On Saturday, August 12, voters in Rehoboth Beach will go to the polls to elect two of the three candidates running for the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners. All three candidates—incumbent Kathy McGuiness, and challengers Pat Coluzzi and Paul Kuhns—responded to a series of questions from CAMP Rehoboth. Their responses follow.

Introduce yourself to the readers of Letters and talk briefly about why you decided to run for City Commissioner.

Pat • I have been a homeowner in Rehoboth Beach since 1994 and a full-time resident since 2002. I am a graduate of George Washington University where, on an athletic scholarship, I received a B.S. in Biology and Psychology. I've worked in the information technology field since 1979 and became the first woman vice president of a $200 million Washington, DC information technology firm in 1988. I have owned a technology consulting firm since 1993 and moved my business to Rehoboth Beach in 2002. As a business owner in Rehoboth, I provide consulting expertise in computer network installations, database and software implementation and website design.

Currently I serve as a board member of Tau House, the only halfway house program serving chemically dependent women in Sussex and Kent Counties and as a board member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Over the years, I've actively participated in organizations dedicated to women's rights, the rights of the GLBT community, and the preservation of the environment. My current accomplishments in the city include: garnering support for the re-zoning of Sussex Street, leading the light pole banner project in downtown Rehoboth Beach and organizing the "Shop for Shelter" effort to benefit Tau House.

My interest in running for City Commissioner is an outgrowth of my work in non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the livability of Rehoboth Beach and Sussex County. Running for City Commissioner just seems to be a natural extension of the work I am already performing in the community. My interest lies with keeping the core business district of Rehoboth Beach vibrant while preserving our neighborhoods and natural resources.

Paul • I am Paul Kuhns, a full time resident of South Rehoboth and part owner of the Summer House and Arena's Deli. I was raised in the Washington, DC metro area but my family spent summers living here in Rehoboth Beach. I graduated from Georgetown University (1976) with a B.S. in Business Administration and have an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia University (1983). My parents, two of my siblings, their families and my mother-in-law live nearby.

I spent my professional life in New York as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch. I was the Managing Director of the Municipal Syndicate Division. I provided advice to municipalities and their respective agencies, throughout the United States, on their borrowing potential, investment possibilities, bond pricings and, most importantly, development of long-range fiscal strategies.

I am running for Commissioner because I believe I can make a difference where I live and work. My education and work experience will be of significant importance as the City begins to develop a much needed multi-year fiscal planning approach to pay for our vital infrastructure necessities. I am very fortunate to be able to have the time, energy and willingness to devote a full time effort and give back to the town that has been so important in my life.

Kathy • I was raised here and ever since I was old enough to volunteer I have been working to preserve and protect our lovely downtown, boardwalk and beautiful residential areas. I attended Rehoboth Elementary, Rehoboth Jr. High, and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1985. I received a B.S. in Biology from Florida Institute of Technology, studied 9 months of extensive DNA research, then went onto Northeastern University in Boston and received another B.S., this time in Pharmacy. I eagerly returned to Rehoboth Beach, purchased Rehoboth Pharmacy which I owned and operated from 1994 to 2002. I immediately became immersed in city volunteering and politics.

To that end I was the founding president of Rehoboth Beach Main Street with the goal of keeping our downtown commercial area a thriving and full service downtown.

I've been involved in our community through local volunteerism (Meals on Wheels, YMCA Board, Main Street Fireworks fundraiser and Operations Manager, Bowl of Hygeia recipient (state of Delaware pharmacy) Village Improvement Assoc.) and in 2000 was voted Delaware Tourism Person of the Year. I serve on the Main Street Board, and for two terms as City Commissioner. I currently own a retail business and properties downtown.

I continue to serve on the Parks and Tree Committee, Convention Hall and Bandstand Committee, Personnel Committee, and I'm working with my Board of Commissioner colleagues to keep our best talent working for the City and compensated fairly.

I'm very proud that during the founding years of Main Street, our idea for a renovated streetscape and infrastructure system was adopted by the City and Department of Transportation and turned into our beautiful new Rehoboth Avenue and Pavilion.

Because I am knee deep in moving the City forward and I want to keep working on the issues—maintaining our neighborhoods, keeping downtown busy and economically healthy. We are becoming more and more progressive, playing catch up, but there is real momentum here and I want to keep it going.

What is your vision for the future of Rehoboth Beach?

Pat • Our Residential Community. I favor preserving the unique character of our residential areas by discouraging massive buildings on small lots and by maintaining green spaces both on residential lots and in parks and public places. Everyone's property will benefit, and businesses will prosper in a beautiful city.

Our Business Community. I believe that our city government must find ways to incentivize property owners in our business community to create a favorable environment for all businesses, new and old alike, which will foster growth and stability. More and more people are moving to Rehoboth Beach and calling it home. With this in mind, we need to attract the type of businesses and services that residents can use year-round without having to travel on Route One outside the city.

