Like most days, long-time Kent County resident Bill Holmes could be found on Oct. 21 sitting amid fish sculptures, duck paintings and Philadelphia Eagles memorabilia at his office on South Governors Avenue.

Holmes took a moment to share some insights on being president of the Kent County Regional Planning Commission and why he was first chosen to wear a red suit and say “Ho, ho, ho” at local holiday parties. 

Q: How did you join the Regional Planning Commission? What keeps you motivated to keep serving on this county board?

A: Years and years ago, I was on the Dover City Planning Commission, and when I moved out of town, I could no longer serve on that board. Levy Court was given my name by the city of Dover, and I’ve been serving since 1992 or 1993.

As part of the commission, I try to do what’s right for the county and for the citizens. During public hearings, I like to let as many people speak as possible, because I figure that they’re paying their tax bills and deserve to have a few minutes to speak on an issue. People also don’t usually get an opportunity to blow off a little steam about something. I try to be there for the every day guy and keep his interest in my mind when we’re talking about a project.

Q: What do you think people should know about RPC?

A: We’re there to make a recommendation to the Levy Court. We act as a sounding board or a first-review for a project, but we don’t usually make the final decision. The commission is also made up of a lot of good people, and there’s no politics on the Planning Commission. That doesn’t play a role in any of our decisions.

Q: I heard you dress up as Santa Claus around the holidays. Can you tell me more about your experiences?

A: I’ve been playing Santa Claus for about 30 years. I used to rent a suit, but now, I own my own red suit. It’s something that I do for the community, because they’ve given so much to me. If I can make a child laugh or bring someone a little Christmas cheer, it makes it all worth it.

I got started on it because my neighbor was the mayor of Dover, and he said their guy couldn’t do the event for that year and asked me to be the pinch hitter. At the time that I started playing Santa Claus, I weighed about 400 pounds, but since then, I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 190 pounds. Now, my suit is a little looser on me.

Q: Are there any other hobbies or activities that you enjoy?

A: I enjoy working in the yard, and I also like spending time with my Yorkshire terrier Mickey and my family. I go to NASCAR races and have been to the Daytona 500 and other races. For 20 years, I’ve also had season tickets to the Philadelphia Eagles games.

Email Elaine Hughes at elaine.hughes@doverpost.com.