Extra

Good evening, members of County Council, ladies and gentlemen & my fellow citizens of New Castle County. 

Tonight I have the privilege of presenting to you, the State of our County address.  This is my, eighth and final, such report to our residents of New Castle County. I am thrilled to tell you now, that we have saved the best for last.  In the eight years in which I have served as your County Executive, I have never been as excited to take this podium to tell everyone all about the wonderful news here in our hometown.  In fact, I believe that in the 21 years as a New Castle County police officer, listening to former County Executives, I have never HEARD such good news about the state of New Castle County.

Eight years ago, we launched upon a journey to identify the core mission of New Castle County Government, so that we could reinvent this government to deliver excellence.  We BELIEVED that our citizens of New Castle County deserve great value for their tax dollars and we were DETERMINED to create that great value.

The first year that I served you as County Executive - 1997 – always reminds me of when John Kennedy said:  “When we got into office, the thing that surprised me most, was to find that things were JUST AS BAD as we’d been saying they were.”

That’s exactly what happened to us.  We were told in 1997, through a national consultants’ report, that the predictions from the Office of Finance were correct:  the projected $100 million deficit was accurate.  That was a real problem because when I ran for office, I was determined to operate government with no tax increase.  This news about a $100 million shortfall was unsettling, to say the least.

So, we got to work.  Our first step, in calculating which way to go, as Margaret Thatcher said, was to find out exactly where we were.  We were in charge of a government headed for financial doom, even though it had raised taxes, on average, every - other year.  We saw an organization which had sprawled out illogically, as different political groups came and left power every four years, each switching the government’s directions through its own political management.  The only apparent difference in the philosophy of the rotating political leadership in the history of county government seemed to be that some thought you should tax and spend, others thought you should spend and tax.

The words of Gore Vidal, which I had read while studying Public Administration years ago, echoed in my mind during this 1997 time of reinventing county government.  He said:  “The genius of our system is that it has kept a majority of the people from ever questioning the inequity of most people drudging along, paying heavy taxes, for which they get nothing in return.”

Well, I believed then and still do now, that we should KNOW what our taxes do for us.  I wanted to create a realization of the value of county government services, while living within the existing tax structure, with no tax increases.  Benjamin Franklin said back in 1787 that nothing is certain but death and taxes.  I believed then, and now, that the certainty of tax increases is absolutely avoidable.  And you can still deliver great value in services to our taxpayers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to announce this evening that there will be no tax increase for the eighth year in a row.

We said we could do it… we said we would do it… and, indeed, we did it!  I have proudly served you as your County Executive for 8 years, pouring all my energies into creating value for our residents in New Castle County, and I kept my promise.  No tax rate increases, no sewer rate increases, in 8 years!

8 years ago we separated the tax bills so that our citizens could easily keep track of our promise.  You may remember that state law requires New Castle County to collect the taxes for state schools.  We thought that, while putting both separate tax amounts in one bill saved some postage costs, it confused some taxpayers who thought they were paying New Castle County the full combined amount.  Eight years ago, we began separate billing so residents could better understand the little they pay in county taxes, and hopefully better appreciate the valuable services received for their tax dollar.

Here is an example of a tax bill in 1997 & 2004

See?  Miracles do happen.  I was running for office and made a promise.  I kept that promise.  Miracle number one??  No tax increase for 8 years in New Castle County!  And miracle number 2?  New Castle County has again received the highest possible rating in the fiscal world - triple (AAA) bond rating!

I remember the first time that the Chief Financial Officer, Ron Morris, took us to Wall Street to meet the ratings agencies.  We were determined to learn how to attain the highest bond rating.  We were told, then, by all three agencies that it would not be possible because of our commitment to freeze tax rates.  The history of this government’s incessant need to raise taxes every other year, and the projected $100 million deficit, foretold of problems to the raters.

We were not to be dissuaded, however.  Chief Financial Officer, Ron Morris, spent hundreds of hours with myself and with Chief Administrative Officer, Sherry Freebery.  Together, we strategized the best operational approach to implement the fiscal strategies necessary to attain the highest bond rating.  This is when I was first introduced to the term “programmed spending.”

As many of you know, the reason the best bond rating is important is that it enables government to borrow money at the lowest possible rate.  That money can then be used to create valuable services for our citizens.  Last week, New Castle County achieved another historic, financial first.  We received the best rate ever in the history of New Castle County – 3.24% - in the largest bond deal ever in New Castle County - $100 million.

