Kent County Levy Court is your 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 Levy Court is the highest executive power that exists in Kent County, Delaware. It is charged with overseeing the daily operations of Kent County government. The Levy Court was established in 1655 when the Delaware General Assembly. The Levy Court is committed to serving the public and ensuring that the best possible decisions are made for the enhancement of Kent County residents.
| Name | Title | District | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hon.Joanne Masten | Commissioner | 1 | January 05, 2025 |
| Hon. Jeffrey W. Hall | Commissioner | 2 | January 03, 2027 |
| Hon. Robert J. Scott | Commissioner | 4 | January 03, 2027 |
| Hon. Paul Hertz | Commissioner | 6 | January 03, 2027 |
| Hon. Allan F. Angel | Commissioner - Vice President | 3 | January 05, 2025 |
| Hon. George Jody Sweeney | Commissioner | 5 | January 05, 2025 |
| Hon. Terry L. Pepper | Commissioner - President | At-Large | January 03, 2027 |
Honorable Joanne Masten
First District Commissioner
Planning Services Committee Chair
(302) 270-1747
Email: joanne.masten@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement
"To initiate or support those programs that will enhance and enrich the quality of life for residents of Kent County. To monitor on a regular basis our infrastructure programs; ensure that development proceeds at a rate that does not exceed the necessary services required for an acceptable quality of life. Continually support our police, fire, ambulance, paramedic and 911 services."
Biography
Commissioner Joanne Masten, Democratic representative for the 1st Levy Court District is serving her first four-year term.
Commissioner Masten is a lifelong resident of Kent County for 72 years. Retired in 2010 after working in the corporate world for 41 years, she served on Smyrna Town Council for 2 years, and served two terms as Mayor of the Town of Smyrna. She is currently active on many boards.
Honorable Jeffrey W. Hall
Second District Commissioner
Finance Committee Chair
(302) 632 - 0757
Email:jeffrey.hall@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
To be accessible and serve the residents of Kent County with honesty and integrity; to provide essential services efficiently and effectively; and to be accountable to the citizens of our county.
Biography
Commissioner Jeffrey W. Hall is serving in his second term as the representative for the 2ndLevy Court District.
Jeffrey W. Hall is a Kent County native who grew up near Camden, DE and graduated from Caesar Rodney High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served 31 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. He earned the US Department of Homeland Security certifications in general and IT project management and served several tours afloat, overseas, and isolated duty including Officer in Charge of LORAN-C Station Dana, Indiana. He was recently awarded University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration's Certificate in Local Government Leadership in 2021. He serves as the Department Chair for Engineering Technologies at Delaware Technical Community College, Terry Campus. He is a member of Holy Cross Church and Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club.
Honorable Allan F. Angel- Vice President
Third District Commissioner
Administration Committee Chair
(302) 382 - 6735
Email: Allan.Angel@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
To enhancecommunicationas the Commissioner of the Third Levy Court District to its' constituents; and to the best of my ability, live up to theoath of officeI was sworn to uphold. Tolook outside the boxfor innovative ideas and issues that will move Kent County into the future! To "Promote long range planning to ensure a betterQuality of Lifefor all Kent County citizens." While providing the 3rd Levy Court District with a Voice in it's Government; and the dedication and respect of all Kent County residents and their issues.
Biography
Commissioner Allan F. Angel, the Democratic representative for the 3rd Levy Court District, is currently serving his fourth consecutive four-year term.
Commissioner Angel moved to Delaware in 1965 as part of an Air Force family from California. He graduated from Dover High School in 1971.
Education:Delaware State College; Baylor University Army Campus; University of Maryland Army Campus; J Sargent Reynolds Community College A.A.S.; Delaware Technical & Community College
Family:Wife: Peggy; Daughters: Christina, Kelly and Jennifer
Military:United States Army 73-76; Army Reserves 78-82
Academy of Health Sciences
Church:Holy Cross
Organizations (Past and Present):President, Dover High School Alumni; PTO President, Dover High School; President, Capital School Board; Chair, 32nd Democrat District; American Legion member; DAV member; D.A.R.E. Volunteer; Volunteer: Booster clubs for: football, soccer, wrestling, cheerleading, and band.
Honorable Robert J. Scott
Fourth District Commissioner
Public Safety Committee Chair
(302) 505-0198
Email:robert.scott@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
To be responsive, honest, and fair to the constituents of Kent County. As a member of the Levy Court, I will work tirelessly to protect and improve the quality of life for Kent County residents. My decisions that affect Kent County's future will be based on facts. I will always respect and appreciate every constituent and employee of Kent County so that they know they are a member of a team effort, and I will support Police, Fire, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and EMS for Kent County to ensure you and your family receive the Public Safety service you deserve.
Biography
Commissioner Robert J. Scott, 4th Levy Court District Representative is serving his first term. A lifelong resident of Kent County for 53 years, Commissioner Scott has lived in Magnolia, Woodside, and is currently in Harrington residence since 1992. He married Christina Scott in 1993 and is a proud father of four; Kristin, Robert, Danielle, and Erika, and grandfather of three; Ronnie, Jaden, and Isabella.
