Candidates For State Senate 16th District — Colin R.M.J. Bonini, incumbent; Harold E. Stafford, challenger

Colin R.M.J. Bonini

Age: 43

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation/military/employment experience: Sales representative

Family: Melissa, wife.

Academic education: B.A. Wesley College, working towards MPA at University of Delaware

Prior political experience: State senator since 1994

Campaign website or email: senator-colin@prodigy.net

Why are you running for the 16th District?
    I am honored, humbled and truly thankful to be your State Senator and I am running for re-election because Delaware, now more then ever, needs a voice of common-sense conservatism in our State Government. I have been that voice my entire career and I will continue to be that voice if I am fortunate enough to be reelected.

    To be blunt, if you want a liberal or a bureaucrat to serve you in the Senate, you should probably vote for the other guy. That’s just not me. It’s true I sometimes am at odds with my liberal colleagues and that I have a reputation as a bit of a rebel, but that’s OK with me — I think we need more people willing to stand up for what they believe and not simply “go-along-to-get-along” like so many politicians. My job is to fix government, not make it bigger!

    You have a right to know what candidates running for office believe on the issues that we care about. I tell people what I truly think, not just what I think they want to hear. Here are my positions on some key issues:

    • The government’s money is your money. You will always spend your money more wisely then the government will. We must reduce the size of Delaware’s State Government and get taxpayers’ money back into their pockets (where it belongs!) so we can get our economy rolling again. We can do this easily with little or no loss of services if we follow my plan of spending reductions and tax relief.

    • Parents and classroom teachers should be in charge of making decisions for our public school students — not the state government, administrators or labor unions. Parents and teachers! We must demand that at least 70% of every tax dollar we spend in education gets to the classroom and not into the bureaucracy.

    • English should be the official language of the State of Delaware and we should not spend tax dollars on services for illegal immigrants; and illegal immigrants should not have Delaware Driver’s Licenses.

    • I believe in traditional values and I am willing to defend those values. I oppose gay marriage and I oppose granting special rights to individuals based on sexual preference.

    • Our government must be opened to public scrutiny. I want every cent the government spends to posted on the Internet so the public can see it. Every cent. I will not vote for any spending bill that does not receive at least 7 days public review. I know that sunshine is the best disinfectant and many of the silly things our government does would melt away under public scrutiny.

    • I will never, ever, be just a go-along-to-get-along politician. I will always stand up for the values we share and I will always be an independent voice in the Delaware State Senate.

    Again, thank you for the great honor of being your State Senator and I am kindly asking for your vote. God bless.

Harold E. Stafford

Age: 60.

Political affiliation: Democrat.

Occupation/military/employment experience: Secretary of Labor; acting director of Delaware Economic Development Office; director of Planning Research & Information Systems, bureau chief of Industries and Services, bureau chief of Community Custody with the Department of Correction. Currently executive director of Delaware Parents Association Inc.

Family: Velvia, and three children — 39, 36 and 31.

Academic education: B.A. Degree in Sociology and Political Science; M.S.S. Degree in Social Services Administration.

Prior political experience: First run for elective office.

Campaign website or email: www.haroldstafford.com

Why are you running for the 16th District?
    I have decided to run for the state Senate in the 16th Senatorial District to address many of the challenges facing our state during this tough economic time. I also want to begin laying the foundation for the future of our district to insure that the next generation has a safe and healthy environment in which to live, work and raise a family.

    What I have heard as I have knocked on over 6,000 doors is that our current senator is out of touch and unresponsive to his constituents. I want to restore integrity and accountability to our government as a strong proponent of open government. I will be available to the constituents to follow-up on their requests, and will hold town hall meetings to maintain open and constant communication. Below are issues of importance to the district:

    • No high school or returning college graduate should be without a good job in their home state. Job retention and development are essential to sustain the economic vitality of the 16th District. I will put the need to develop and retain quality jobs that pay livable wages for all residents at the top of the public policy agenda, given the sustained loss of manufacturing and financial services jobs in Kent County.

