Posts Tagged ‘Election’

Christopher
Galanty

Jeffrey
Goode

(1) The performing arts play a key role in civic life of Rehoboth Beach. Many residents, property owners, and visitors enjoy patronizing Clear Space. And Rehoboth Beach benefits from the entertainment and increased business and tourism that results from having Clear Space in town. Another benefit is to the performers and aspiring performers themselves. For example, Summer Camp and theater classes add a unique service to Rehoboth Beach in meeting this need for performers.

(2) I am aware that the Cape Henlopen Senior Center has long term plans to move to Hebron Road. This project has been around for several years and will take years before it comes to fruition. I do not know when the move may occur. As far as the City agreement with Clear Space is concerned, I am aware that there is a proposal between the City and Clear Space. I have not studied the details of this proposal nor heard of any Commission debate on the issue. I am sure the City would like Clear Space to remain in Rehoboth Beach. I also would like Clear Space to remain in the City. The Board will have to work out some mutually acceptable agreement with Clear Space that takes into consideration taxpayer subsidies necessary to accomplish the goal of Clear Space remaining in Rehoboth.

(3) It will definitely be something the City could be proud of to have a performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach. It should be a tourist draw and a boon to residents and property owners, and visitors to Rehoboth.

Susan
Stewart

(1) The performing arts provide a source of inspiration, connection, education, and economic prosperity. In this technology-driven world, physical performance provides a touchstone for many, and the shared experience enriches not only those who attend and those who perform but also the community at large. Communities with thriving cultural centers such as theaters enjoy higher rates of wellbeing and economic benefits as visitors drawn to the city for performances also patronize its shops and restaurants. I see Clear Space Theater playing a vital role in civic life in Rehoboth for decades to come.

(2) As a candidate and lawyer, I believe it inappropriate for me to answer this question as the city is, or will be soon, in active negotiations with Clear Space Theater.

(3) Being home to the first purpose built performing arts center will elevate the city’s brand and image and reinforce that it is not only a family friendly community but also a culturally rich destination. It will garner media attention and attract a wider audience for Clear Space and the City of Rehoboth.

Clear Space Theater consistently delivers high-quality productions. Attendees, neighboring businesses, residents, and the company alike will benefit from facilities that align with those standards.

Thank you for the opportunity to address the entire Clear Space Theater community. I may be reached at Susan@StewartRB.com.

Suzanne
Goode

Rachel
Macha

(1) I firmly believe that the performing arts, along with broader arts and culture, are essential to the health and vibrancy of any community especially, Rehoboth Beach. They enrich our lives, foster a sense of shared identity, and enhance our quality of life.

During my tenure on the Planning Commission, I was deeply involved in updating the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). As part of this initiative, we conducted a survey of property owners to gauge the importance of arts and culture in Rehoboth Beach. An overwhelming 94% of respondents expressed a desire for more arts and entertainment venues, and 84% believed that the city should actively promote and implement economic development strategies for the arts. These responses highlight a clear community mandate: arts and culture are integral to maintaining our high quality of life.

In my role as a Planning Commissioner from 2019 to 2022, I supported Clear Space Theatre’s project because it aligned with the strategic vision outlined in the CDP and because it was code compliant. I was very disappointed when the Mayor and Commissioners overturned the decision of the Planning Commission. Moreover, I was disheartened by the lack of outreach by the Mayor and Commissioners to Clear Space to explore alternative locations, which could have ensured the theatre remained in Rehoboth.

As your Commissioner, I will champion the performing arts as a cornerstone of our community. I will encourage collaboration with Clear Space and the Mayor and Commissioners to find opportunities for artistic expression and cultural events, recognizing their power to bring people together, stimulate our local economy, and enhance the overall well-being of our residents. I envision Rehoboth Beach as a vibrant cultural hub where the arts flourish, contributing to our community’s unique character and vitality.

(2) I am deeply committed to ensuring Clear Space Theatre Company remains an integral part of Rehoboth Beach within our city limits. My family and I have cherished countless events and children’s programs at Clear Space over the years, and I recognize the vital role it plays in our
community.