Honorable George "Jody" Sweeney
Fifth District Commissioner
Community Services Committee Chair
(302) 943 - 7328
Email: jody.sweeney@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
"To provide fair and honest representation to the residents of the 5th Levy Court District, listening to all sides of issues and striving to find the best solutions to problems facing our District and County for the health, safety, and continued prosperity of our residents."
Biography
Commissioner George "Jody" Sweeney, the Democratic representative for the 5th Levy Court District, is currently serving in his fourth four-year term.
Family:Married to wife Crystal, Father of four (Bill, Amy, Cameron, and Skyler) and grandfather of four (Cole, Blake, Cannon and Caleb).
Education:Caesar Rodney High School; A.A.S. in Data Processing from Del-Tech Community College; B.S. in Business Administration from Wilmington University.
Employment:40 years of experience in Information Technology, currently the Supervisor of Technology for Smyrna School District.
Current and Past Community Involvement:Wyoming United Methodist Church, VCF Ruritan, Camden-Wyoming and Felton Little League coaching, Central Delaware Soccer Association coaching, Polytech High School Soccer Coach, Polytech Craft Advisory Board, Delaware Technical Community College Computer Advisory Board, Kent County Democratic Committee Treasurer, State Democrat Party Executive Committee, Member of Citizens for a Better Kent County, Caesar Rodney Alumni Association.
Honorable Paul Hertz
Sixth District Commissioner
Public Works Committee Chair
(302) 505-2310
Email:paul.hertz@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
To work together with others, with the common goal of making Kent County the best it can be.
Biography
Commissioner Paul Hertz, 6th Levy Court District Representative is serving his first term.
Commissioner Hertz is a native Kent Countian and 1983 graduate of the Caesar Rodney School District. He served four years as an Air Traffic Controller in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly after, he entered the construction field, advancing to his current position of Superintendent.
Commissioner Hertz has a son Kyle and is grandfather to Landon and Stella.
Honorable Terry L. Pepper- President
Commissioner At-Large
(302) 697-9194
Email: terry.pepper@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
To work with the other six commissioners to make the best decisions for Kent County's future, to be responsive and honest with all constituents and help make Kent County a place that we can all be proud to call home.
Biography
Commissioner Terry L. Pepper, the Democratic At-Large representative for Kent County Levy Court, is currently serving in his fifth four-year term. Commissioner Pepper's first term was served from 1994 to 1998.Commissioner Pepper is a life-long Delawarean who has lived in Kent County over 50 years.He was raised on a farm in the Hartly area and has lived in the Magnolia area for over 40 years.
Family:Terry is married to Valarie Coyle Pepper and has two grown daughters, Lauren (husband Brian Cusick) and Heather.He has five granddaughters; Mackenzie, Brooklyn, Brielle & Harper Lee Cusick; Quinn Pepper-Imhof; and a grandson Colton Pepper-Imhof.
Education:Graduated from Dover High School;associate degree in criminal justice, Delaware Technical and Community College;B.S. Degree in Marketing/ Business Administration, Delaware State University;Graduate of the Delaware State Police Academy.
Employment:Retired Delaware State Trooper;Executive Director of Delaware Crime Stoppers;Policy Advisor/Liaison to Local Governments for Governor Minner's Administration; Policy Advisor to Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security; currently State of Delaware Homeland Security Advisor.
Community Involvement:Member of Holy Cross Church; Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company; Kent Conservation District Board of Supervisors; National Association of Conservation Districts Board Member; Delaware State Troopers Association; Association of Retired Delaware State Troopers;Former member Hartly Volunteer Fire Company; Former Caesar Rodney High School Band Booster and PTO; Member of Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues
| Name | Title | District | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hon. Harold K. Brode | Register of Wills | January 05, 2025 | |
| Hon. Brenda A. Wootten | Clerk of the Peace | January 05, 2025 | |
| Hon. Eugenia Thornton | Recorder of Deeds | January 03, 2027 | |
| Hon. Norman R. Barlow | Sheriff | January 03, 2027 |
Honorable Harold K. Brode
Register of Wills
(302) 744 - 2330
Harold.Brode@kentcountyde.gov
Mission Statement:
"To ensure that all citizens of Kent County receive the services that they are paying for, to continually remain responsive to their present and future needs and always strive for a better quality of life for all."
Biography
A Lifetime of Service & Leadership! With dedication and strong values; personal and professional commitment to the stability, safety and security of our families and communities.
Kent County Levy Court Commissioner - 6th District, 2007 - 2010; Husband, Father & Grandfather; Resident of Harrington for 50 years.
