Kent County commissioners remove George Jody Sweeney from committee and liaison roles

Kent County Levy Court on Tuesday voted to remove Commissioner George Jody Sweeney from all committee and liaison assignments, saying the step was necessary to preserve the integrity and decorum of the court.

President Masten introduced the agenda item and said the action followed constituent complaints and repeated discussion among commissioners about social‑media posts that several members described as injurious to individuals and damaging to the court’s reputation. "We are held to a much higher standard than the normal person on the street," President Masten said in explaining why reassignment of roles was the preferred disciplinary option.

Commissioners debated the limits of local authority and the need for formal ethics and social‑media policies going forward. Commissioner Angel said the administration of committee assignments is part of his responsibilities and moved to remove Commissioner Sweeney from all assigned committee and liaison appointments "effective immediately," with reassignments to be proposed at the next meeting. Commissioner Scott seconded the motion. The roll call recorded six yes votes and one absent (Commissioner Sweeney), and the motion passed.

Public comment following the vote included multiple residents who supported the commissioners’ action. Kimberly Mary Petters and Susan Lanyon urged accountability and described harm they said resulted from Commissioner Sweeney’s posts; Kevin Goldsboro and others also urged a stronger recourse for constituents.

Commissioners said the action does not remove Sweeney from office or his ability to meet with constituents; it removes only committee and liaison responsibilities assigned by the Levy Court. Several commissioners indicated they will pursue a written ethics and social‑media policy to guide future responses.

The court directed staff to propose reassignments at the next available meeting and indicated further work on formal standards and procedures.