As a result of our outstanding financial ratings, we saved taxpayers $5 million.  We will build fabulous parks, libraries and sewers with this money, and still save $5 million!

And now more incredible, financial news.  Remember the projected $100 million general fund shortfall in 1997?  Today in 2004, nothing short of a miracle… we have a combined financial surplus of $242 million.  Surplus.

Now the financial rating agencies are asking us to show them how we did all this.  One rating agency even said they wished they had a higher rating to give, because we deserve it, and they would give it.  Another financial agency will be using our financial policies as a model for other governments. 

There are 3000 counties in America.  New Castle County is one of only 21 counties which have been awarded AAA bond rating.  And  New Castle County has the highest surplus of any of those 21 counties…. And the lowest property tax.     

Ladies and gentlemen – we have earned our bragging rights!

We are number one!

• No tax increase in 8 years
• AAA bond rating
• $242 million surplus
• Outstanding services:
  • Parks & libraries!
  • Public safety!
  • Customer service!
  • Environmental service!
  • Community service!

The financial strategy was great, the operational strategy was great, but I could never have accomplished any of this alone.  In the words of Woodrow Wilson:  “I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow.”

Let me introduce, and publicly thank, our great New Castle County management team, whose brains I have borrowed and relied upon throughout the years:

Our Chief Financial Officer:  Ron Morris

This year marks the 25^th budget compiled by Ron Morris.  It also marks Ron’s 30^th year as a New Castle County employee.  Ron has achieved the absolute pinnacle of professional success… AAA bond ratings 3 years in a row!

Ron, on behalf of the citizens of New Castle County, thank you so much for your integrity, dedication and brilliance in your service to our community.  You have created a legend in fiscal stewardship.  As a friend and an admirer, I thank you.  I would like all of Ron’s team in the Finance Department to please stand now, so that I may also thank you for helping New Castle County achieve such financial success – ladies and gentleman, the AAA team!

And now, from the Department of Special Services – Mr. Joe Freebery, General Manager.

Joe, your outstanding management ability and, over 20 years experience with New Castle County, and natural leadership have transformed 3 old County departments:  Parks, Administrative Services & Sewers, into the high performing Department of Special Services.  You have taken a service approach which was completely reactionary to problems, and created proactive environmental planning.  You and your department are responsible for the creation and operation of our beautiful parks.  You stood tall and accepted the massive challenges of Carousel and Rockwood properties.  You build our facilities, you keep the lights on in our facilities, and you manage an extremely complicated sewer system.   You make it look so easy—  and it is such a critical service to our citizens and our environment.    Please have your team stand for our thanks!

Ms. Diane Baker – our General Manager of Community Services.  Diane, your lifetime of service to New Castle County has made you a fabulous leader who has accomplished so much for our citizens.  You and your team have developed the Ice Cream Festival into the finest event in New Castle County.  Your energy and smile are the inspiration behind our fun-filled activities… and I thank you.  Best of all, you have led your team to excellence in our libraries and now, we are truly the envy of others… our libraries are fun, beautiful centers of community activity.  I invite all your team to stand and be recognized.

With over 1500 full time employees and 1000 retirees, with myriad everyday personnel issues, the challenges never end.  Let me introduce the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Pat Lutz DiIenno, General Manager of HR.

Pat, you, Sherry and I grew up through the ranks of New Castle County – you in Personnel and we in Police.  Your guidance through all these years has been invaluable.  Together, we went from 1996 facing TWO HUNDRED left-over grievances, to a record low of 22 grievances filed in 2003.  Never has the relationship between managers and employees ever reached this all time high.  With your guidance, New Castle County has saved millions of dollars in workers compensation – no small feat in today’s out-of-control health care situation.  Dr. DiIenno, I thank you personally and invite your team to stand and be publicly thanked also.

Now, to the remarkable reform in Land Use throughout New Castle County.  Charles Baker, General Manager of Land Use Department, please stand.  You, Mr. Baker, personify the epitome of modern land use principles.  Your advanced education in planning, your previous experience in Wilmapco, and your prior experience in the Land Use Department, have helped make you a brilliant professional.  It is your level-headedness, however, your quiet, reserved approach to leadership of your team that has earned your excellent reputation as General Manager.

