County Council candidates have their say before election

Two Sussex County Council seats are up for election this November: the seat currently held by Council President Vance Phillips in District 5 and the seat currently held by District 4’s George Cole.

Democrat Dennis V. Cordrey of Millsboro, retired director of personnel for Sussex County, filed back in July to run against Phillips, a Republican. And, though the deadline for individuals to file for the election had passed with no Democratic candidates in District 4, Democrat Russ Melrath was nominated as a candidate by the Democratic Committee chairman on Sept. 1 and filed that day to challenge Cole, a Republican.

All county council seats have four-year terms, and the seats for Districts 1, 2, and 3 will be up for election in 2012.

District 4 includes areas in and around Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Long Neck, Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. District 5 includes areas in and around Laurel, Millsboro, Dagsboro, Delmar, Frankford, Selbyville, Fenwick Island and South Bethany.

This week, the Coastal Point gave each of the four county council candidates the opportunity to answer the same set of questions regarding the county and its future. They appear below, with the District 5 candidates first, in alphabetical order, and then the District 4 candidates, also in alphabetical order.

Q1: What is the most pressing issue/challenge facing Sussex County and its residents right now? How do you propose a solution (s)?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A1: The most pressing issue/challenge facing Sussex County residents is not unlike issues facing residents throughout the country – the lack of good-paying jobs, home foreclosures and bankruptcies. We must work closely with the governor, state legislators, Delaware Economic Development Office, as well as our own Economic Development Office, to provide a greater effort to bring jobs back to Sussex County and save the ones we have. It appears that the priority for convincing companies to relocate to Delaware goes to New Castle County. We have industrial parks throughout Sussex County, and we have vacant commercial property. It seems to me that more could be done to promote Sussex County.

Also, a concern of mine is national developers who come to Sussex County to make a quick dollar, take their money and leave, for various reasons, without finishing the project they were approved for. I believe the County needs to do more to make these developers accountable.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A1. As with most of the nation, Sussex County’s most pressing issue is jobs and the economy. Sussex County, in particular, has always had a hard time bringing back young adults who left and graduated from college. It is time that the County fosters an environment that creates jobs that help bring our children back to the county they once grew up in.

Unlike our national government that is borrowing from our children and grandchildren’s future in providing stimulus money, Sussex County is solvent and debt-free. A solution could be to modify the County’s current Economic Opportunity Program, using some of our reserves to provide incentives to existing businesses that plan to expand, as well as businesses that plan to move to Sussex County.

Secondarily, our roads must be improved. DelDOT has been promising for over 20 years to provide adequate transportation infrastructure for our planned growth, which they themselves repeatedly approved in comprehensive land-use plans.

Sussex County has consistently provided adequate wastewater management infrastructure. It is time to begin the discussion of Sussex County managing roads. With dollars from current transportation revenue sources and the increased efficiency of local control, Sussex County taxpayers will enjoy better roads at a lower cost.

George Cole (District 4)

A1. The most pressing challenge to Sussex County is the economy and managing the budget. Healthcare costs, pension funding and maintaining our facilities is getting more difficult during this current economic crisis. The county needs to be careful about creating new programs and oppose financially burdensome state mandates. The solution is to control the growth of county government.

Russ Melrath (prospective councilman, District 4)

A1. The most pressing issue/challenge is protection of the inland bays. We should stop wasting taxpayer’s money and drop the County’s lawsuit against DNREC and the State. I support buffers that protect our bays and waterways as a good development tool. Just this past weekend, I was reading the newspaper and, in just one ad, one of our fine local builders was advertising nine developments he has available around Indian River Bay. Nine developments! We are taking where we live for granted. They aren’t making anymore waterfront property, so when this treasure we have here is gone, it’s gone.

Q2: What is your take on recent criticisms of the county’s Board of Adjustments? What is more important to look at: the law or the moral/compassion issues stemming from a need for a variance, etc. What are your plans for remedy, if any?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A2. Without reviewing the testimonies presented to Board of Adjustments, it would be difficult for me to comment on the criticisms.

I believe some of the most recent controversies stem from undersized lots in some of the older manufactured home parks. The undersized lots have made it almost impossible to make improvements without violating code or needing a variance. I believe it would make sense to provide exceptions or an exemption to waive violations in these parks as they stand today. Then, as homes are vacated and replaced, the county could work with park owners to bring the lot sizes to minimum code. It would be an expense to the park owner, and take many years, but unsafe conditions exist and must be addressed.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A2. Council heard the criticisms of the Board of Adjustments, and I, along with the rest of the council, felt it was necessary to have a workshop to discuss the current process and see if there are better ways to improve.

The board needs to refer to the law when approving a variance. The issue may be that they are reviewing applications that do not need to go through the board. I have always been for eliminating the red tape of government. The board should not be reviewing small subdivisions of three lots or less where, in most cases, a family member wants to subdivide their lot into smaller lots for other family members.