    • Let’s build more schools than more prisons. The key to long-term improvement of the state’s economy is to increase students’ educational levels in science, math and technology. Our homegrown talent pool will help retain, grow and attract knowledge-based businesses in Kent County. Each high school should have programs specializing in the initial preparation of the next generation for 21st century technology jobs.

    • Preserving our heritage means growing responsibly. I’m pleased to say my family and I have been residents of Kent County for almost 35 years. We chose to live in Kent County because of the great quality of life the area provided for raising our three children. Now, three of our four grandchildren also reside in Kent County. I will work tirelessly to support safe environmental policies and alternative energy sources (wind and solar) to make sure we maintain clean air, retain open space and preserve farmland. I’ll also focus on smart growth to require development projects to include the needed infrastructure for schools, roads and water.

    • Our most precious resources which are our children and senior citizens should receive the care they need and deserve. About 106,000 children and adults in Delaware don’t have health insurance. I’ll work with the appropriate agencies, service providers and citizens to develop alternative solutions, such as the Hope Clinic model, to make sure our children and senior citizens have access to affordable and quality health care.

    • Concentrate the state’s limited financial resources on programs that work. The state budget is now about $3.4 billion. With a budget of that size and scope, maximizing efficiencies should be paramount at all levels of state government. Through the use of better assessment methods, informed decisions can be made to support and replicate only cost-effective and quality programs.

Candidates For State Senate 17th District — Brian Bushweller and James L. Hutchison Sr., both challengers

Brian Bushweller

Age: 63

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation/military/employment experience: Retired. Previously State Director for U.S. Senator Tom Carper, 2001 to 2007; Secretary of the Delaware Department of Public Safety, 1998 to 2001; Gov. Tom Carper’s Legislative Liaison, 1993 to 1998; field representative for three state teachers’ associations (Florida, New York, Delaware), 1975 to 1993; elementary teacher, 1971 to 1975; junior high music teacher, 1969 to 1971.

Family: Rocky, wife; five children — Samantha, Stephany, Joshua, Jeremy, Sarah; eight grandchildren

Academic education: MA, Education, Stanford University, Calif.; MA, Management and Supervision, Central Michigan University, Dover Air Force Base; BA, Music, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma

Prior political experience: Candidate for state senate, 2004; long-time member, 31st District Democrat Committee; Kent County Coordinator, Carper for Congress, 1982 to 1990; Kent County Coordinator, Carper for Governor, 1992; volunteer in numerous local and state campaigns

Campaign website or email: www.BushwellerSenate.com; BushwellerSenate@aol.com

Why are you running for the 17th District?
    I am running for the State Senate because of concern about fundamental, quality of life issues. 
    Kent County has been losing good jobs since the mid-1990s. To reverse that trend, we need to insure a positive tax and regulatory environment, support entrepreneurism, partner with our local colleges and universities and fully engage local, successful companies in the search for high quality employers. The old ways of recruiting those employers just don’t work anymore, if they ever did.

    Our schools must prepare our kids for the realities of a global economy. We need to replace the DSTP with a test that is less time consuming and less intrusive but still provides us with an objective assessment of student achievement. We cannot turn back the clock on education reform. 

    Senior citizens built the fine communities we enjoy today. We need to keep their taxes low, protect neighborhoods from crime and intimidation, guarantee high quality health care and allow seniors who need help with basic life functions to stay in their own homes as long as possible. It is not good enough to just talk about protecting our seniors, we must actually do it.

    Unchecked and unplanned development is not good. We need to support Levy Court in its efforts to insure development does not destroy the very quality of life that draws people here in the first place. We must strike a fair and proper balance between property rights and protection of our communities.

    Open government is fundamental to our democracy. We need to make sure every bill gets a fair hearing in committee, legislators and the public have ample opportunity to review the major spending bills before they are voted on and that the legislative process in general is open to the scrutiny of the public.

    Issues are important in this election. Experience and attitude are, too. Experience must be real and relevant to the important issues we face. Old attitudes must give way to fresh thinking and new ideas. The way things were done a generation or more ago doesn’t work anymore.