A predecessor of yours, General Manager Ed O’Donnell, led us into the path of professional land use by proactive responsible planning.  You have picked up his torch of integrity and carried it forth, enabling your department to regain the momentum of professionalism and honor initiated by Mr. O’Donnell.  I thank you for your thoughtful, sincere community approach to land use – it is a welcome encounter after experiencing the repercussions of self-serving, shadowy land use decisions.  I thank you for your leadership and encourage everyone from your team to stand and be thanked also for their part in Land Use reform in New Castle County.

Now, I would like to thank our County Attorney, Mr. Tim Mullaney, for his fine leadership in the law department.  Tim, you have fielded a great team of lawyers, who face new challenges everyday in the legal arena.  Lawsuits from police actions, environmental issues, personnel issues and employees’ actions in everyday operations – traffic accidents, property damage, contractual litigation – these are just a few of the daily legal duties that you oversee.  The assaults on the Unified
Development Code and attempts to destroy it still continue… for example, I believe you are also currently defending New Castle County in a multitude of legal actions brought on behalf of a local developer by his attorneys in at least 17 different court proceedings.  All because good government will not be bullied by legal tactics.  Another example:  even though the owners of the former Radisson Hotel have changed, the developer continues his legal actions against New Castle County – first in Pennsylvania and now in Delaware – again, an example of the workload generated from a good government which will not cave in to the “old business as usual”.

Your leadership style has earned you high praise from the general managers of all the departments.  They rely on your keen insight and friendly manner. 

I thank you for being a great friend and a great county attorney.  Please have your team rise so that everyone may see the professional, successful lawyers of the New Castle County Law Department.

And now to introduce the youngest-in seniority member of our management team, Mr. Jim Sapp.  As Chief Procurement Officer, Jim, you have done an outstanding job managing both the purchasing division of New Castle County and the Information Technology division.  Jim, I appreciate your recent return, to New Castle County, after having spent a lifetime of service, handling purchasing and administrative services.  Jim, your honor, work ethic and indisputable integrity are a welcome relief to everyone in New Castle County.  You are so well respected by all the GMs and employees alike… both for your helpful approach and your thorough knowledge.

You also manage the technology section of all New Castle County – not an easy task, since it is ever-changing on a daily basis.  Since I took office, we have invested over $50 million dollars in computers, technology and infrastructure.  You and your team have been absolutely remarkable in making E-government a reality, and bringing this government into the 21^st century.

Jim, please have your team of hard working “tekkies” and professionals stand so that we may thank you and them for all you have done.

And last but not least, the newest addition to our management team – Colonel Dave McAllister.  Colonel, it was my honor to promote you to Chief of Police, and every day you prove this decision to be a truly good one.  You manage the largest department in New Castle County, and the one in which most employees carry guns.  This would be challenging to the most seasoned of managers. 

You have been most impressive in the speed of your assumption of command, and in your grasp of the issues.  You have some fun projects ahead - the construction of our new police building will be the best.  Last year, we began the process of the new police building, and this year we will break ground.  Sherry and I are as excited as you, because we both dreamed of this new building for many years, and are proud that we all are now making it happen.

Paramedics, Fire and 911 finish the critical components of your command, which will keep you quite busy.  Please ask your entire outstanding team to stand so that I can thank them all publicly, with you, for their dedicated service!

As I was saying about the past 8 years of excellence, there was no way to accomplish what we did without these general managers. 

Let me explain why.

Both Sherry and I spent over 20 years in the police department.  We knew the internal tricks that every department needed to do in order to survive the ever-changing winds of political administrations.  We knew that in order to cut budgets, merge services, eliminate positions and create excellent value, we needed all county employees to help.  We decided the best way for all the reform to occur was for the county employees to want to reform it with pride.

So,  we promised if County employees would help us reinvent this government, we would not appoint political directors over departments, nor hand out patronage jobs.  And so they joined with us in a precedent - setting partnership.

The general managers were promoted from within county government according to merit system law.  Each one successfully competed, and was chosen in a posted, competitive process. 

Prior to this administration, it worked like this.  For example… Ron Morris always ran the Finance Department, and everyone knew that.  But political appointees were always named as “Director of Finance” over Ron, so he could never implement what he knew would be successful.  Each current general manager was an expert internally in departmental operations – but never allowed to manage because of politically appointed directors.  The political nature of the job required the focus to be the re-election of the administration - not on making hard, often unpopular decisions, inside departments.