They should also not be reviewing variance requests of less than 1 foot. These approvals should be administrative. The Planning and Zoning director could approve these types of no-controversy requests. The Board of Adjustments process would be quicker if fewer applications such as these would go through, along with the money residents would save by not paying the $400 fee.

George Cole (District 4)

A2. I have been critical of the Board of Adjustment. The county needs to look at the current county ordinances and make changes to be able to grant some variances over- the-counter and not require a public hearing. That would save money and time. This could be done for the placement of sheds and minor setback violations.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A2.The board has recently been criticized for granting too many variances. The attorney for the board made this statement. I believe that the board needs to closely look at fire regulations to ensure that they are not placing too many large homes within a few feet of each other. Also, in the Bethany area, the board recently approved a cell phone tower that the community came out in force against. This is just another incidence of poor land-use planning. Finally, the county is charging a ridiculous amount of money for people in manufactured home parks to replace sheds, etc., in footprints that had been approved years ago. In these economic times, we do not need to use these hidden taxes against our retirees and hard-working residents.

Q3. What does the Sussex County of 2015 look like? 2020? How do you propose we get there?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A3. Unfortunately, there is no real sign of an economic recovery anytime soon. That makes it difficult to see what the county will look like in the future. Assuming that I am elected to the Sussex County Council in November, I can see the State of Delaware and Sussex County working much more closely. I believe the current division between State and County is becoming detrimental to county residents. We are all looking for the same end result; we have to work together to reach it. More could be done on both sides to get there.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A3. Sussex County will still be a great place to live, just as it is today. If conservative leaders like myself remain in leadership positions at the county, taxes will remain low. New residents will still be drawn to the wonderful county, as they are today. The current county council has made wise decisions that will allow us to keep the lower cost of living well into the future. For example, our local government was able to continue to operate, repair and build infrastructure during these economic times without taking on any general fund debt.

By fostering an environment that creates jobs and promotes new businesses, the county will see new types of employment opportunities. The sales-tax-free retail industry will still be big on the east coast, and agriculture will still be the rule of the land on the west side of the county. New industries entering Sussex will ensure that our children can enjoy the same type of job market in the county that they grew up in, as opposed to moving away for employment.

The only way to keep Sussex County a great place to live now, five years from now and 10 years from now is keeping the cost of government down. In order to keep our low taxes, our government needs to play a small supportive role rather than a larger dominating role that governments tend to evolve in to. Sussex County has only gotten smaller the last couple of years, as shown by the budget decrease of 18 percent.

George Cole (District 4)

A3. The vision for Sussex County should emphasize conservation. Protecting the fragile coastal areas, protecting the important watersheds on the western side and discouraging development on prime farmland should be our goal. Protecting these areas is good for our quality of life and our local economy. Controlling density, improving infrastructure and providing necessary services is my goal for Sussex.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A3. We will be fine as long as we have the fortitude to put the inland bays and infrastructure first and stick to it for more than one election cycle.

Q4. What would be your ideas for improving the Sussex County economy?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A4. Insist that county officials are part of the governor’s recruiting process to bring jobs to Sussex County.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A4. Sussex County must maintain its conservative approach to government if we are to succeed. We must maintain our low-tax, limited-government approach so that employers have the confidence to risk capital and hire new employees.

Job creation is very important in an economy like today. The county council needs to maintain and create an environment that attracts and retains successful businesses.

The County needs to constantly be prudent about buying locally when it purchases its own goods and services. This includes making sure local retailers and service providers are aware of all of the opportunities to do business with the County.

The County also has a vital economic asset with the Sussex County Airport. The continual expansion of the Sussex County Airport’s runway will ensure future economic opportunities.

Without having any negative effect to the local libraries, I am in support of the elimination of the capitation tax to help our residents. Keeping taxes low will directly help our economy.

A solid fiscal house is our best insurance for weathering the economic storms bringing down other governments and costing jobs. Sussex County enjoys that financial security.

George Cole (District 4)

A4. There is very little government can do to affect the economy. What I have done and continue to do is help create an environment that is business-friendly. By supporting low taxes, an excellent quality of life and fewer regulations than surrounding counties, I, therefore, think my presence on the Sussex County Council has helped keep our county competitive.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A4. Focus on putting in place the “infrastructure” needed to support future growth! Construction of roads, sewers and bridges will create jobs. We need to put our residents to work instead of always fighting against them.

Q5. Why does Sussex County not have a drainage code? For the prospective councilmen: If elected, would you push for a county-wide drainage/stormwater management code?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A5. It is not my intent to force more government on the taxpayers. I believe drainage is a state responsibility, and I would address this issue with our local members of the general assembly to be sure improvements are made. I would listen to all options and do what is best for our residents.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A5. The State and the Conservation Districts are vested with responsibility of drainage issues per the adopted land-use policies of Sussex County and the State. Adding another layer of bureaucracy costs more taxpayer money and slows any potential improvements. However, we do give the Conservation District money to help out with drainage problems. In fact, we put more money in the fiscal-year 2011 budget to help fund more drainage projects.

