From Councilwoman Joan Deaver in the comments:
“I hope Vance comes back to council soon because I think I heard Mike Vincent tell him that we will have no hearings until Vance returns.”
While we all wish Vance well and hope he recovers quickly, the truth of the matter is that, with his type of injury, he can expect a lengthy rehabilitation. And while Phillips may be able to return constituent calls from his hospital bed, he may not be able to attend meetings for a time. With all due respect to Mr. Phillips, should that mean that the Sussex County Council grinds to a halt until he can return?
No.
The council is comprised of five members, including Phillips. Without Phillips, it goes down to four. I imagine, even though the party composition of the council then would be 3-1 in favor of the Republicans, that there will be tie votes on occasion. Only with respect to those votes will Vance’s vote be needed.
So I hope Mr. Vincent was just being very respectful to Vance and trying to motivate him in his recovery. But county government has to go on.