Sussex County recognizes outgoing Council members, prepares to welcome new faces

Georgetown, Del., Dec. 16, 2008: It’s the end of one era, and the dawn of another in Sussex County government.

County Councilmen Dale R. Dukes, Finley B. Jones Jr. and Lynn J. Rogers met as part of the Sussex County Council for the last time Tuesday, Dec. 16, bringing to a close more than four decades of public service among the retiring trio.

While Councilmen Dukes, Jones and Rogers do not officially leave office until Jan. 6, 2009, when their respective terms end, Tuesday was the last regular meeting of the County Council before the transition in January. A new council will be sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 6.

“I think I can sum it up best when I say, ‘It’s been a great ride,’ ” Councilman Dukes said. “With the help of our excellent staff and so many others, we’re leaving the County Council today after accomplishing a great deal in the past two decades. All I can say is ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart, and best wishes to our new County Council. I only hope the new Council has as much fun as I have had.”

The three councilmen announced in July that after serving a combined 44 years on the Council they were retiring and would not seek new four-year terms. Of the three, Mr. Dukes has served the longest, first winning election in 1988; Messrs. Jones and Rogers won election in 1996.

Their departure represents the first turnover on the County Council in a decade, and it means the majority of the five-member panel will be made up of new members beginning in 2009.

New council members Michel H. Vincent (District 1), Samuel R. Wilson Jr. (District 2) and Joan R. Deaver (District 3) will be sworn in at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, joining Councilmen George B. Cole and Vance C. Phillips on the County Council.

The Sussex County Council is the local legislative body for unincorporated Sussex County, serving more than 180,000 citizens. The County Council adopts an annual budget, oversees local land use, provides public safety services, and manages the County airport and industrial park, among other responsibilities.

County Administrator David B. Baker praised the three retiring councilmen for their many years of service, which often meant marathon public meetings, telephone calls around the clock and lost time with family and friends.

“This is not the easiest job, and often it’s a job with little thanks,” Mr. Baker said. “But the citizens of this county are grateful for all they have done, and the products of their efforts will be evident for decades and generations to come.”

Mr. Baker presented each retiring councilman with a framed certificate highlighting the numerous accomplishments during the member’s tenure. Among those successes noted:

  • Construction of a new County Administrative Offices building in 1996 that is now owned by the County, debt-free;
  • The investment of some $300 million during the past 20 years to extend sewer service to nearly 60,000 homes and businesses throughout the county, up from just a few thousand in the late 1980s;
  • Funding of the County employees’ pension fund, which hovered at near $2 million in the late 1980s and has since reached approximately $50 million, including pension and post-employment benefits;
  • Establishing a paramedic program that has won national and international recognition;
  • Enhancing funding for the volunteer fire service;
  • Contracting with state police for the addition of 40 troopers to be assigned to Sussex;
  • Building a new, state-of-the-art 911 communications center, also owned debt-free;
  • Expanding the Sussex County Airport with a new terminal building and plans for an extended main runway.
  • Re-energizing the County Industrial Park, bringing in new employers – and jobs -- such as PATS Aircraft and others;
  • Adopting and beginning implementation of a new comprehensive land use plan;
  • Keeping property taxes at the same rate for 19 years.

Councilmen Jones and Rogers echoed Councilman Dukes’ comments, saying their successes were due, in large part, to the support of so many around them, from staff to friends and family.

“I can’t tell you how easy you have made our jobs,” Councilman Jones said to employees. “The whole council is proud of you, and we’re very thankful for all that you do. I’m also thankful to the people of my district and throughout this county, who had faith in me and my abilities, and for entrusting me with the honor of being their representative. I will miss that, and I will miss you all.”

Councilman Rogers said serving on the County Council has taught him an important life lesson – how to listen.

“I come from an emergency services background, where you make quick decisions in life-or-death situations,” Councilman Rogers said. “When I got to County Council, I learned really quickly that you have to slow down, take in all this information, and listen along the way. Hopefully, I have listened well and made the best decisions with the information before me.”

“I thank the constituency, whether they supported me or not, for giving me a chance,” Councilman Rogers said. “I always tried my best to represent them 200 percent, and I hope I have the honor again someday of serving the public.”

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