Wheatley plans run for Sussex council District 5 seat

Bob Wheatley, chairman of the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission, has thrown his hat in the ring for another county elected position.

The Laurel commercial Realtor will officially announce his candidacy for Sussex County Council District 5 at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Georgia House Restaurant in Millsboro.

As the longest serving member of the current planning and zoning commission, Wheatley was first appointed in 1995; his term expires in 2016.

Wheatley, a Democrat, is business development director for the Whayland Company and serves as president of the Whayland Group. Last fall he was appointed by Gov. Jack Markell to the state's Association of Professional Engineers.

Wheatley's announcement follows that of Democrat Dagsboro Mayor Brad Connor, who is also running for the District 5 race. Republican Harry Orvin Strickler of Frankford has also filed for the seat held by Laurel Republican Vance Phillips, who said he plans to seek another term.

Party primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9.