Three council members attend last meeting
Three Sussex County Council members, all defeated in this year’s election, were honored during their final meeting Dec. 17.
They included President Mike Vincent of Seaford, who has represented District 1 in western Sussex for 16 years, serving most of those years as president; District 3’s Mark Schaeffer of Lewes; and District 2’s Cindy Green of Greenwood. Schaeffer and Green each served a single four-year term.
County Administrator Todd Lawson presented the trio with plaques honoring their service.
Several officials were on hand to thank them for their service.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with all three council members,” said county attorney J. Everett Moore.
“Mark Schaeffer was doggedly determined and relentless for his constituents,” he said.
“Cindy Green has public service in her blood,” Moore said.
Green was register of wills for 10 years prior to getting elected to council.
“I’ve had so many conversations with Mike Vincent in his role as president. He has always been firm but polite during public hearings and meetings,” Moore said. “He continued a long history of strong leadership. It was a full-time job to him, and I appreciate his leadership.”
Neither of them get the credit they deserve for working on behalf of their constituents, Moore added.
“Mike Vincent is a model public servant,” said former County Administrator Dave Baker. “He has spent countless hours representing Sussex County for 7 cents an hour as extra pay as president. Mike believed in treating employees fairly and has always been a strong advocate for public safety, economic development, affordable housing, and has initiated many donations to the Sussex County Land Trust.”
Vincent said he has attended 638 of 640 meetings while serving on council.
“All about serving all of the public,” he said. “That’s what this job is about.”
As he left council, Vincent wanted residents to realize that the reassessment will not take extra money from taxpayers.
“We have always been committed to not raising taxes,” he said.
Schaeffer said he has been amazed how well Sussex County government operates.
“It’s a testament to a great staff,” he said.
Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, has been a colleague of Vincent’s for decades as a lifetime member of Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. Vincent has held nearly every local office and has also served on state committees.
Short said he has helped make a big difference in Seaford as it recovers economically.
“People don’t realize the time commitment. They are never off the clock,” said Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown. “They wouldn’t do this if they did not love the people they served.”
Three new members
Taking the three seats are Matt Lloyd (District 1), Steve McCarron (District 2) and Jane Gruenebaum (District 3). Lloyd and McCarron won in the Republican primary, while Democrat Gruenebaum won in the general election. The trio will be sworn into office Tuesday, Jan. 7, to start the county council meeting.
