Help Wanted

SUSSEX BOROUGH-Potential local politicians in search of somewhere to practice their skills at public service should take note: once again there's a vacancy sign at Sussex Borough Hall. In April, an unexpected vacancy on the borough council arose after Councilman Jake Little resigned earlier that month. Local Republicans were left to choose a replacement, who resigned due to a personal relationship with a borough employee. At last Monday's council meeting, Mayor Katherine Little, who is not related to Jake Little, read a letter of resignation submitted by Councilman Kurt Brennan. The councilman resigned effective Aug. 2, as he recently sold his Sussex home and is moving to Wantage Township. Little's successor was chosen under procedures established by state law. The Republican Committee submitted to the council the names of three potential replacements, and resident Terri Coursen, a member of the recreation committee, was selected to fill Little's seat until the next election. In order to fill the remainder of Little's three-year term, Coursen will have to seek election on the November ballot, which she said she intends to do. Coursen said her main issue continues to be recreation in the borough, but she feels she can contribute in many other areas. Brennan said he was motivated to move in part because he lived adjacent to Route 23 and was concerned by traffic and worried about his four children after one of the family dogs was struck and killed. Also, the family needed a larger home and, while they looked in Sussex, they found it in Wantage. Brennan was first elected in 2001, and his term would have ended in December. He was defeated in his mayoral bid last year, and said that since he did not seek re-election to the council, he felt the timing was right to leave office. To replace Brennan, local Republican Committee members must hold a convention and submit up to three names to the council within thirty days of the vacancy. The council will then vote on an interim replacement, who must then seek reelection for a new term. Brennan said he would advise his fellow council members to focus on maintaining and improving the borough's infrastructure, especially the sewer and water systems. "The little things tend to sort themselves out," he said. In addition to the newest vacancy, there are two three-year seats open in the fall election. Councilman Stendor is seeking re-election, and former councilman John Pierce is also seeking to return to the council. There are no Democratic challengers, so Stendor and Pierce are expected to win, barring any write-in efforts.