Kent County Levy Court Fifth District — W.G Edmanson II, incumbent; George W. Sweeney, challenger
W.G. Edmanson II
Age: 45.
Political affiliation: Republican.
Occupation/military/employment experience: U.S. Navy veteran; past small business owner; full time commissioner.
Family: Ana, wife, daughters Mia, 7, and Geena, 5.
Academic education: 1994 Delaware State University, B.S. Business.
Prior political experience: Fifth District Levy Court commissioner since special election 2007.
Campaign website or email: www.wgedmanson.org.
Why are you running for Levy Court, and what are the issues you feel are important?
I am honored to be your commissioner. It has truly been a privilege to represent you this past year and a half since winning the special election last year. I want to continue as your commissioner to represent you. I have answered many calls and worked numerous issues on behalf of the many citizens in the Fifth District. I enjoy being that voice and helping people.
I think over this past year I have distinguished myself as the commissioner that votes for the people and not the status quo. I will continue to be that voice, your voice.
My vision and priorities are simple, I voted for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance holding developers accountable for our roads, schools and emergency personnel. I want to continue this fight for our citizens and manage and plan growth accordingly. My other top priority is our local economy. We have got to bring jobs back to our county. Levy Court can’t do this by itself. But I want to partner with all levels of government to help bring companies back to Kent County. We also need to keep our taxes low. In trying economic times, we cannot raise taxes or create a tax reassessment.
In conclusion, my priorities are: Listen to the citizens (always), fight the developers and uncontrolled growth, bring jobs back to Kent County and keep taxes low.
Thank you for your support and it has truly been my privilege to be your voice in county government.
George W. Sweeney
Age: 48.
Political affiliation: Democrat.
Occupation/military/ employment experience: Computer manager/technician for state of Delaware for 18 years, currently with DelDOT; computer technician with International Playtex/Intimate Apparel for 10 years.
Family: Crystal, wife, four children ages 29, 26, 19 and 16. Two grandchildren, ages 3 and 2 months old.
Academic education: Associates degree from DelTech Community College, Data Processing; Bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College, Business Management with a minor in Information Technology.
Prior political experience: Countless candidate campaigns, Kent County Democrat Committee Treasurer.
Campaign website or email: www.friendsforjodysweeney.com.
Why are you running for Levy Court, and what are the issues you feel are important?
Kent County has been heading in the same direction as Camden, having to raise taxes to pay for infrastructure. I am the only candidate to oppose Camden’s Comprehensive Plan and their Annexation Plan, including 170 acres west of town where 1,200 homes are proposed to be built.
As a county resident for 48 years, I know where we have been, to make better decisions about where we are going. Developers in the county are building at a pace that our schools, roads, police, and fire companies are not able match with the “necessary” levels of service. Someone has to pay for infrastructure and I am committed to avoid using property taxes as the sole source of revenue to fund infrastructure. I will propose impact fees on new construction permits to help pay for infrastructure.
I will be a better representative on Levy Court than my opponent, who attends Levy Court meetings and rarely any other event. I will attend homeowner and civic association meetings, listen to the issues, and work with residents to achieve results. I will not disappear after the election. In fact, I have already started helping residents who have had problems with stormwater drainage, wastewater, residential road dedications, water supply issues, trash pickup and streetlights. I plan to offer regular meetings where residents can share issues and develop solutions to problems.
I will follow through on my promise to protect the interests of the residents in the Fifth District/county. The majority of residents are frustrated with overdevelopment and the problems that accompany it. I will vote against any development that does not meet the standards set by the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFO) for schools, roads, emergency services, and bulk utilities. My opponent has voted in favor of many new developments and those requesting exemption from the APFOs that should have been denied. Sadly, these developments will be able to continue without addressing their effect on infrastructure.
I will use my knowledge of technology to promote open government and to look for ways to improve service without increasing taxes. I will use my years of management knowledge to investigate ways to cut waste and duplication and help avert tax increases in a tough economic future.
I will support volunteer fire companies through an effort to implement a voluntary assessment through the county tax bill that would go directly to the fire district of the resident.
