Sussex County students learn about government

High school students interested in political science visited the Sussex County Seat of Georgetown Oct. 29 to witness local government in action.

Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Sussex County, the Youth Appreciation Day trip brought juniors and seniors from Delmar High, Sussex Academy and Sussex Technical High School to Georgetown to meet legislative and judicial officials.

Between visits to the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court, students met with county employees and some county council members before council’s weekly meeting.

County Administrator Todd Lawson detailed which council members represent each district and explained the election process. Vice President John Rieley and Councilman Doug Hudson are not up for election this year and are safe, Lawson said, while President Mike Vincent and Councilwoman Cindy Green were defeated in their primaries. Councilman Mark Schaeffer is up for election, Lawson said, and would not be attending the meeting because he was out campaigning.

The council sets policies, and county employees carry out the day-to-day operations, Lawson said, the most important of which is the fiduciary duty to collect taxes and spend money wisely. Council sets the policy on how to spend other peoples’ money, Lawson said.

For every dollar collected, more than 50% goes to public safety, Lawson said, with remaining funds spread among general and special services, and libraries. The county also owns an airport, and maintains water and sewer districts, he said. 

Rieley told students it was a joy to serve, and the biggest challenge is voting on land use. People come in with applications wanting to change zoning, he said, and many citizens have strong opinions on growth and development. 

Hudson encouraged students to get involved and learn about their counties, as they may aspire to be part of the county workforce or become an elected representative. He urged them all to exercise their right to vote when able.

Rob Murray explained how the county’s 911 call center works to dispatch help to callers. Students watched a portion of the meeting before returning to court to watch a trial.