It is crucial for the Mayor and Commissioners to develop a comprehensive strategy and economic development plan to support Clear Space's new facility. This includes identifying suitable locations, providing incentives, and ensuring a streamlined and fair approval process. In addition to leveraging the survey results, I will actively engage with Clear Space leadership, community stakeholders, and other relevant parties to create a collaborative plan that meets the needs of all involved. This plan will prioritize Clear Space’s presence in Rehoboth Beach, which I believe most of our residents and property owners want – we just need to find the right way to do it.

Together, we can ensure that Clear Space continues to enrich our community, attract visitors, and provide exceptional cultural experiences for generations to come.

(3) I envision a new performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach that is thoughtfully planned for future growth and diverse uses. This center should not only serve as a home for Clear Space Theatre Company but also become a vibrant cultural hub offering year-round programming.

To ensure its success, I would advocate for the following requirements:

1. Scalability: The design should accommodate future expansion to meet the growing needs of our community and contribute to the overall attractiveness of our city
2. Versatility: The center should be adaptable for various events, including theatre productions, concerts, speaker series, workshops, and community gatherings.
3. Accessibility: It must be easily accessible to all residents and visitors, with consideration for parking, transportation, and ADA compliance.
4. Sustainability: Incorporating environmentally friendly practices and materials will ensure the center is sustainable for years to come.

A new performing arts center would bring numerous benefits to Rehoboth Beach. It would provide a platform for local talent as well as talent from other performing arts centers, provide unique opportunities for aspiring performers, attract visitors, boost our economy, and offer enriching cultural experiences. Year-round programming would enhance our community’s quality of life, making Rehoboth Beach a cultural destination.

Imagine a place where residents, businesses, and visitors can enjoy a full spectrum of arts—from captivating theatre performances to inspiring concerts and thought-provoking speaker series. This center would foster creativity, promote economic development, and strengthen our sense of community.

As Commissioner, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the new performing arts center aligns with these goals, enhancing Rehoboth Beach’s cultural landscape and providing lasting value for our community.

Mark
Saunders

(1) I believe the community of Rehoboth Beach extends far beyond the physical borders of the city. That said, a regional performing arts center is crucial to a vibrant, involved, well-educated community. The coastal region absolutely must include art and cultural pursuits of various forms, including the performing arts, if it hopes to attract smart, well-rounded citizens to the area. A well-rounded community is a happy community.

(2) Yes, I absolutely want the City of Rehoboth Beach to be the center of all things cultural, including the proposed Clear Space Performing Arts Center. I believe the city leaders will, and should work with the search and planning committees of Clear Space to come up with a solution benefiting the City, the Community, and of course Clear Space itself as it enters into its second twenty year run in Rehoboth Beach.

(3) I believe the Clear Space launch several years ago was poorly conceived, and mistakes were made by all parties involved. Let’s not do that ever again. Instead, let us find an attractive, well-located location, with adequate parking and minimal impact on residential areas. I would encourage city leaders to make property available on a generous partnership basis, and make reasonable accommodations, considering the unique needs of a
professional theatre.

This can be, and I hope will be, a win-win situation and another jewel for the City of Rehoboth Beach.

Thank you for reaching out to us candidates and wishing you all the success as you move forward.

Craig
Thier

As my wife Lorrie and I have been canvassing Rehoboth Beach the past several weeks for my commissioner candidacy, it is clear that there is community support for Clear Space Theater Company (CSTC). I support CSTC, and would like to see CTSC remain in Rehoboth Beach. 

There are numerous studies detailing the positive role of the arts on the social well being of a community, and I could not agree more. In addition to this role, I believe CSTC’s new theater presents an opportunity to revitalize an area within the commercial district of Rehoboth Beach. As a Commissioner, I will be firmly committed to the revitalization of our downtown. 

But, if we have learned anything about the residents of Rehoboth Beach over the course of my campaign, it is that the residents want and demand transparency and communication. 

I would encourage CSTC to be transparent in sharing your concepts, designs, and plans, as well as wants, needs and goals with the residents. Schedule community meetings, live stream them, and listen to the resident feedback. You can then incorporate this feedback where you see appropriate and above all, seek compromise when necessary. This will showcase your willingness to work with the community that CSTC serves and will further endear residents to the artistic vision CSTC is bringing to Rehoboth Beach.