State Representative District 37
If elected, what would be your top three legislative initiatives?
- Support economic growth and business development initiatives to address regulatory barriers that impact business in Delaware including the cost of energy, the improved access and use of Delaware ports, and more employer friendly initiatives; Continue efforts to address escalating costs to employers and business including: workers compensation reform, mandated coverage which imposes costly requirements on insurers in Delaware;
- Address the expensive and expansive opiate and heroin epidemic in Delaware that creates significant issues to safety and crime.
- Continue efforts to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Delaware.
If elected, what would be the one piece of legislation that you would repeal from this past session?Senate Bill 201 Act to amend title 7 of Delaware Code relating to criminal penalties for violation of law related to wetlands and subaqueous lands.
WORKFORCE/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Do you support…
Right to Work legislation, including Enterprise Zones, and if elected, will you work to get the law enacted in Delaware?
Yes.
Strengthening federal, state and private investment to build an entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem?
Yes.
EDUCATION
Do you support…
Reducing centralized State control over education and giving more autonomy and control over the operation of the education system to local county boards of education?
Yes. I also support that ALL school boards should be elected and accountable to the districts they serve including Vocational Technical School districts.
In favor of consolidating Delaware’s 19 school districts to a smaller number?
I support consolidation of services among the school districts but maintaining local decision making. I think questions 5 and 6 are somewhat competing; therefore, they are not a yes or no response. I am in favor of educational funding reform that provides equity for all districts in Delaware.
The City of Wilmington forming its own school district?
Yes, but it needs a fiscally responsible plan that is sustainable for the taxpayers of the District. No blank check for any school district.
The adoption of measures which would redirect per capita state and local Board of Education administrative costs into the classroom, knowing that Delaware is near the top of the nation in per capita central administration expenditures?
Uncertain, I have been involved in an in-depth study that may not support the redirect of cost to classroom and negatively impact special need students. Our unit count system is somewhat unique and not easily compared.
Expanded education choice such as charter schools, education savings accounts, vouchers and homeschooling options?
Yes.
The moratorium on new charter schools?
No.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Do you support…
An increase on the Motor Fuel Tax in order to support capacity expansion?
No.
The development of additional natural gas capacity and pipelines to Kent and Sussex counties?
Yes.
The creation of incentives and the easing of hurdles to foster accelerated growth of broadband service Sussex County?
Yes.
The state of Delaware continuing to force taxpayers to fund beach infrastructure in the face of rising sea levels that threaten continued use of existing beachfront?
Depends on the “economic value” to the State. Tourism is a huge factor in Delaware’s economy. Remember, Delaware “forces” taxpayers (seniors, adults with no children, etc to fund education) etc. The question is, the return on investment and, the issue that the county will continue to permit use of existing beachfront properties.
A statewide reassessment of property values?
This is a County issue and the counties need to address the issue or the State may need to consider all aspects of how we fund public services in Delaware.
Elimination of a property tax exemption for qualified senior citizens?
No. We may need to revisit the qualifications, moving forward, for tax exemptions.
LEGAL & REGULATORY REFORM
Do you support…
Mandatory and regular across-the-board legislative audits and performance review of all spending units in state government?
Yes.
Granting broader statutory powers to the Office of the Attorney General to assist the legislative auditor in audit and investigatory programs for all spending units of state government?
No, I prefer a third power to engage in such audit and investigation.
A move toward ensuring that State employee benefits are commensurate with the private sector?
Yes. As long as the total compensation is equal to the private sector. We need to be fair and consistent; if benefits are reduced then salaries and wages will need to be revisited so they are commensurate with private sector. The wage growth has been flat or negative in many cases for State employees.
The redevelopment of industrial sites that have lost their grandfathered status under the Coastal Zone Act?
Yes.
