Little resigns from Sussex council

SUSSEX BOROUGH - Councilman Jake Little's unexpected resignation from the Borough Council earlier this month has left local Republicans to choose a replacement. Little had served nearly half of his three-year term, which would have expired in December of 2005. But in a letter to Mayor Kathy Little, who is not related, Jake Little resigned effective April 15, citing a potential conflict of interest. Councilman Little has a personal relationship with a borough employee, and did not want there to be any potential for a conflict of interest, according to Councilman John Stendor. To replace Little, local Republican committee members must hold a convention and submit up to three names to the council within 30 days of Little's resignation. Council will then vote on someone to fill the seat for the rest of the year. Whomever is appointed must then seek election in November to fill the balance of Little's term. Attempts to reach Republican municipal chair Christine Sharlow were not successful. Local political insiders consider Sharlow to be a possible successor. A former member of council, she was defeated for re-election in November of 2002. In addition to the new vacancy, there are two three-year seats open in the fall election. Councilman Stendor is seeking re-election, and former councilman John Pierce is running for Councilman Kurt Brennan's seat. Brennan will not seek re-election and there are no Democratic challengers.