LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Gay & Lesbian Members Elected to Homeowners Board |
by Mark Aguirre |
On October 20th Steve Elkins, Sue McCarthy, and Cheryl Normandeau became the first openly gay and lesbian members elected to the Board of Directors of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association (RBHA). The day marked a milestone in assimilating members of the lesbian and gay community into civic leadership. The twenty member Board is responsible for charting the direction of one of the most influential and conservative community organizations in the City of Rehoboth Beach. Joining them as the other new board members elected at this year's fall general membership meeting are Howard Butler and Stan Mills. When asked how she thought the Board of Directors would work with the newly elected board members Mary Campbell, RBHA President, remarked, "No diverse group of citizens can hope to agree on all issues. However, respect for the opinions of all members of the Board as well as compromise, if necessary, will make a difference in our success or failure as an organization." Mary is serving the second of two non-consecutive terms as President of the thirty-year-old organization. Several years ago when beginning her second term she expressed an early interest in electing an openly gay or lesbian to the Board. As she searched for suitable candidates several opportunities were missed as Board vacancies were filled and a Board of Directors election was held. But, behind the scenes Mary continued to speak to members of the lesbian and gay community and other Board members to generate interest. This past spring openly gay member Don Voth began writing letters to the RBHA and local press asking that the organization leadership be more inclusive. Don said, "I wasn't aware of Mary's efforts, but I think my request for more inclusiveness was absolutely essential. It was time to bring the subject out in the open." By July, the Board of Directors had voted to fill a vacancy on the Board by appointing Steve Elkins who has been a member since 1991. This made Steve, Editor and Publisher of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, the first openly gay member appointed to the Board. While many believe that Don's actions helped to encourage the appointment, Don acknowledged that without Mary's support another opportunity to bring diversity to the Board might have been missed. Steve's appointed term ended on October 20th the same day he was elected by the general membership to begin his first full term on the Board. Steve had this to say about his being elected to the board, "I look forward to working on the Board to make Rehoboth Beach an even better place for all of us to call our home." When asked how the RBHA can be more effective both Sue and Cheryl mentioned that the Board of Directors meetings should be open to attendance by the general membership. Cheryl also said, "There are many people in this town with a lot of enthusiasm. We should see this as an opportunity to get more citizens involved." Sue agreed by saying, "I think it's important to involve second homeowners. The RBHA should do all it can to encourage them to eventually become full time residents." Sue and Cheryl have earned an additional distinction by becoming the second couple to serve together on the current RBHA Board of Directors. They moved to the city four years ago and make their home in the Schoolvue section of town. The other couple is Jay and Priscilla Smith who in addition to being on the Board are respectively the President Emeritus and Secretary of the organization. City trees are at the top of Mary's list of other issues the RBHA will work on in the coming year. "A strong and viable Tree Ordinance to help protect and maintain our designation as Tree CityUSA is mandatory." Other issues include neighborhood preservation and the maintenance of public parks and open spaces. Additionally, the RBHA will be proposing changes to the current organization bylaws. The RBHA was originally organized in 1971 to help influence elected city officials to reduce the commercial building height limitation from 88 feet to the current 42 feet. If the measure had not passed Rehoboth Beach would be vastly different from the quaint town we know today. The organization has also played a role in generating support for a number of other projects including the Parking Permit Plan and the Comprehensive Long Range/Land Use Plan. Annual RBHA membership dues are ten dollars per household. If you make your home in the City of Rehoboth Beach and are interested in becoming a member of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association call Priscilla at 302-227-8259 for more information. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 15, November 21, 2001. |