Kent County Levy Court is the County government. The Levy Court is composed of seven elected Commissioners, six of whom are elected from the districts in which they reside and the seventh is elected at-large to represent the entire county. The commissioners have both legislative (policy making) and executive powers and are responsible for county finances, facilities, personnel and rural zoning. They approve an annual budget, determine tax levies, issue bonds for county capital improvement, buy and sell land and buildings, manage real and personal property, manage facilities for sewage, develop recreational and employment programs, provide ambulance service, libraries and other necessary county infrastructure. Levy Court Commissioners serve staggered 4-year terms.
Salary: $37.248/year
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Facebook Page: Susanlanyonforlevycourt@facebook.com
Work Experience: 20+ years as a not-for-profit executive – 5 years as a public library staff member
Community Involvement: Rotary Club of Wilmington, Bellevue Community Center Board of Directors, Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals, Delaware Library Association, Forum for Executive Women, numerous volunteer leadership roles at community events
Education: MS Organizational Leadership – Wilmington University – New Castle, DE
Neighborhood/area of residence: Camden, Delaware
Campaign Phone: (302) 528-3015
Campaign Email: Lanyon4levycourt@gmail.com
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: I am a public servant that has made my career out of supporting institutions and organizations that enhance the lives of others. Working as a successful director of three national not for profits I understand what is required to work on behalf of others. Solving problems, balancing budgets, and facilitating growth for the benefit of all, not just a few, is one of the hallmarks of my skill set I will bring to office. My understanding and implementation of the strategy of “People before Politics” will improve and complement the work of the Kent County Levy Court. Acknowledging and addressing concerns from constituents based on facts will allow deliberate growth in a way that preserves the beauty and character of Kent County.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: The most urgent issues in Kent County are the current budget deficit and affordable housing.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. Strategic changes are needed. We must maintain the growth zone and insure that adequate infrastructure is in place to accommodate expansion. Collaboration with the State of Delaware, particularly DelDOT, is key in creating a long term plan that addresses and accommodates planned growth. A realistic strategy to attracting and training a skilled workforce is critical. Additionally, the lack of broad band service is a significant disadvantage to many residents. This must be addressed and solved to accommodate current residents and new residents as well as businesses. Barriers to housing and economic development must be addressed by reducing regulations that create a barrier to forward movement.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: Presently we are experiencing a housing crisis where demand is greater than supply. Current zoning and development regulations, including set backs and lot sizes limit opportunities to build affordable housing. I will focus on improving regulations that benefit the public by increasing affordable housing and work to reduce regulations that stand in the way.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: My connection to the community is extremely diverse. I will create opportunities in District 5 where everyone will be able to voice their concerns and ideas. Attending events, facilitating town hall meetings, visiting churches and being available to residents will allow everyone to participate. I am aware that intersectionality is a roadblock that affects too many. I am committed to breaking this barrier to allow Kent county to reflect all of our demographic, not just part of it.
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057750625342
Additional Information: 2012 Honorary Commander with the Dover Air Force Base, participating with many community events hosted by my assigned squadron and base commanders. 2019 Legislative Award for Outstanding Support and Leadership of Parks and Recreation Departments. 2022 Public Official of the Year, Stars of Delaware program..
Work Experience: 16 years as Kent County Commissioner in my District. 27 years with the state in various roles, including DelDOT and Department of Technology and Information, retiring after my final seven years with Smyrna School District. 5 years as Chief Information Officer with Wesley College.
Community Involvement: Community involvement with Viola-Canterbury-Felton Ruritan, Wyoming United Methodist Church, attending Homeowner Association meetings, Civic Association meetings, attending State Legislator public meetings.
Education: Wilmington University Bachelors Degree in Business Management; Delaware Tech Associates Degree in Information Technology
Neighborhood/area of residence: Moose Lodge Rd
Campaign Phone: (302) 943-7328
Campaign Email: jody.sweeney@kentcountyde.gov
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: My Opponent has not lived in Kent County for more than 5 years. I have lived here for 63 of my 64 years, growing up in Rodney Village and just off Old Mill Rd. I have 16 years in this elected office, forging relationships with hundreds of people who are leaders in their communities, families who needed assistance with County or State issues, or anyone who knew me to be a public official who would listen. For the last 39 years, I have lived on Moose Lodge Rd. I became involved in County politics because I opposed a massive subdivision planned for the area east of Moose Lodge Rd. I am contacted by residents all over the County because they have heard that I am someone who will listen and will try to help with their issues.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: Managing County spending to continue our history of low property taxes and avoid future tax increases, focusing on public safety and government transparency. As the economy improves and new businesses relocate here, attracting more residential growth, improve coordination with DelDOT. Address an increase in poor quality home construction and non-responsive developers or builders who fail to honor warrantees on their construction. Increase the School Impact Fee to provide more developer/builder contributions to impact on school population with their development. Continue to support the development of County parks and recreational opportunities that are available to all residents for very low cost.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: I was the only Commissioner who voted against eliminating the County Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances that helped to manage growth. Commissioners should not have removed them. The Roads APFO was effective at forcing a deeper traffic study to ensure that developers are addressing traffic concerns made worse by their development. As a member of the Dover-Kent MPO, I participate in guiding transportation focus for the next fifty years in Kent County. Schools APFO and Impact Fees were used by CR’s to offset the local costs to purchase St. Thomas Moore Academy for the Magnolia Middle School, and not having to raise the school tax rate for the purchase.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: Developers and Builders gain a much higher profit margin on larger homes than on smaller homes. The only way to encourage developers and builders to build smaller homes is to incentivize that construction by allowing higher density or to subsidize their profit margin, which would result in high property taxes to fund such an initiative. Without these two options, the market will drive the construction of affordable housing, with young families demanding smaller homes, and not overspending their budgets on larger homes. When the inventory of larger homes becomes bloated, their prices will drop, allowing for lower priced smaller homes to become more profitable.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: I already attend Civic and Homeowner Association Meeting, as well as State Legislators’ public meetings, providing an opportunity to listen to constituent concerns. I work with residents to host Community Clean-Up days and Picnics. I attend community yard sales and picnics, meeting with people in a relaxed atmosphere to just listen. I attend community meetings hosted by school districts when discussing financial issues and possible funding resolutions, to listen to the public’s concerns. Levy Court Commissioner is a full-time position, requiring many nights of meeting with constituents and the public, if the Commissioner wants to do it right.
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