fixing our streets, sidewalks and traffic calming. For example, something needs to be done about the traffic circle entering the city. The design and lighting is confusing to tourists and residents alike. At the minimum, serious yield traffic lights need to be placed upon entering the Circle not little Christmas lights like we have now. They should put a moratorium on grandiose plans like Baltimore Streetscape, and the newly built lifeguard station. The City borrowed $5.5 million to help build the lifeguard center. Did we really need what I heard is the second-largest lifeguard center in America? I remember when I was a lifeguard in college in New York City - we had shacks at our disposal, not a Taj Mahal.
Chris Galanty
Age: 56
What qualifies you to run for this office?
I'm qualified to serve as a city commissioner because I've spent my life preparing for public leadership - professionally, personally and in service to my community. From a young age, I was taught to help others and lead with purpose. I hold a bachelor's degree in political science and environmental studies and a master's degree in urban planning, graduating with high honors from the University of Virginia. For over 30 years, I've advised federal agencies like the EPA and National Park Service on urban planning, environmental protection and information technology - leading large teams and managing multimillion-dollar budgets with a focus on results.
Locally, I've served as an officer in our civic association and on the Rehoboth Streets and Transportation Committee, where I've worked directly with neighbors to improve traffic safety and protect our environment. I've led successful initiatives by building coalitions, listening first, and bringing practical solutions forward. At Booz Allen Hamilton, my consistent top-tier employee engagement scores reflect how I lead: collaboratively, respectfully and with integrity. I understand how government works - and how to make it work better for the people it serves.
Why are you running for this office?
I'm running for this office because I believe Rehoboth Beach deserves leaders who are deeply invested in its future and grounded in real experience. This isn't just where I live - it's where my husband James and I have chosen to build our home, and where I've actively worked with neighbors to solve problems and improve the quality of life. I'm running because I want to protect Rehoboth's character, enhance its future and serve our residents with clarity, transparency and care.
At this moment in Rehoboth's history - where growth, resilience, and community trust all hang in the balance - I want to step up and serve. This town means the world to me, and I'm ready to work every day to preserve what makes it special while planning thoughtfully for its future.
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What do you see as the top three issues facing Rehoboth Beach and how do you plan to address them?
Rehoboth Beach is at a pivotal moment, and I believe we must address three critical issues to secure our future.
Transparent, accountable, and fiscally disciplined governance: Our community thrives when everyone's voice is heard, and our government is truly responsive. Priorities must be shaped by residents - not a select few - and backed by sound financial planning. I will push for clearer communication, timely sharing of budget decisions and more accessible public meetings where fiscal choices are explained in plain language.My leadership is collaborative but also disciplined. I'll bring a results-driven approach to budgeting that ensures every dollar spent reflects our community's needs and values. That includes scrutinizing spending, planning long-term and asking tough questions. We must restore trust by showing that Rehoboth Beach manages its finances thoughtfully and transparently. Our board shouldn't just talk about good government - it needs to deliver it.
Protecting and enhancing quality of life: Whether it's walking safely down a well-maintained sidewalk or weathering a coastal storm, quality of life in Rehoboth starts with infrastructure that's built to last. I will prioritize smart investments that make our roads, sidewalks and public spaces safer and more accessible - for residents, visitors and local businesses. With experience from the Streets and Transportation Committee (and my education in urban planning), I understand the importance of traffic calming, pedestrian protection and preserving our town's charm as we plan for growth.As a coastal city, we must also confront the growing threats of climate change, rising sea levels and storm surges. I will champion green infrastructure and coastal resilience strategies - like permeable pavement, native landscaping and stormwater systems - to help safeguard our neighborhoods and natural beauty. These efforts aren't just about infrastructure - they're about protecting the way of life that makes Rehoboth so special.
Strengthening our local economy and year-round vitality: Rehoboth Beach's unique character is shaped by the small businesses that line our streets and the visitors who return year after year. I will champion policies that support local entrepreneurs, reduce red tape, and expand opportunities for small business growth - especially in the shoulder and off seasons. That includes streamlining permitting processes, promoting events that draw residents and visitors year-round and investing in amenities that support both locals and tourists.A stronger year-round economy benefits everyone - from workers and business owners to families and retirees. By making Rehoboth more accessible, inviting and business-friendly throughout the calendar, we protect the heart of our community and the livelihoods it supports.
Susan Stewart
Age: 66
What qualifies you to run for this office?
I have overcome challenges throughout my life as a lawyer, financial advisor and athlete. As a former member of the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team and collegiate coach, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, leadership and teamwork. Today, I am SVP of the Stewart Group at RBC Wealth Management, on the board of trustees of Ursinus College, and a member of the city's planning commission and two task forces.
That combination of professional ability and leadership skills are strengths I will draw on as commissioner with a focus on making the city more efficient, productive and responsive. Residents, businesses and property owners deserve a commission that prioritizes the needs of its citizens and moves beyond dysfunction toward solutions that reflect our shared values and long-term needs.
Why are you running for this office?
This campaign is about restoring trust and building a stronger, more united Rehoboth Beach. I want to be part of a team that listens more, argues less, and focuses on what matters to its residents and businesses.
Rehoboth Beach is a vibrant community of neighbors, families, and small businesses. We are fortunate to have residents and business owners with a wealth of experience and professional expertise.
However, our community has fallen into a cycle of criticism for its own sake, disagreeing just to disagree, disrupting just to disrupt. That mindset prevents us from coming together on shared values and goals. It breeds frustration, disrupts public meetings, and leads to unnecessary litigation.
Our city government spends more time reacting to crises than passing meaningful legislation to address both short- and long-term needs. This reactive approach is costly and ineffective and I will implement a longer-term approach driven by constituents.
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What do you see as the top three issues facing Rehoboth Beach and how do you plan to address them?
One is the weakening of business conditions. The city depends on thriving businesses, and several have reported a softening in sales. It is not clear whether the downturn in business is related to slowing of the economy in general or to specific issues that could and should be addressed by the city.
Another concern and the single biggest source of frustration for homeowners is the length of time it takes and the lack of consistency in residential permitting. Some of this is related to ambiguous code provisions and some to internal processes. It needs to be addressed no matter the cause.
Lastly, the city needs to streamline and step up its enforcement of code provisions related to residents' quality of life. During high season, residents complain mostly about drivers speeding, ignoring stop signs and pedestrians in crosswalks. Another common complaint is noise, particularly coming from rental properties. Beyond stepped up enforcement, the city needs to examine whether its fines are sufficient to act as a deterrent and to require landlords to post those penalties in each rental unit.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 2 new commissioners to be elected Aug. 9 in Rehoboth Beach
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