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MORNING STAR • SepTeMbeR 16 - 22, 2010
County Council ponders Sussex Department of Transportation
By Ronald MacArthur
A Sussex County Department of Transportation may not seem as far-fetched as most would think. At its Tuesday, Aug. 24 meeting, Sussex County Council authorized Deputy County Administrator Hal Godwin to research the idea of the county getting into the roadwork business. Council will discuss his report during a meeting in September. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has the final say and funds all transportation, including bridges, roads and public transportation, in the county. “There is a disconnect between land use and infrastructure funding,” said Council President Vance Phillips of Laurel. “We were told the state would build roads where development would occur and the state dropped the ball.” Councilman Mike Vincent of Seaford said officials in New Castle County would not even contemplate taking over the roads. “The money goes there; it seems there are no problems getting roads done in New Castle
County. The problem is here because the state is not doing anything.” Councilman George Cole of Ocean View reminded Vincent that even though Sussex County is much larger than New Castle County, its population is more than three times greater – 600,000 compared to 150,000. “But there are a lot more than 150,000 people in Sussex County during the weekends using the roads,” said Councilman Sam Wilson of Georgetown. (The actual population figures, according to the U.S. Census, are 535,000 for New Castle County and 190,000 for Sussex County.) Sussex County has more than 2,300 miles of the state’s 6,281 miles of public roadways. Phillips said he might have the three votes needed to make the dramatic change. The discussion occurred during the presentation of a draft capital transportation program request by County Administrator David Baker. The requests will be submitted to DelDOT as part of its 2011-2017 capital transportation program prior to a Thursday, Sept. 16 workshop at
Singletree Stables riding school plans celebration for 40 years in business
Singletree Stables, located on Briarhook Road just northwest of Seaford, is celebrating 40 years of business with an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to stop in and tour the barns, ride the horses, play games and learn about tack and technique. Started in 1970 by Janet Esterson, Singletree Stables Riding School has educated, trained and put smiles on hundreds of student’s faces, young and old. In March 1976, Mollie A. Esterson, Janet’s daughter, completed her course of study at Meredith Manor Equestrian Career College in Waverly, W.V. She returned to her western Sussex County roots and assumed the responsibility of operating the Riding School. Mollie received three degrees at Meredith Manor: Riding Instructor, Camp Instructor and Riding Master. Her education and experience are the reasons her students continue taking lessons year after year. Mollie eventually became an International Side Saddle instructor and judge. She also completed the American Riding Instructor Certification Program. She founded the Briarhook Pony Club, works with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and holds tours to introduce young children to the wonderful world of horseback riding. Singletree Stables offers many programs, each designed to achieve specific results. Her approach is not one size fits all. Some of the programs include: Summer Camps, Private Lessons, Family Lessons, Group Lessons, Gymkhana, Saddle Seat, Hunter, Dressage, Western Pleasure and Side Saddle. For more information, call Mollie at 629-4971 and visit www. singletreestables.net.
DelDOT’s south district administration building off Route 113 in Georgetown. The workshop will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Council members said as the need for more road improvements grows in the county, the amount of money available through DelDOT shrinks. Phillips said the county does a good job providing sewer service to county residents, and it could
do the same with roads. “When will Sussex County ever be given its fair share of transportation funding if we are not in control?” he asked. Phillips said if the county received its share of revenue, including fuel taxes and federal transportation funding, it could do a better job. “It wouldn’t happen overnight; it would take a transition period,” he said.
It may be a hard sell for Phillips. At least two council members voiced concern even before Godwin has a chance to prepare a report. “I’m not in favor of a Sussex DOT,” said Councilwoman Joan Deaver of Rehoboth Beach. “We need to have a conversation first because taxes go up when government grows,” Cole said.