Richard Ennis says he won't run for re-election to Kent Levy Court

Kent County voters will have at least one seat to fill on Levy Court after Commissioner Richard E. Ennis announced he would not be a candidate for re-election come November.

Ennis revealed his decision in an exclusive interview with the Dover Post following the court’s March 9 business meeting, his first since December.

The Democratic at large commissioner has been in ill health, an issue compounded by the passing of his wife, Janna, in September.

“I’m definitely not going to run again for Levy Court,” Ennis said. “I’m 78 years old, and I’ve got to take care of me now.”

As at large commissioner, Ennis represents the entirety of Kent County on the seven-member panel. He had previously served a commissioner from the court’s First District.

Ennis will be missed, said Levy Court President P.Brooks Banta.

“It will be a loss to all of county government,” Banta said. “Dick is very dedicated to his position and he cares very much about Kent County.

“He’s always thought before he spoke, and when he spoke, he did it with credibility,” Banta added.

Ennis said he has been dealing with the effects of Type II diabetes, which resulted in his hospitalization in December. He also required leg surgery because of complications of the disease, he said.

Ennis came into Levy Court chambers at the beginning of the session, saying he was feeling well, although he confirmed he had lost about 40 pounds over the past few months. He participated fully in the business meeting, which lasted approximately 90 minutes.

He also grew somewhat emotional as his fellow commissioners, Banta in particular, took time at the end of the session to welcome him back.

Ennis thanked them all, noting a number of people, both on Levy Court and in Kent County government, had been in touch with him during his illness.

“Without your prayers and concerns with everything that’s occurred, I would not be here tonight,” he said. “Thank you for thinking of me when you had more important things to worry about than me.”

Ennis also lightened the mood somewhat, saying he was pleased things still were running smoothly.

“I can see that Levy Court still functions,” he said. “I just don’t know how you did it without me.”

While Ennis said he intends to complete his term, which ends in January, he also addressed the possibility he might have to leave before then.

“If my health lets me [stay], I will,” he said. “I’m going to do my best to finish my term.”

Banta said that under county ordinance, as Levy Court president, he would call a special election to fill the seat of any commissioner who leaves office more than six months before a scheduled general election. This year, the general election falls on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

If a commissioner gave up his seat within that six month period, which would begin May 2, commissioners then could appoint a replacement until a candidate is elected in November.
Banta said if the latter situation occurred, he would take action to find a replacement.

“It would be a disservice to the people of Kent County not to have representation on Levy Court,” he said, adding that a seventh member always is necessary to prevent tie votes.