For the past six months I have had the pleasure of working as a receptionist at the Kent County Administration Building in Dover. I say this because it is a pleasure to be surrounded by a group of people who are so kind, considerate, and conscientious. My desk I situated directly in front of two offices – Recorder of Deeds and Inspections/Permits – where employees deal with hundreds of people every day, and from which I am privy to the exchanges between the employees and members of the public. As a result, it is my considered opinion that the citizens of Kent County are well served by the employees of the Kent County Levy Court system. These employees are knowledgeable, dedicated, patient, and helpful. We are all aware that dealing with the public day in and day out is not an easy task.

In the entire time I’ve handled the desk, I have never – not once – heard any raised voices from either the employees or the public; nor have I heard anyone say, “I don’t know” and leave a citizen without an answer to their query. It may not always be the answer that was hoped for or expected, but it is an answer. The tax-paying citizens of Kent County should be proud to be represented by these employees. If you doubt the veracity of my words, I urge you to come into the Administration Building sometime, have a seat, and listen to the interaction between employees and citizens. I believe your visit will validate my words.

While I am extolling the virtues of Kent County employees, I would be seriously remiss if I did not also mention the commissioners. I have found them to be friendly, considerate, and diligent in the pursuit of their duties. To a man, they always greet me on entering the building. Some will stop and chat for a few minutes, inquiring after family and sharing news of theirs.

Finally, I should make mention of the new Administration Building, which has been in use for the past three years. The public has expressed to me many compliments on the building, which I am happy to pass on to the administration and to each of you.

So it is with a certain amount of pride, and a great deal of confidence, that I say to the citizens of Kent County, “Your tax dollars are well spent in achieving the level of expertise and satisfaction you can find exhibited by the employees of Kent County.” The highest compliment I have heard came from the husband of a woman with whom I once worked. His comment? “The state could take a lesson from the county…” I agree wholeheartedly.