Today, New Castle County citizens are the recipients of county government being managed, operated and led solely by county employees – with no political interference.  The result?  No tax increases -- AND  A  $242 million surplus-- and great services!

I doubt that without the merit system protection, and property rights vested in their employment status, these managers would have had the courage to make the remarkable changes which each one did.

To my team of general managers and to all county employees, I thank you for helping me accomplish the incredible successes of the past 8 years.

Now, let’s talk about these successes:

Thomas Wolf once said of America:  “It is a fabulous country, the only fabulous country; it is the only place where miracles not only happen, but where they happen all the time”.

That is my view of our county - New Castle County is a fabulous County, where miracles can happen all the time.  I see New Castle County as the ‘End of the Rainbow’ – the place where something precious is found at last.

My goal, was to see all our children throughout New Castle County, grow up in a safe hometown where great memories are created, where our families have fun, and adults’ lives are made just a little easier, with a little less stress.

It was John Adams who said in 1776 that “The happiness of society is the end of government.”

As your County Executive, I invested in the happiness of our residents… not just by staying out of their pockets and checkbooks – not just by making safer communities – governments must do that.  I wanted to provide the most opportunities for happiness, right here at home for all our citizens.

Here is the result of that investment by this government:

Libraries

Bear

Brandywine Hundred

Hockessin

Kirkwood Highway

Newark

Parks

            Delcastle Lights

            Carousel

            Rockwood

Events

            Egg Hunt

            Diane ‘Scoop’ Baker @ ICF

            Sleep under the Stars

            Winter Wonderland

            Hayride

Facilities

            Engineering Bldg      

            Government Center

            Special Services

            Kimberton Police Academy

            Hockessin PAL Center

            Wachovia

[At conclusion of PowerPoint presentation]

You see, ladies & gentlemen, I believe in the words of Thomas Jefferson who wrote as he crafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776:  “We have certain inalienable rights, and among those are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

For 8 years, we have worked tirelessly to bring opportunities for happiness here to the ‘End of the Rainbow’… New Castle County.  Now, don’t get me wrong – not everyone agreed that we should do some of these projects, but like Bobby Kennedy always said, “One fifth of the people are against everything,… all the time… anyhow.”

Tonight, the budget I present to County Council continues the creation of value in New Castle County... My budget proposal of 205  MILLION,  924  THOUSAND, 450  DOLLARS   represents a 5.5% increase over last year’s approved budget.  As this is my last budget of 8 years, I can now proudly report that the average budget increase during my administration averages to 5.2% per year.  As a comparison, the previous administration of 8 years averaged a 7.2% increase in budget growth.

This proposed funding contains all the 13 positions and costs required by state law increasing the size of County Council…. We are expanding police with 10 new positions, bringing our authorized strength to 356 police officers.  We are adding 4 new paramedics, bringing our total to 99 positions.

We are increasing by 5% our partnerships with 21 local volunteer fire companies for a total of nearly $4 million.

Another historical partnership has been established with the City of Wilmington Fire Service.  Tonight, I’m announcing funding of five hundred thousand dollars to assist Chief Jim Ford to provide additional basic life support services, so they won’t have to rely so heavily on the Volunteer Fire Companies from New Castle County.

We are increasing our costs for paramedics, so that the State of Delaware may decrease their costs.  The total cost for providing paramedic service is $9,798,485.

We are increasing library budgets by $1,600,132 – a 16.2% increase for operations, more books, and technological advances.

We are adding 2 new library positions and additional part time staff funding of nearly one quarter of a million dollars.

We are adding 10 new positions in parks for the new Glasgow and Wiggins Mill Parks.

We are adding 6 new custodial positions, 4 new fleet mechanics and 5 new environmental positions in Special Services, and we are adding 2 positions in I.S.

We are funding our environmental protection programs with nearly 3 million dollars.

We are increasing our funding to the City of Wilmington for sewer fees by nearly one half million dollars for a total cost of $15,004,000.00.

Like all employers, we are experiencing rising costs in benefits for employees and retirees and are projecting a healthcare supplement of nearly $1.5 million and a pension contribution increase of $2 million.

Our capital budget continues to contain exciting developments which will support excellent delivery of County services.  The New Castle County Police Department new headquarters, the new Woodlawn Library, the Hockessin Library expansion, the Kirkwood Library expansion, the Southern Sewer System & dozens other sewer projects, Wiggins Mill Park, River Road Park expansion, Darley Road Park… these are just a few of our capital projects in this budget.