Our Downtown. Other goals of the business community which I support and will work to implement include: a pilot program for sidewalk cafes, monthly "art walks," improved signage on Route One to publicize Downtown Rehoboth Beach, implementation of citywide free wi-fi access, and a coordinated advertising campaign for non-summer months.

Our City Government. As a businessperson, I will ensure that the City and its services are run as efficiently as possible and that we are taking advantage of the most progressive planning and management tools possible. I have over 25 years of practical experience in computer and information technology. And, I have the knowledge and ability to ensure that city services are up-to-date by utilizing the most appropriate technology to enhance city services not only for city employees but for the general public as well.

Our Environment. We must protect our environment. I will work to ensure that our beaches, lakes, canal and drinking water remain clean and of the highest quality possible. I strongly support the work of SOLA3. It is critical that the City continue to financially support SOLA3's efforts by continuing the current program in place to protect Silver Lake and Lake Gerar. It is also my goal to ensure that the City maintains our green space and that development will be kept in check.

Paul • My vision for the future of Rehoboth is to see that it remains a vibrant livable community, made up of safe, distinctly different, characteristic neighborhoods. I see a hospitable, dynamic and aesthetically pleasing commercial district, full of unique restaurants, boutiques and shops, that draw visitors, yet makes locals feel at home.

Over the hundred-thirty plus years of existence, our community has grown and learned to balance both a year round resident home town with being a resort destination for a diverse society of individuals and families. This growth has spurred an eclectic mix of downtown businesses and I see a grander design leading to more. With the recent completion of the Rehoboth Avenue Streetscape, our downtown business community is poised to move from "seasonal tourism as its major industry" towards being a "year-round full-service community." My outlook for our City's future is outstanding.

The only thing that is certain in life is change, and the demographics of our districts are ever changing. My farsightedness includes flexible growth, progressive ideas and extraordinary solutions. To do this it is essential we reach out to all citizens and increase the avenues of communication and public awareness to promote cooperation and understanding through open and transparent government.

Kathy • Preserving our reputation as a wonderful resort and a great hometown—and keeping the wonderful diversity we have. Becoming even more of an East coast retreat for families of all kinds.

What comments would you like to make to the GLBT community of Rehoboth Beach?

Pat • My partner of 23 years, Dale Sheldon, an artist in our community who has donated artwork to the Black and White Ball each year, and I have been active supporters of Camp Rehoboth. As members of the Founders' Circle, we have been supportive of the mission of CAMP Rehoboth since its beginning. I will continue to ensure that our community has a voice on the City Commission and to assist Camp Rehoboth in its mission to create a more positive environment of cooperation and understanding among all people.

I am honored to report that I have been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a national organization that provides strategic, technical and financial support to openly GLBT candidates and officials.

Paul • The first comment I make to the GLBT community is that I will represent all of the citizens of Rehoboth. I have been coming to Rehoboth since the late 1950s. Many changes have taken place since my first visit. One of the most significant in launching greater awareness in cultural diversity was the founding of Camp Rehoboth fifteen years ago. In my opinion, the strides taken through supporting the mission of Camp Rehoboth are the same objectives I would have as your Commissioner "to nurture the growth of Rehoboth Beach, and build bonds with its related communities."

As Rehoboth continues to grow, I would like to see less importance placed on the need to have identifiable diversity and truly become as the name Rehoboth is often referenced, "room for all." The need for grander community involvement in the affairs of the City does not have bias. The requirement for open government, communication and the ability to hear and read about what is happening in town is applicable to every walk of life.

These are important matters to everyone. I look forward to working with the community as a Commissioner.

Kathy • We are so lucky to have all of our GLBT homeowners and business owners who are working alongside their straight (but not narrow) colleagues and neighbors to make this town what it is today. I wish that the entire state could be as welcoming and as progressive as Rehoboth on the issue of diversity. In Rehoboth Beach, there truly is "room enough for all."

In summary, why should the voters elect you on August 12?

Pat • I believe people elect leaders. I also believe that you earn your place in a community by your deeds and service to the community. I believe that my background and experience will benefit the city and its residents, and that I have demonstrated my commitment to be a leader in the City of Rehoboth Beach.

Paul • I believe the voters of Rehoboth should vote for Paul Kuhns on August 12th because:

I bring a financial background and functional experience to the Commission that no other candidate can match. My 23 years in Management of municipal planning dealt with understanding objectives and creating solutions for municipalities just like ours.

I believe my Masters of Business Administration is exactly what our City requires as we face the task of developing a long-term strategy that is financial in nature.

I have no personal agenda. I represent no special interest groups. I do not belong to any Political Action Committee. I want to represent all of the citizens of Rehoboth, fairly, equitably and with reasonable certainty know that I have reached out to acquire opinion from everyone who has an interest.

I see an ever changing community. I want you to be part of that growth.

You need to have YOUR voice heard on the City Commission. I want to be your voice.

Kathy • I believe that I'm doing a good job as part of a team effort to keep Rehoboth strong, friendly and moving toward resolving some big issues. I want to build on the great results of our streetscape and make sure that we move in a progressive manner, keep the City's finances healthy and provide the services our citizens—all of our citizens—demand.