I have no ties to special interest groups that mean to develop the county and I will vote the will of the people. This office is not about what I want for the Fifth District; it is about what the majority of the residents want. On controversial issues, I will poll residents to better understand and represent the majority. For example, I would have been in favor of the recent County Comprehensive Plan, which my opponent voted against.
I encourage all residents to get out and vote for me, as I will represent them better on Levy Court.
Kent County Levy Court Third District — Allan F. Angel, incumbent; David L. Anderson, challenger
Allan F. Angel
Age: 55.
Political affiliation: Democrat.
Occupation/military/employment experience: Angel Dental Laboratory Inc., president, 35 years experience in the dental field; U.S. Army 1973 to 1976; Reserves 1978 to 1982.
Family: Peggy, wife; daughters Christina, 29, Kelly, 28, and Jennifer, 25.
Academic education: Delaware State College; Baylor University Army Campus; University of Maryland Army Campus; J. Sargent Reynolds A.A.S. degree dental technology, Delaware Technical College.
Prior political experience: Capitol School District Board of Education, six years.
Campaign website or email: angel13levycourt@aol.com.
Why are you running for Levy Court and what are the issues you feel are important?
I truly believe that integrity and commitment are the true convictions to those who serve the public. As a democratic society, we “listen” to our county residents with their concerns, issues, desires, and wishes in a way that their voices can be heard. One voice, one vote is how we are judged in being elected to serve you the people.
A four-year investment made in my first term in Levy Court experience has provided me with an education in making policies and ordinances that have greatly changed the way government used to be. Levy Court has done exactly what you wanted, slow growth down and control development. We need to stay the course and not lose sight of the goals you expect. Infrastructure before development, we want “smart” growth. Simply put, our taxes should not go up to pay for the influx of people moving to Kent County. That’s going to burden our hospitals, schools, roads, EMS, water, as well as pave over or develop every inch of Kent County. Levy Court will continue to promote long-range planning to insure a better quality of life for all residents.
Levy Court economic plan is starting with a new accountable partnership that will bring businesses and jobs to Kent County. This will be brought forward in the upcoming weeks. The planning of this endeavor will be a proactive style based on performance and a new work ethic, where we can assure the taxpayers their dollars are being spent wisely in bringing business here.
Having business come here, we must continue to work with our colleges for degrees that feed our workforce needs, to promote educational enhancement and advance placement from within. With the Air Force base here we also realize that the people who serve and travel with their vast experience and knowledge from all over the world bring an added value to the jobs they are trained to do. This gives Kent County an abundance of untapped talent that can move this county forward with proper education in place. With a library that can support our community and the needs of our educational schools, colleges and businesses.
Energy for the future is on all our minds, not just for us, but our children’s future livelihoods, too. I believe we need to look at trash to steam for energy. We can monitor the air better, than pollute the ground that contaminates our water supply, kills our wildlife and produces large landfills where land and space is becoming an issue.
Alternative energy through solar, wind and biomass technology. If we do not plan now, the issue becomes how much more can we afford? Levy Court has started planning for some of these topics by trying to produce its own self-driven energy, our waste treatment plant, thus reducing the cost to the taxpayer.
Growth, economic development, energy, communication, availability; reasons to continue working for you!
David L. Anderson
Age: 39.
Political affiliation: Republican.
Occupation/military/employment experience: IT contractor, former NVS service manager, member of the Delaware Army National Guard.
Family: Jeannie, wife; children Rebecca and Levi.
Academic education: Oral Roberts University; Delaware Skills Center, PC Tech; Kent Christian Academy.
Prior political experience: Past member of Dover Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement committee; past Dover Human Relations Commissioner; current member of Academy of Dover School Board; Chairman of Stop Overtaxing Our People; past board member of Because We Care Inc.; Constitutional Preservation Council co-founder; co-founder of the Delaware Initiative and Referendum Coalition; State Vice Chair of United We Stand Delaware Inc.; American Family Association chapter chair; Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee.
Campaign website or email: www.andersonforlevycourt.com.
Why are you running for Levy Court, and what are the issues you feel are important?