Of course, our farmland preservation program is continuing for its third year in a row.  This program has been extremely successful.  This past year we partnered with our friends at the State and together produced enough money to purchase every farm in New Castle County that submitted an application for preservation.  The final round of application for New Castle County’s program ends in June, and this budget will add another $5 million to be available.

I am also proposing one million dollars for the creation of a Greenway system throughout New Castle County.  This million dollars will create a walking and biking system to connect those areas which desire to participate.  We will use existing county lands and easements, and will partner with the State, City and any corporation who want to help link existing communities by retrofitting a magnificent Greenway system.

And finally, skateboard facilities will be coming to three parks in New Castle County.  In our newest park in Glasgow, we will construct a state of the art skateboard area, and in Delcastle and Rogers Manor parks, we will construct on existing parkland, skateboard facilities.  This effort is a test – a trial – if you will, to determine two perspectives on skateboarding in County parks: 

1. The public’s response to this new park equipment and clientele
2. The potential liability to New Castle County from injuries

With caution, we are asking the Department of Special Services to begin this effort, but we recognize the department’s advice that this may not be a good idea. 

As was said earlier, we learn from our mistakes and enjoy our successes.  Time will tell us shortly into which category “skateboarding” goes! 

This year, we are making significant investments into our communities. 

First:  Hundreds of Glenville residents will benefit directly from our fifteen million dollar record-setting partnership with the State.   Next, we will partner with the State again and invest 10 million dollars in the City of Wilmington’s Riverfront Project.  Inspired by former Governor Russell Peterson, the 225 acre Peterson Wildlife Refuge will create an environmental wonderland at the southern end of the Riverwalk.   We will also invest one million dollars to construct the Iron Hill Museum in our parkland.   In keeping with our development of theme parks, we will partner with the community to build a wonderful museum…… and the focal point, an educational park in New Castle County. 

Finally, we will invest in the quality of life for our residents by helping to support a variety of cultural and community activities which have been hard hit financially by the continued economic problems facing our entire country.  These are the organizations in which we are investing: 

• Easter Seals
• Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts
• Delaware Art Museum
• Delaware Theater Company
• Center for the Creative Arts
• Girl Scouts
• Latin American Community Center
• Delaware College of Arts & Design
• Christina Cultural Arts Center
• Wilmington & Western Rail Road
• Gilbert W. Perry, Jr. Center for the Arts
• Westside Health Center
• Community & Outreach Services
• Taylor’s Bridge Community Center
• Delaware Natural History Museum

Last, but not least, I would like to illustrate my strategy for protecting the future generations of citizens of New Castle County.  This 242 million dollar surplus was amassed through our hard work, and ability to remain fiscally prudent.

Here is the plan for how this $242 million will be used.  I have created reserve accounts, and stabilization accounts to earmark these surplus dollars to protect our future from tax increases. 

$61 Million – financial reserves to protect the property tax rate

$59 million – sewer capital replacement and renovation

$29 million – sewer fund earmarked for user rate stabilization

$26 million – “pay as you go” funding of selected capital projects

$26 million – general fund legislated “rainy day” fund

$10 million – sewer fund legislated “rainy day” fund

$ 9 million – general fund undesignated balance

$ 9 million – general fund reserve for future compensated absences

$ 4 million – operating costs of new and expanded facilities

$ 6 million – self-insurance fund

$ 2 million – fleet replacement reserve

$ 1 million – community services designated grants

No one did this for me – remember - I faced a 100 POTENTIAL  million dollar shortfall when I came into office in 1997.  Certainly, I could have stopped saying “no” to a lot of people a long, long time ago and started saying “yes” to their requests for money.  That’s how elected officials stay popular.  Say yes with other people’s money.

It is important to me that I leave New Castle County much better off now than it was when I was elected.  It is important to me that the future of New Castle County promises happiness and health for our citizens.  Now, I ask all of you, do you believe that in New Castle County, you are better off today than you were 8 years ago? 

Well, here is where the $242 million surplus is – watch it carefully…  I worked hard to secure this surplus… and it belongs to every taxpayer in our county.  It is yours to be invested in your best interest and happiness, not some future politicians treasure chest or trust fund to buy political support and popularity

With all these improvements to services, as I said earlier, we once again need no tax increase.

