Sussex ends year on a high note

Following the Sussex County Council meeting this week, council members hosted a reception for Vance Phillips, who finished his fourth four-year term as a member. Phillips lost his bid for a fifth term when newcomer Rob Arlett received more votes in a Republican primary.

At the reception, Phillips spoke glowingly of Arlett and what he termed his solid conservative credentials. Indeed, the entire reception confirmed what is obvious to most: Sussex County continues to be managed by a solidly conservative core of elected officials. Speaker after speaker reiterated the county’s long-established leanings toward preserving the rights of property owners, low taxes, limited government and fiscal responsibility.

When the housing bubble began to hiss in 2007 and the nation’s economy tanked, Sussex County’s government held the line on taxes while trimming costs as responsibly and painlessly as possible and meeting all of its financial obligations. That’s saying something in a county that relies so heavily on property and real estate transfer taxes to manage its government.

Four of the five past county administrators also joined the reception. Speaking about the county’s financial position, former Administrator Dave Baker noted that Sussex ranks in the top 1 percent of the nation’s jurisdictions when it comes to funding of pension obligations. He said funding for healthcare obligations is in a similar favorable position.

Phillips made it a point to speak supportively of all the nonprofit organizations that do so much for the people of Sussex County. “They really do pick up and fill the gaps for government that can’t be everything for everybody.”

In the spirit of this holiday season, current and former council members demonstrated their respect for one another, their overarching concern for the long-term best interests of Sussex County, and the fundamental and binding principle of love around which the Christian holiday of Christmas is built.

That’s how the year ended for Sussex County Council. No one knows what the new year will bring for this county now numbering more than 200,000 souls, but if its government begins with a continued commitment to financial responsibility, respect for all, and love, it will begin the new year standing firmly on solid ground.