I believe that local government is a vital but often overlooked factor in our daily lives. It will be even more important in the troubled times we now face. I don’t believe our county government is serving our needs today. It has failed us in managing our money, emergency/disaster management, providing a positive business environment and even failed in following its own procedures.
Unemployment has soared even faster than the national average up by a third. We have lost 40% of our manufacturing jobs over the last decade. The banks are suffering, yet we have slashed the economic development outlays from $1.6 million to $73,000 in the last two years since Mr. Angel and company have taken over Levy Court.
I propose an entire agenda laid out on my websites, which include tax credits to new and expanding businesses. I want to use the unique position of the county to allow local businesses to access federal grants to help them with exports and other activities (businesses cannot apply directly — a local government has to participate). I want us to coordinate with existing business development programs better so people will have a one-stop information resource. I would like to follow also some of the recommendations of the study we paid to get.
Now is not the time for tax reassessment. It would slam our seniors when they can least afford it. Everything else is going up. Can’t Kent County look out for us? I also oppose a property tax increase. My opponent has a record of raising taxes 43% while on the Capital school board and stated at a Levy Court budget hearing that we may need to raise taxes.
I believe we need to manage our money better. We need to partner with the municipalities throughout the county to expand libraries accessible to all citizens of the county. We don’t need to go it alone. It makes no sense to duplicate the expenditures when we can be partners. The same is true of parks. I was glad to be part of helping save taxpayers $10 million by opposing the original $13 million Schutte Park facility. I was a vocal advocate of a metal building that fit in the budget. As part of the parks and recreation committee, I participated in the change. I see the same spendthrift instincts with the county. It is seen in the spending of $12,500 on trips by Mr. Angel to Hawaii and elsewhere when everyone else did it for a fraction of the cost. We need to reform our thinking.
Disaster response is a disaster. We remember the Reichhold spill debacle, and the poor flood responses. The untold story is that Mr. Angel approved County Emergency Management Agency goals, which said that it would strive to notify us 90% of the time and respond 80% of the time. I think 100% is the only goal when it comes to my family’s safety.
Please allow me to make Levy Court work for you.
Kent County Comptroller — Steven Artz and Georgette F. Williams, both challengers
Steven Artz
Age: 51.
Political affiliation: Republican.
Occupation/military/ employment experience: Business manager for dental office in Dover; DuPont: various and successively more responsible positions, from research to manufacturing to marketing.
Family: Wife Stephanie; Heidi the mini-lab.
Academic education: B.S. Penn State, Ph.D chemistry UCLA from Noble laureate Dr. Don Cram.
Prior political experience: Fourth-grade student council. This is my first time since then.
Campaign website or email: Artz4comptroller@verizon.net; phone: 359-9944.
Why are you running for comptroller, and what are the issues you feel are important? I am running for office in order to save Kent taxpayers money.
I can do this because I believe Kent County residents deserve government that is simple, smart and open. The best candidate for Kent County comptroller gives you new independent eyes looking over the county’s books, ensuring the best value for your tax dollars.
The comptroller countersigns all checks and warrants for payments made by the county and county commissioners as well as audits the books to ensure accuracy and legality. I currently do this job. I will bring a real world perspective and balanced representation to our county. That is why I am running for Kent County comptroller.
I plan to focus on three areas to improve our county government and to save all of us money:
• Simpler: Enhance the productivity of the three-person office of the comptroller, without expansion.
• Smarter: Employ audit processes used by leaders in business, and help the county better forecast revenues and expenses.
• More open: Initiate a guest auditor program and build on the state’s financial disclosure of elected officials.
• Many of our county residents I have met so far are welcoming and supportive of my ideas, realizing this is an opportunity for a fresh, new, and independent approach for our county.
Integrity counts!
Georgette F. Williams
Age: 64.
Political affiliation: Democrat.
Occupation/military/employment experience: Information not provided.
Family: Daughters, Laurie Coventry and Babara Williams; son, Jim Williams; six grandchildren.
Academic education: High school education.
Prior political experience: Councilwoman, town of Wyoming.
