New Sussex County Councilman Sam Wilson, R-Georgetown, was in office less than two hours when he attacked the appointment of Gregory Fuller Sr. as Sussex County register of wills.

He did not waste words when he said he couldn’t understand how Fuller could effectively manage two jobs at the same time. Fuller is also a security and safety inspector for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, which has an office in Milford.

Fuller says his flexible schedule will allow plenty of time for both jobs.

Gov. Ruth Ann Minner appointed Democrat Fuller, 46, of Lincoln, to the row-office post when Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, stepped down after being elected to the General Assembly.

“The governor appointed the wrong person,” Wilson said. “He already has a full-time job.”

Wilson, who was sworn in prior to the start of the Tuesday, Jan. 6 council meeting, said there are plenty of qualified people looking for jobs who could fill the position. When contacted by phone, Fuller said he plans to work at least two days a week for at least three to four hours each day, which will probably turn out to be more time than any other register of wills has worked in the office. Fuller’s name surfaced in county circles when he ran unsuccessfully against George Parish for Sussex County clerk of the peace.

He said he was surprised the issue of his work schedule had surfaced again since he had explained it during his run for clerk of the peace. “This is not the first time this has come up,” he said. “It came up first to me.”

Fuller said he would not have run for clerk of the peace if his work schedule was not conducive to taking time off during the day. Fuller said his job with the state provides him with a unique flexible schedule. “I can make my own hours, as long as the inspections are completed,” he said. He is charged with inspections at the state’s six Level 4 juvenile detention facilities, including the William Marion Stevenson House in Milford.

County attorney James Griffin said the row office positions are created under the auspices of the state constitution and not under the purview of the county. But, he said, the county can evaluate the performance of the office because the register of wills is paid with county taxpayer money - $23,000 a year.

Griffin backed up Fuller’s claim that the job is not a full-time job and most row officers do not report to the office each day. “They might come in once a week, or just for a few hours,” he said. Fuller said the office staff seemed surprised when he asked for a computer because no other register of wills had requested one. “When I told them I would be there two days a week, they were not used to that,” he said. “But, like I told them, because of my military background I have to lead by example so I need a working knowledge of the office.”

County Administrator David Baker said he and Fuller had met and discussed his flexible work schedule. Wilson didn’t buy that answer. “It seems like nothing more than double dipping to me,” Wilson said. “It’s out of order.” New Council President Vance Phillips, R-Laurel, suggested Fuller’s work schedule should be in writing.

Griffin said he was sure Fuller would be more than willing to address the council on any concerns it might have.

Councilman George Cole, R-Ocean View, said it was much ado about nothing. “It’s not our business to worry about. We have enough on our plate,” he said. The council did not take any action on the matter.