Who will we write about?

What will we do? Who will we write about? Three of the most colorful elected officials in Sussex County are out of jobs.

Defeated in the last election were Rep. John Atkins, Councilman Vance Phillips and Sussex Sheriff Jeff Christopher. Atkins lost to Rich Collins; Phillips lost to Rob Arlett; and Christopher lost to Bob Lee, all three Republican newcomers to elected office.

Phillips and Atkins are dealing with personal issues that probably led to their defeat in the voting booth. The outspoken Christopher created a firestorm of controversy taking county council to court.

Even so, I don't think we've heard the last from any of the three.

Christopher: He once told me – and other reporters – that he would pack up and leave Sussex County if he lost in the courts in his bid to get more powers for the sheriff. He did lose in the courts, but he didn't vacate the premises. I predict he will remain in Sussex County and consider a run for county council in 2016. There is no doubt that he is critical of the way county council does business.

That 2016 election may turn out to be a very interesting one because three members' terms will be up: Mike Vincent, District 1; Joan Deaver, District 3; and Sam Wilson, District. 2.

Atkins: There is no doubt Atkins has strong roots in the Millsboro area and still has a lot of people who support him. He needs a cooling off time to get his life in order, and he will be back. You can bet he will be running for an elected office in the near future. His personality is such that he needs to be in the middle of things.

Phillips: He is a little harder to read. Phillips still needs time to heal from a terrible back injury he suffered during a 2011 ultralight plane crash. Then there is a civil lawsuit hanging over his head; that trial is expected to begin soon. Phillips has some real challenges facing him. I think his future in politics depends on the outcome of the lawsuit.

While all three are out of the spotlight for now, it will not be a permanent phase.