The owner and operator of Magee Farms in Williamsville and Lewes is tossing her hat into the ring for a seat on Sussex County Council.
Ellen Magee is running as a Democrat for the 5th District Council seat currently held by Republican Rob Arlett.
Arlett is part of a GOP primary for Tom Carper’s U.S. Senate seat and is leaving Council.
Magee has run Magee Farms since 1978. That family farm has operated since 1865 and is the longest grower in the state.
She says she decided to run for Sussex County Council to help preserve, protect and promote the county’s current way of life.
“My main objective is - we live in the most beautiful, wonderful place in the United States. And a lot of people want to come here and live and share in our natural resources and what we have. I believe that we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Magee said.
Magee says that includes everyone.
“We need to understand people that are moving here or have their houses here - and the ag community - they need to get along and there needs to be a balance. If I want to continue to farm, I should have that right,” Magee said.
Magee says that means striking a balance between preservation and building new infrastructure. She adds she wants to protect the property rights of Sussex Countians and believes necessary County infrastructure should be in place before anyone changes zoning for development.
Two Republicans have also already filed to run for the 5th Councilmanic District seat - Kevin Christophel of Laurel and John Rieley of Millsboro.
