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Veritas, I think the cheap shots started long before this discussion thread. Considering Mr. Sweeney's statement back in February of last year, I think he should feel fortunate that the KCSPCA is only pointing out issues regarding his character and not pursuing legal action.

Here's a recent case that the shelter might want to consider
http://www.batworld.org/judgesruling/

The comment below about the KCSPCA "raking us over the coals" shows Mr. Sweeney's contempt for the organization, despite the fact that they were the only organization to bid for job at that time. And I certainly haven't heard Mr. Sweeney make that same comment Safe Haven who I assume got a contract for the same amount (as far as we know).  SH isn't expected to do the same duties as KCSPCA per previous Title 9 discussions, and didn't even have to start services on July 1. And lets not forget that SH didn't have to bid or even meet any of the requirements of doing an RFP, like experience or demonstrating the ability to provide timely and adequate veterinary services. So it does seem that the KCSPCA was being held to a different standard.

Previous RFP
http://www.co.kent.de.us/Departments/Administration/documents/DogControlRFP10-01-09.pdf

Dover Post Article
http://www.doverpost.com/topstories/x1371483449/Budget-breakdown-Kent-County-community-grants
Budget breakdown: Kent County community grants
Dover Post 2/8/11

NOTABLE CHANGES
Levy Court decided not to give any grant money to the Kent County SPCA, which received $2,250 last year.

Commissioner Jody Sweeney said since the county now pays the KSPCA some $800,000 a year for animal control services —a contractual number that is slated to increase for next year — an additional grant is not necessary.

“The fees are up this year,” he said. “I like the SPCA, but not if they keep raking us over the coals.”

Other Statements By Mr. Sweeney
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:G2iroVObDecJ:de.newszapforums.com/forum38/109774.html

I recommend the KCSPCA keep a copy of this cached page with some of the various accusations made by Mr. Sweeney in a public forum. It also shows that despite claims by the Levy Court that sheltering is not the county's responsiblity, it's certainly interesting that Mr. Sweeney was concerned about adoption policies and questioning posters about KCSPCA policies regarding ensuring proper housing for certain breeds. 

"The Kent County SPCA is NOT a part of Kent County. Let me make that clear. We contract with them to provide a service, one which I am not happy about how they are performing."

So Commissioner Sweeney can keep saying he supports the KCSCPA, but based on the various statement made over the last year and a half, they certainly don't sound like support to me.  Residents can decide for themselves.

Jake, thanks for sharing your perspective, but we'll have to agree to disagree over your characterization of 'cheap shots'. As a County taxpayer, I was not happy about the prospect of a significant increase in costs from the SPCA, either, and felt dropping them from getting a paltry $2000 grant was not a traumatic event for them or an unusual deletion in the selection process for giving away money. I wish Levy Court would be even more tight-fisted with the money they hand out , -but that's another story...

I'm assuming , like me, that you were and might continue to be a contributor to the SPCA to care for animals but I certainly didn't agree with some of their practices and can understand why Sweeney wouldn't want to claim them as an arm of the County and catch the grief/liability that would entail. That is part of his job responsibility as I see it and doesn't rise to the level of being a 'cheap shot'.

Kevin,  Thanks for the kudos.  i am very proud of the fact that my history is to stand up for people who are wrongfully treated and accused.  yes, I paid the price at DelDOT when my Director retaliated against me for testifying against her.  That is they price I paid for those who were wrongfully terminated but got their jobs back.  My current responsibilities with Levy Court include looking out for taxpayers money, and I will not blindly pay for a service without some type of oversight and accountability.  I appreciate you giving me credit for doing that. 

Can anyone, anyone at all, tell me who to call for a dog running loose in traffic?   Because there was one near Moore's Lake today, on 10 and no one answered the phones at Safe Haven at all.    There were a cuople of near misses, both with cars and with the poor dog.   We called and called, no answer.   In the middle of the day, a county-hired animal control should be answering the phone.   Apparently they don't have dispatch of some sort?   Please, who are we supposed to call now?  

Huh?