Georgetown, Del., May 6, 2011: Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent issued the following statement today, May 6, 2011, in response to an opinion from the Delaware Attorney General’s Office regarding efforts to select a new County Administrator.

“Sussex County government acknowledges receipt of the Delaware Attorney General’s Office opinion regarding recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters that occurred in the process to select a new County Administrator.

As the Attorney General’s Office noted in its May 5, 2011, opinion, the actions in question amounted to technical violations on the part of the County. These technicalities have since been remedied, including more clearly distinguishing and properly posting on County Council agendas executive session discussions that will pertain to candidates’ job qualifications versus internal personnel matters.

The County Administrator Search Committee, County Council and County staff have always intended the process to be as open as possible, and will move forward in a manner that is both transparent and in accordance with Delaware law.

The County Council has and will continue to properly make motions and vote to go into and come out of executive sessions, keep complete minutes, and hold any necessary votes in public meetings on matters that might arise from those sessions.

At this time, no further discussions have occurred or decisions made in the process to appoint a new County Administrator. When such discussions or actions are necessary, the matter will be scheduled for a meeting in public session.”

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