Last Friday, I was stopped on Rehoboth Avenue by a local TV reporter to comment on Suzanne Goode’s proposed compensation increase for the Rehoboth Beach mayor and commissioners.
For the record, I lived in downtown Rehoboth Beach between 2019 and 2022, returned to the area about a month ago and live in Dewey Beach.
As I understand it, the rationale for the proposed compensation increase was the number of meetings the mayor and commissioners are involved with and the ability to attract the most-qualified candidates for these positions.
First off, these are voluntary positions, and I believe those who fill them are driven by the opportunity to make a contribution to one of the great seaside communities in the country. I really don’t think compensation comes into play at all in their desire to serve in these roles. As far as attracting the best-qualified candidates, these positions are coveted, and I would suggest Suzanne reflect on her own journey in attaining a seat at the table.
Wherever this situation lands, I would recommend compensation for the mayor and commissioners be in the form of gift certificates that are used at downtown Rehoboth Beach restaurants and other businesses.
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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and building pages, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
