Oaths finalize Seaford's council, mayor transition

SEAFORD – City government took on a new and different look Tuesday evening.

Election 2024 winners Stephanie Grassett and Alan Quillen took their seats on the council, Matt MacCoy moved from the council to the mayor’s chair, and Orlando Holland returned to his council seat as an appointee after a brief absence.

“A lot of transition,” said Mayor MacCoy.

Ms. Grassett and Mr. Quillen replace James King and Mr. MacCoy, who assumed the mayoral reins from 10-year mayor David Genshaw. Mr. Genshaw did not seek a sixth two-year term.

Mayor MacCoy, who defeated Jose Santos in the April 20 election for mayor, recommended Mr. Holland as the appointee to complete the remaining year in his three-year term. Mr. Holland, first elected to the council in 2015, finished third in the 2024 council race, which featured five candidates for two terms.

“Given the fact that we’ve got a new mayor, and several new members of council, I thought it wise to bring somebody on board who had great leadership and great experience,” said Mayor MacCoy. “It is my recommendation to council to appoint Orlando Holland. Orlando has served a number of years here and I think he’d bring great leadership to the council.”

The council vote was 5-0 in support of the mayor’s recommendation.

“Councilman Holland, welcome back,” said Mayor MacCoy.

Meanwhile, Councilman Dan Henderson remains the vice mayor, who assumes mayoral duties in the absence of the mayor.

“I thank the council for their confidence in me and I’ll do my best not to disappoint,” Mr. Henderson said.

Staff writer Glenn Rolfe can be reached at grolfe@iniusa.org. Follow @glennrolfeBTBN on X.