George Cole (District 4)

A5. No, I would not push for a county-wide drainage code. Currently, the Sussex County Conservation District handles drainage issue as per DNREC regulations. I think they should continue providing that service at the State level.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A5. We require drainage plan approvals of our developers, yet there is nothing in place for single-family construction. We will need to enact drainage/stormwater management controls there, similar to what we require from our developers.

Q6.— At what level is government responsible for land-use decisions? Regarding the current lawsuit against DNREC, what are your thoughts on it? For prospective councilmen, how would you deal with the specifics of the Pollution Control Strategy and issues related to it?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A6. According to the Pollution Control Strategy (PCS), the future of our Inland Bays is threatened. This could have an adverse impact on our overall economy. As a new councilman, I would educate myself on the PCS and be informed on any obligations placed upon or asked of the County.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A6. Government that governs locally governs best. Towns and counties have the closest access to the people and their concerns, so whenever possible, local control and home rule must be respected. Since it is an active lawsuit, I have been advised not to comment by legal counsel.

George Cole (District 4)

A6. Sussex County is responsible for land-use decisions, and the county lawsuit will decide the issue. The pollution control strategy is regulated at the state level, and the county will follow any regulations adopted by the State.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A6. Drop the county suit against the State and DNREC and save taxpayers’ dollars. This is perfect example of how George Cole has allowed the pendulum to swing too far in the direction of the developers. Where is the balance? We can protect our waterways and build responsible developments. Is it easy? No. But it is necessary and required by our future.

Q7. — With a reputation for protecting property rights, it seems the county council would be pushing to allow property owners the ability to install and maintain renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels, especially in light of recently-enacted state laws, rather than lobbying the state to change the law as has been mentioned in recent council discussions. What are your thoughts on this? Is the current rule stating that 5 acres are necessary for personal wind turbines outdated, or do you think it works as is? Do you think any minimum acreage is necessary considering the setback requirements outlined in the state law?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A7. Since I am not a sitting councilman and not privy to discussions that have taken place between state and county concerning this issue, I do not believe I could give a fair assessment at this time.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A7. The county has a reasonable process which provides minimum acreage for wind-turbines, while allowing property owners to petition the county through a variance to place a windmill on less than 5 acres of land. This process respects existing communities’ covenants and gives neighbors a venue to make their concerns known.

State law which overrides local control is dangerous and counterproductive to good government and local community standards. The county’s land-use planner, URDC, is currently drafting legislation which we will provide to the State in a dialog to discuss the hardship the new state law has created on property owners wanting to place wind turbines on lands of less than 5 acres.

Yes, as having a minimum acreage might help with issues such as sound. The requirement in the State law about the decibel level and setback requirements based on the size of the turbine are issues that local home owner associations and neighbors of the wind turbine should have an opportunity to comment on. Our land-use consultant is addressing these issues in hopes of providing community protections while giving the broadest opportunities to landowners who want to utilize alternative energies.

George Cole (District 4)

A7. We are currently addressing windmills as required by State law. I think the State law ignores private deed restrictions, and I think that is wrong. The county needs to get the state law modified to safeguard deed restrictions. The county should look at minimum acreage requirements.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A7. I think the 5-acre requirement on a buffer is definitely outdated. Just think of the places you have seen windmills in eastern Sussex County: down in back of Nantucket’s in Fenwick Island, in “downtown” Rehoboth and the huge one at the University of Delaware in Lewes.

I think there is acceptance among the general public that this is the direction we need to go. It is an evolutionary thing. Just look at how we feel about solar on roofs. We don’t give it a second thought. It is accepted.

Q8. — What are your thoughts on regulating wind farms/solar production facilities in the county in an effort to both support the county’s small part in lessening the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and for local economic development?

Denny Cordrey (District 5)

A8. As I stated above, county residents are in need of jobs, and the county should take advantage of every opportunity to create them. Since this is a source for future clean energy, the systems have to be built and parts have to be made. We should use our industrial parks and encourage those facilities to locate in Sussex and fill the jobs with Sussex County residents.

Vance Phillips (District 5)

A8. The County has started playing its part by beginning to build a solar field to supplement the energy to our 24-hour Emergency Operations Center. As far as regulating, I believe having our consultant’s focus on the County’s role with wind and solar is a step in the right direction.

George Cole (District 4)

A8. The county is currently working on new ordinances addressing wind farms and solar facilities. They should be required to go through a public-hearing process.

Russ Melrath (District 4)

A8. George Cole is a placater. He views his councilman position as a part-time job where he rides along, soothing people’s views and doing nothing. The Center for Inland Bays is just a few miles from his house. How many times has he been there? James Farm is a quarter-mile from his house. How many Bethany Beach town meetings has he been to? He has a real estate and antiques business in this town, and he represents it on County Council.

We have real problem with our inland bays and waterways! These problems are manmade and we can solve them, but it’s going to take a lot of work. It is time we had a full-time county councilman who is part of the solution, not part of the problem.