    My experience is broad and deep. I spent 23 years working in the public schools of four states as a teacher and teacher association representative where I learned well the challenges and needs of our schools. I also served as Gov. Tom Carper’s legislative liaison, representing the governor’s legislative program in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate, and as secretary of the Department of Public Safety, learning how state agencies interact with the General Assembly and with the general public. My service as Sen. Carper’s state director helped me gain a fundamental understanding for how the state and federal governments should work together for the people of Delaware.

    As a goal oriented person, I will not be satisfied with just talking about the problems we face.  Instead, I will be continually focused on finding real solutions to those problems and to protecting and enhancing the quality of life we enjoy.

James L. Hutchison Sr.

Age: 66

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation/military/employment experience: Commerce Bank, assistant vice president/manager (November 2004 - Present); Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, President (May 2004 - November 2004); PNC Director of security 1992-1998; Dover police chief 1988-1992; Dover police officer 1967 to 1988.

Family: not provided

Prior political experience: Mayor City of Dover 1994-2004; City of Dover at-large councilman 1993-1994

Academic education: A.A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, 1987, Delaware Technical & Community College

Why are you running for the 17th District?
    I’m running for the state senate in the 17th District because I believe that I can make a difference and have a positive impact to make Delaware a better place to live and work. My confidence in this regard is based on years of public service in law enforcement and local government, and my success in the private sector. My experience working with folks from all walks of life has helped me to hone my leadership skills. I believe I can effectively use those skills in the Delaware General Assembly. I always put the customer first, and I insist that our taxpayers be considered as the ultimate customers. I work well in open deliberations. I don’t condone secretive processes, and I believe that every legitimate issue deserves an up or down vote. I understand the necessity of political quid pro quo in order to get things accomplished, but I would never compromise the interests of our taxpayers; I would never vote to increase taxes. I am a strong advocate of managing to budget and accountability. Simply put, I believe that the people have a right to know where their money is being spent; it’s always a spending issue, not a revenue issue. Every government entity must be reviewed from the bottom up to ensure that processes are as streamlined as possible for providing services to the public. Poor management practices must be ferreted out and eliminated. I believe in the Good Government Standard (implementing only those changes that will improve customer service, and increase productivity, and reduce costs to the taxpayer) as a filter for all ideas. The best parts of the LEAD Study must be implemented to improve our schools system thus saving well over $100 million (according to the experts). I believe that state government should create an environment that attracts businesses that pay good salaries and provide employee health benefits. Our next governor and General Assembly must make job creation a top priority. That means increasing incentives and tax breaks for business to locate in Delaware or to expand here. I believe that military veterans’ pension should be tax exempt. I believe that government controlled sports betting and “table games” gambling would have a significant positive revenue impact from the resulting new jobs, new construction, and from direct-source gambling receipts. I’m extremely grateful for the great public service experiences that I’ve had, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Delaware State Senator.

Candidates For State Representative 29th District — Pam Thornburg, incumbent; W. Charles "Trey" Paradee III, challenger

Pam Thornburg

Age: 49.

Political affiliation: Republican.

Occupation/military/employment experience: Public relations coordinator, Delaware Farm Bureau.

Family: Children Daniel, David, Brandon and Elizabeth.

Academic education: Wesley College.

Prior political experience: Served four terms in the House of Representatives.

Campaign email: pamthornburg@comcast.net

Why are you running for the 29th District?
    I am running for re-election to the House of Representatives because I feel I have the same core values as the residents of the 29th District and would like to continue to address some of the issues that are important to the district such as education reform, energy efficiency, protecting property rights and preserving farmland.

    For the past eight years I have had some success in addressing these issues. I have fought for the elimination of the DSTP. I know firsthand of the anxiety the DSTP places on the students and parents. My four children were in all of the testing grades the first year it counted. Since that time, I have supported every measure to alter the test. One successful initiative was to allow other indicators to be considered when determining if a student should be promoted. Now, almost every elected official I have talked to about this high-stakes test agrees we need eliminate it completely. Disruptive students can polarize a classroom making it impossible for a student to learn. I support placing disruptive students in alternative schools. Expulsion is not the answer — it only moves the problem to the streets. In 2006, I sponsored a three-year pilot program at the Central School ILC. This program provides eighth- to 12th-grade students with a career transition counselor to assist them with filling out job applications, preparing for an interview, role playing acceptable work ethics, and identifying transportation options. At the close of the 2009 school year, I will have the opportunity to analyze the effectiveness of this program and present recommendations to the General Assembly.

