Holly Wingate returns to Sussex P&Z seat

Sussex County Council voted 5-0 during its June 4 meeting to reappoint Holly Wingate for another three-year term on the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.

Councilman John Rieley, who made the motion, said he’s sensitive to concerns that Wingate does not live in District 5, which is the district he represents. Traditionally, council members appoint commission members from their district.

Wingate, who was first appointed in 2018, now lives in District 4.

Rieley said he had a person in mind from District 5, but decided it was not appropriate to make a change at this time. “Having experience is critical, and I was sensitive to not putting a hardship on the commission by having too many new members,” he said.

“Living in the district is preferred, but it’s not required,” Rieley added. “She’s the second-longest-serving member and is vice chairman. I think it’s the right thing to do to reappoint Ms. Wingate.”

Commission members Greg Collins, District 3, and Brian Butler, District 2, were appointed in 2023.

Bruce Mears, appointed in 2019, also represents District 4, while Chair Bob Wheatley, appointed in 1995, represents District 1.