To our 7 County Council persons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the eight years as Executive—working with Council.  I am proud that I never needed to ask you for a tax increase.  I am proud of the programs and services which I have presented to you for your approval.  We all now, stand to reap the benefit, together as a team, of having done so much for our citizens.

We have been a good team, these 8 years, you and I – County Council and my administration together.

But, as Harry Truman said: “No government is ever perfect.  One of the chief virtues of a democracy, however, is that its defects are always visible and under democratic processes, can be pointed out and corrected”.

Certainly, this administration has enjoyed success – and you want to know the secret of this success?  It is as Colin Powell said:  “There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work & learning from failures.”

Certainly, this administration has enjoyed learning from our failures also.  But as Bobby Kennedy once mused, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”.

The past 8 years in New Castle County have seen unprecedented successes.  Our record of accomplishments is amazing, and I can say that, because these incredible accomplishments belong to every New Castle County employee and manager alike.  I personally have learned much from my mistakes along the way to our phenomenal success.

I am humbled by the words of Abraham Lincoln who said, “No man is good enough to govern another – without the other’s consent”.

The citizens of New Castle County honored me with their consent to govern them for 8 years.  I have tried every day to live up to President Lincoln’s advice and be good enough to govern the people of our County.

Today, New Castle County is a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, retire and to play.  It is a place where miracles can happen, here, at the ‘End of the Rainbow’.

John Updike once said “America is a vast conspiracy to make you happy.”  For the past 8 years, we, in New Castle County government, have tried to govern well, be fiscally prudent, keep our citizens safe and healthy, and create opportunities for you to be happy.

Before I conclude, please let me take this opportunity to introduce the newest addition to smiles and the pursuit of happiness.

The Town of Tombstone is coming to Carousel Park, its grand opening is April 12^th.

The entire week of spring break will celebrate the newest theme in our county parks… Western America!  All week long, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, and many cowboys and cowgirls, will be at Carousel Park.

Square dancing on Friday night, free hayrides during the day, roping, shootouts at high noon, all culminating Saturday in a grand finale.

Eight years ago, we wanted to create parks with fun, and events with excitement.  We envisioned places where our citizens could go, relax, enjoy & smile, without extravagant costs.  The Ice Cream Summer Festival is the hallmark – each Sleep under the Stars is increasingly popular, and now, every spring break, New Castle County will host a week of lively fun for kids of all ages, in Carousel Park.

I will personally be there every day.    I invite everyone to come and experience the Town of Tombstone at Carousel Park.   I would like to take a moment to thank a most incredible team of folks who worked unbelievable hours to create this year’s annual report, which will be distributed tonight. 

Tammy Ammermon

Susan Amadio

Anthony Carter

DJ Guthrie Carter

Dan Cruce

Jennifer Farrell

Harold Hendrickson

Thomas G. Hubbard

Vincent G. Kowal

Regina Schauber Marini

Jim McFadden

Jim McDonald

Ronald A. Morris

Trinidad Navarro

Jennifer A. Oberle

Wayne Pennington

Janet Smith

Joe Szczechowski

and especially to the incredible, Sharyn Betschel, the mastermind behind it all – thank you so much!

In conclusion, I would also like to properly thank the sole person, upon whom I always relied for guidance and unwavering support: the person who made the past eight years possible.  Sherry Freebery is a high-spirited, dedicated individual--  always surpassing benchmarks and standards to rise above all bars, to achieve sheer EXCELLENCE.   Everything I have outlined this evening and in similar speeches of years past, is due to her infectious enthusiasm, her can-do–attitude, and her brilliant ability to create remarkable reality from a simple vision.   I am HONORED to have her as a great partner, this wonderful, lifelong public servant—   I now ask her to join me here at the podium to receive my own and all of New Castle County’s heartfelt thanks and applause for a job always done PAR EXCELLENCE.

The picture displayed here by Norman Rockwell is the very essence of Sherry Freebery.  She has taken so many undeserved attacks, so that I may take credit for all that has been accomplished.  Still, she keeps her brilliant smile and unbeatable attitude.  What do you  think?  Is this not her?   Sherry--  thanks so much!!

Again, I thank the citizens of New Castle County for allowing me the privilege to serve you as your County Executive for 8 years.  I thank our wonderful county employees for making these 8 years so successful, and I thank Council for the team work which has supported these successes.

May God Bless America and especially New Castle County.