    Residents, small business owners and farmers have all expressed concern about the rising cost of energy and are looking for solutions. I have been appointed to the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility Board of Directors. Our goal is to help low and moderate-income families make their homes more energy efficient. Additionally, the program will help consumers and businesses switch to energy-efficient appliances; help residents and businesses create greener vehicles, such as hybrid cars; and through the use of renewable energy options, such as solar systems, help residents and businesses/farms boost their reliance on customer-sited/customer-generated sustainable energy sources. Please see www.seu-de.org for detailed information.

    Preserving our open space and farmland has always been a core value I have shared with the residents of the 29th District. Previously, I have had the honor of being the House sponsor on legislation that provided permanent funding for the Agland Preservation Program. Additionally, I sponsored legislation that created a Forestland Preservation Program. Both programs are vital to the protection of farmland and open space, but they are must be accompanied by a successful Transfer of Development Rights program.

    Finally, I will promote and encourage entrepreneurship by not forcing Main Street to balance our budget through business taxes and fees. I believe we need to protect small farmers and businesses — they are the backbone of our economy.

W. Charles "Trey" Paradee III

Age: 39

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation/military/employment experience: Financial advisor, Edward Jones Investments; farmhand, Paradee Stable LLC; Eagle Scout, 1984; special trustee, Delaware Technical & Community College Educational Foundation; past board member, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce; past board member and event chairman, Boy Scouts of America, Two Bays District

Family: Erika, wife; daughter Cassie, 14, son Charlie, 9

Academic education: MBA University of Delaware. 1998; BA Business and Technical Writing. University of Delaware, 1991

Prior political experience: New to politics

Campaign website or email: www.paradeeforthepeople.com, tparadee@comcast.net

Why are you running for the 29th District?
    My wife and I were born and raised in Kent County. When my children grow up, I want them to raise their families here so I can be close to them. I hope you share the same dream for your family. If we expect our children and our grandchildren to raise their families here, we must enact policies that will allow the next generation of Delawareans to inherit a state with good paying jobs, a clean environment and first-rate schools.

    There is a growing sense of frustration with elected officials who have failed to address the important issues that face our wonderful state: A lack of job growth and economic development; the impact of real estate development on our roads, schools and public safety infrastructure; a government that is not open or accountable to its people; a budget that is unrealistic given today’s economic environment.

    I have spent the majority of my life working in small business. From the time I was a small child, I have been surrounded by it. I understand what it takes to grow a business. I know what it’s like to struggle to meet payroll and to provide healthcare benefits to employees. I know what it’s like to meet a budget.

    In these tough times — more now than ever — we need leaders who are able to bring practical small business experience to government so we can do the following: Reach out to private industry and entrepreneurs to create new, higher paying jobs; streamline government so tax dollars are spent more efficiently.

    Despite the economic slowdown, land use and real estate development continues to be one of the primary concerns in the 29th District. I am the leader who will bring parties together, who will help find common ground between landowners, developers, and our citizens. Like my opponent, I support initiatives to protect open space, but I am the only candidate who has publicly stated that he supports the Levy Court’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance because I believe the big developers should share the costs associated with the impact of new developments on our roads, schools, and public safety infrastructure.

    In conclusion, I will use my time in office to pursue the following ideals and principles: I will stand up to the developers, lobbyists, and corporate interests who threaten our quality of life. I will be a voice for open government, reform, and accountability. I will be an advocate to make healthcare more affordable to individuals, small business owners, and the self-employed. I will push to reform the DSTP test and improve our schools. I will work tirelessly to protect our environment for our children.