Campaign website or email: None.
Why are you running for comptroller, and what are the issues you feel are important? I have a long and dedicated interest in the government of Kent County. Having worked for Kent County for approximately 19 years, eight as deputy controller for both William Torbert and Kathleen Koch, two years as deputy receiver of taxes for Laura Belle Wilson, three years in the Department of Inspections and Enforcement, and just completing six years of deputy recorder of deeds for Betty Lou McKenna.
The comptroller’s responsibility is to review and approve all invoices, disburse county funds, audit all cash accounts, perform an annual audit in each of the county row offices and review all financial statements of community service organizations receiving county funds.
In addition, the comptroller reviews all accounts payable for accuracy and compliance with Kent County policies and sees that all payments are made in a timely fashion. The comptroller coordinates with the finance and personnel departments to improve procedures required to fulfill the county’s reporting obligations.
When elected, I plan to be a full time comptroller using my hands-on experience in the fields of accounting, computers, management and budget preparation.
Kent County Register of Wills — Thomas E. Weyant, incumbent; John J. Friedman, challenger
Thomas E. Weyant
Age: 76.
Political affiliation: Democrat.
Occupation/military/employment experience: Most of my life has been working in the social network addressing the needs of older adults, disabled, veterans and their families.
Family: six children.
Academic education: Graduate, Dover High School; have attended college.
Prior political experience: Register of wills for the past eight years.
Campaign website or email: None.
Why are you running for register of wills, and what are the issues you feel are important? I have worked to ensure quality service to the public, legal community, title companies and others. I feel the public should be informed on matters pertaining to wills and estates, and my booklet, “Wills and Estates,” has been well received with over 25,000 copies given out.
My greatest achievement was upgrading the computer system and operation of the office, upgrading the staff’s positions and the safekeeping of records to be more effective and efficient. When a person expires, a will is presented in behalf of the decedent and will be executed accordingly. When there is no will, the state will probate the estate. Let me assure you that having a will is most important and it be executed to a person’s wishes.
The following are my proposed goals upon being elected to this office:
• To continue to maintain an effective and efficient office serving the public within the structure of Delaware laws, in conjunction with county policies and procedures.
• To expand the office’s education programs to enhance the public’s knowledge of the office as it relates to them and others.
• To seek ongoing methods of providing quality service and strive to unify the procedures and guidelines in all the three county register of wills offices.
The county is experiencing tremendous growth in all areas, especially the county population. The two most important issues are providing quality service to all and have the right technology to meet the demands placed on this office.
John J. Friedman
Age: 53.
Political affiliation: Republican.
Occupation/military/employment experience: USAF policeman, 4 years, C-5A loadmaster, 7 years; Dover business, 3 years; Delaware Division of Revenue, tax examiner, less than one year; corporate controller, Hanby’s Office Supply, 2 years; city of Dover planning commission, 14 years; executive director, Delaware Psychiatry, 5 years; executive director, Phoenix Mental Health, 9 years; CEO, Phoenix Behavioral Health, 2 years and still going.
Family: Wife, Faye; son, Travis, age 23.
Academic education: Wilmington College, BS in accounting; Wilmington College, work on an MBA (incomplete).
Prior political experience: No elected office, ran a campaign, along with the rest of Dover, for mayor in 2004.
Campaign website or email: None.
Why are you running for register of wills, and what are the issues you feel are important? I am seeking to be elected to the position of the recorder of wills in Kent County primarily because several members of the Republican party and the community in general thought I would be a good person for the job.
Specifically, I will bring a considerable amount of experience as a successful business man and administrator for a wide variety of organizations. I am a firm believer that superior customer service must be the standard for all service entities, public or private — they must live and operate by delivering a high quality of service. In this position good solid service is most important because your customers are going through a difficult time and really need support.
It is my goal, as part of the team in that office, to bring us to the point of automation where we can operate both more efficiently and with less taxpayer money. I rarely accept the status quo, always seeking to enter into discussion on how we can improve the methods we employ to get our jobs done.
When elected, I will serve the people of Kent County well.