Delaware State Fair, Board of Directors; Harrington Fire Company (48 Years); Past Board of Directors; Past President; Past Chief; Past Ambulance Captain; Delaware State Police, 20 year veteran (retired 1989); Harrington City Council, 1979-81; Delaware Army National Guard, 1965-1971; Member of Harrington Moose Lodge; Member of Masonic Temple Lodge #9; Member, Asbury United Methodist Church, Harrington
Hon. Brenda Wootten
Clerk of the Peace
(302) 744-2346
Clerk@KentCountyDE.gov
The Clerk of the Peace witnesses County documents; attends all formal Levy Court Meetings; records all acts as custodian for the Minutes of the Levy Court Meetings; advertises and posts County ordinances; countersigns warrants drawn on County funds. Issues marriage licenses; and performs marriage ceremonies.
Biography
Brenda A. Wootten is the current Clerk of the Peace for Kent County. Brenda has been a Kent County Delaware native all of her life. She attended Lake Forest High School in Felton, Delaware and started employment with the Justice of the Peace Courts in 1981. She left the Justice of the Peace Court in 1990 to further her education. Brenda graduated with honors from Wesley College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
After college, Brenda worked as a Secretary for the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill from September 1999 until July of 2001. From August 2001 until December 31, 2016 Brenda worked as a Judicial Case Manager II for the Court of Chancery. Brenda had over 27 years of exceptional public service experience with both the Judicial and Executive branches of state government before retiring from the State of Delaware to run for this office in 2016.
In the community, Brenda is an active member of her church, and is involved in various civic clubs and charitable organizations where she has given back to her community through volunteering her time, monetary donations, and countless acts of kindness.
After being elected as Kent County’s Clerk of the Peace, Brenda became the newest president of the DACRO (Delaware Association of County Row Offices) organization, a position she still currently holds.
Since becoming the Clerk of the Peace, Brenda has done a total makeover of her ceremony room and strives to give each couple that gets married a most memorable marriage experience.
“I love serving the great citizens of my County and am so honored to be elected into this position.”
Honorable Eugenia Thornton
Recorder of Deeds
(302) 744-2321
Eugenia.Thornton@kentcountyde.gov
Vision Statement:
Use property records industry standards and best practices to make property transactions faster, safer, and more convenient for everyone.
Biography
Sworn in as Recorder of Deeds on January 3, 2023, Honorable Eugenia Thornton brings, literally, a world of experience to the job. Gene served 27 years as a personnel and public affairs officer in the US Army. As a personnel officer, supervised many staffs with responsibility for creating and maintaining public records and, when in her role as Public Affairs Officer, she released and explained records to the American public. Gene retired as a colonel and returned to Delaware in 2000 where she became the President of Kent County Heart Association and later the Southern Delaware Heart Association. Gene helped create and approve property records for 13 years as one of seven Kent County Planning Commissioners. Then, she joined the Friends of the Delaware Public Archives Board where property records are retired. Gene is certified by American University in Public Records Keeping and is working on certification by the National Association of Government Archivists and Records Administrators. She belongs to the Property Records Industry Association and has a master’s degree in Public Administration. Gene was married to Lieutenant Colonel Donovan Jagger for 42 years until his death in 2020. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and competing with her dog, Dolly, in many AKC activities.
Honorable Norman R. Barlow
Sheriff of Kent County
(302) 736-2161
Norman.Barlow@KentCountyDE.gov
Mission Statement:
It shall be the mission of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office to provide proficient professional services with a commitment to partnering with the State of Delaware and U.S District Courts through serving legal notices when prompted to do so by court order. This will be done in strict compliance and in accordance with the Delaware Code through Honest, Ethical and Professional Services to the Community it Serves. The Sheriff’s Office is devoted to our profession and strive to maintain the highest level of public trust while developing our organization to meet the present and future needs of our diverse community.
Biography
Sheriff Norman R. Barlow began working for the City of Harrington in 1991 with the Public Works Department. In October of 1992 he was appointed as the Public Works Supervisor. A Year later he was offered a position with the Harrington Police.
Department and started the Delaware State Police Academy on November 15th, 1993, graduating in March of 1994. During his career with the Harrington Police Department, Norman worked his way through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police on July 1st2009. Norman was named Police Officer of the Year four times during his career and has also received many other awards which include the Lifetime MADD Award and the Harrington Police Department DUI Award. The Chief Norman Barlow Pavilion was named in his honor in 2013 due to his successful efforts in combating drug crimes in the City of Harrington. In 2014 Norman was honored with the Municipal Police Chief of the Year Award by the Delaware League of Local Governments.
Norman retired as Chief of Police on December 31, 2021, and is currently serving as the City of Harrington’s City Manager. He is very community minded and focused on making Harrington a great place to live, work, and worship. Norman is the definition of “Service Over Self” and truly makes the City of Harrington a better place for its citizens and employees.
Norman currently resides in the Harrington area. He is married to Dana, and they have three daughters, Brooke, Rylee, and Delayna. Norman always says that without the love and support of his family he would not be able to do what he does here at the City of Harrington and for the residents of Kent County.
Norman’s hobbies include NASCAR racing, working in his yard, and camping with his family and friends.
