Friends, associates honor retiring Sussex councilmen

Although they still have three meetings remaining and several key issues to resolve, a roomful of well-wishers gathered Saturday night, Nov. 22, at the Georgetown CHEER Center to pay tribute and do a little roasting of three retiring Sussex County councilmen.

Democrats Dale Dukes, Lynn Rogers and Council President Finley Jones have 44 years of experience among them. It will be a passing of the torch when the three retire at the end of the year. The election of two Republicans, Mike Vincent of Seaford and Sam Wilson of Georgetown, will give the council a 4-1 GOP majority along with sitting councilmen George Cole and Vance Phillips. Newcomer Joan Deaver is the lone Democrat on the council.

The highlight of the evening occurred when Rogers talked about believing in miracles as he looked at his wife, Linda. She was injured six months ago in a serious, life-threatening horse-riding accident. She was able to attend the event and walk to her seat. Rogers is stepping down to devote time to help with her therapy and recovery. Jones is retiring to spend more time with his wife, Michelle, who lives in British Columbia, Canada, and Dukes is retiring after 20 years to spend more time with his family.

All three thanked county employees who have helped them over the years.

Dukes asked all county employees to stand. “It’s because of you nice things are being said about us,” he said.

“We are a team, but most of the time we are a family,” Jones said. “This is not a part-time job and we are fortunate to have a great staff.”

“I’ve learned that you are only as good as they make you look,” Rogers said of the county staff.

All three also talked about the bond they established. “We could almost tell what each other was thinking,” Dukes said. “I’m going to miss these two guys.”

He said they were in contact either by phone or email everyday.

“We’ve become friends and I really appreciate that,” Jones said.

“It’s been a great ride for 20 years, and I’ve had a great time doing it. I’m going to miss it,” Dukes said.

“This is a great county and I think we have left our mark,” Rogers said. County Administrator David Baker and former administrators Robert Stickels and Joe Conaway, who served as emcee, coordinated the program.

“They have faced massive challenges in Sussex County and faced them with dignity,” Conaway said.

Besides framed photographs and engraved gavels, Baker took some time to poke fun at the trio.

He presented Dukes with a Dale “Pop Pop” Dukes nameplate in appreciation for his nickname as the elder statesman on the council. Dukes also received a new pen to replace the worn-out pen he usually brings to meetings.

Baker said Rogers is late for a lot of meetings, so he was presented with a can of Red Bull to give him more pep and a new alarm clock to remind him of meeting times.

Jones, who once said state officials must think the council is a bunch of goat herders, was presented with a book on the subject. In addition, Baker gave him a cap with the words, “Back Off - Call Sam Wilson,” embroidered on it. Wilson was elected to fill Jones’ seat. And as they sat down, Baker presented all three with suspenders so they won’t forget Dan Cramer, a Greenwood resident who regularly attends and speaks out at council meetings – and of course, wears suspenders.

The three received proclamations from the Delaware House and Senate, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s office, First State Community Action Agency, Kent and New Castle counties and plaques from the Delaware State Firemen’s Association. Trees are being planted in their honor on the grounds of Delaware Technical & Community College.

The Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company gave the councilmen engraved watches.

Many towns and cities were represented at the event with certificates and other gifts presented from Bridgeville, Seaford, Greenwood and Lewes. Conaway said other towns and cities are planning to invite the trio to future meetings to make presentations.

Former County Administrator Bob Stickels presented a Power- Point show with photographs from the lives of the trio.

Conaway offered sage words of advice to the councilmen as they looked forward to another chapter in their lives. Among the nuggets he offered was this one: “Never, ever take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.”

And it wouldn’t be a county council gathering without at least one jab. Cole was unable to attend because of a preplanned birthday trip to Florida.

Dukes said that wasn’t the real reason he was absent. “He just can’t take it,” Dukes said. “He told me he is just going to miss me so much. That’s why he’s not here.”