Hal Godwin retires from Sussex County
After nearly 10 years as Sussex County's deputy administrator, Hal Godwin is preparing to start another chapter in his life.
Two weeks ago – without a lot of fanfare – Godwin retired from the county. “It may have seemed like short notice, but I've been looking at doing this for a year,” he said from his Milton home.
He is in the process of starting an environmental services business with his son, Joe Godwin. He said their company – set to start operation in early 2016 – will specialize in affordable services to small businesses that must comply with the same water and sewer regulations that large companies follow.
Citing a small day care center as an example of a potential client, “They become a source of public drinking water and must meet the same government regulations as large businesses,” he said. “The regulations are not that tough, but for a small business they can be a monster. We want to help give small business a shot in the arm.”
Godwin said his son approached him a year ago about going into business. “He is the brains behind this; he came up with the idea,” Godwin said.
Godwin came to Sussex County government after serving as mayor of Newark and town manager of Milton.
Godwin said he has always been an environmentalist at heart. He has served on several environmental committees representing the county and was instrumental as mayor of Newark in a $20 million overhaul of the city's water system.
“Sussex County was a great place to work; I have no complaints,” Godwin said.
He said he has worked with eight different council members over the past decade. “They all bring their own perspective to the county government table. They look for what is best for every section of Sussex County and not just their district. They really try for a balance,” he said.
Hired in March 2006, Godwin has served with three county administrators, including Bob Stickels, Dave Baker and current administrator Todd Lawson.
Godwin is the second high-profile retiree from Sussex County over the past month. County engineer Mike Izzo retired in mid-September after working for the county for 31 years.
