House OKs public-private group to lead economic development

DOVER, Del. (AP) — The state House has approved legislation authorizing the establishment of a public-private partnership to lead Delaware’s economic development efforts.

The measure was approved 34-to-6 on Tuesday despite concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency regarding the partnership’s work.

Under the legislation, the partnership would be a nonprofit corporation “not established by the General Assembly,” and therefore not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

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Critics also noted that the partnership itself, rather than Delaware’s Public Integrity Commission, would ensure compliance with its conflict of interest of policy.

Delaware’s governor would serve as a co-chair of the partnership’s board and would appoint at least 10 other members, including six from a list of candidates provided by the State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Business Roundtable.

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