Candidates For State Representative 31th District — Nancy Wagner, incumbent; Darryl M. Scott, challenger

Nancy Wagner

Age: 65.

Political affiliation: Republican.

Occupation/military/employment experience: Executive director of community relations, Delaware State University; 23 years teaching in the Capital School District.

Family: C.C. ‘‘Bud” Wagner II; children Morgan Holtman, Tripp Wagner and one grandson.

Academic education: B.A. Salem College, Winston-Salem, N.C., double major English and voice, minor in education; M.S. Wilmington University, Human Resource Management.

Prior political experience: State representative 1992 to present.

Email: nancy.wagner@state.de.us

Why are you running for the 31st District?
    I am running for re-election for state representative in the 31st District to continue to help my constituents and to represent their viewpoint on issues and legislation. Many issues still need to be addressed. While in education we must focus on early childhood learning, we must also graduate students with the skills to compete in the global economy. In healthcare, we must continue to search for answers to produce a sustainable, accessible and affordable system. The environment must be protected and the farm industry preserved. And we must keep our communities safe. Affecting all issues is the economy and its relationship to the state budget. Economic development is strengthened by a pro business tax structure and streamlined regulations. We need to pay attention to small business. Delaware needs to retain its existing businesses and help them expand which will produce jobs for our citizens. Because of the current national economic conditions, our state budget process will be difficult. Any new initiative that costs money must come with a way to pay for it — specific cuts in the present budget or tax increases. We have to take a serious look at reforming the way government does business. Programs that are not working or are duplicates of others should be dropped. I believe that no citizen should be asked to pay additional taxes until state government guarantees that its current revenues are being spent efficiently, effectively and economically. This requires transparency, performance evaluations and a willingness to restructure government agencies where appropriate. The end result will be a government that is more responsive and accountable to the needs of its citizens.

Darryl M. Scott

Age: 44

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation/military/employment experience: Director, Account Operations at Sitel

Family: Carol, wife, two sons, 11 and 15

Academic education: Bachelor of Business Administration, dual majors in Economics and Marketing

Prior political experience: Capital School District Board of Education

Campaign website or email: www.darrylscott.org, darryl@darrylscott.org

Why are you running for the 31st District?
    I am running for state representative to restore integrity and fiscal responsibility to state government and to ensure Delaware has the resources to invest in local economic development, quality healthcare, and our children’s education.

    To address our economic challenges, I commit to work with my fellow legislators and business leaders to: Place a renewed focus on job retention. With few exceptions, Kent County has lost more jobs in the past 10 years than we have gained; Create an environment attractive to new businesses including develop a more educated workforce, continue to enhance the quality of life in our community to attract prospective employees, support incentives to encourage investments in both large and small companies.

    We need to do more to promote tourism in Dover by: Leveraging our historical heritage to make Dover a destination, not just a stop on the way to the beach; Implementing green tourism as promoted by Jack Markell using unused railroad right of ways to make hiking and bike trails.

    In healthcare we have an estimated 5,000 children without health insurance, half of which qualify for either Medicaid or the Delaware Healthy Children’s program. We can do a better job of getting our kids enrolled by simplifying the enrollment process, lowering the cost to participate, and educating parents about these programs.

    Our seniors are faced with ever rising healthcare costs, of which a big portion is prescription medicine. We need to consolidate our purchases across state programs and explore public-private partnerships so everyone benefits from lower costs.

    In education we need to change the way we fund our schools, guaranteeing them the dollars they need at the end of the school year so they can compete for the best teachers. We need to replace the DSTP. It is too expensive, takes too long to administer and, delivers information too late. We need a testing system that is integrated into the instructional process and provides timely information to assist our teachers and benchmark our performance against other states and countries.

    It is crucial to have leaders with the experience and record of being fiscally responsible. During my tenure on the Capital School District Board of Education, we consolidated food purchases with other school districts saving over $100,000; combined two programs and now with one principal, facility, and support staff, we serve more children; we found ways to put more resources in the classroom and spend your tax dollars more effectively; added over $3 million to our strategic reserve, almost doubling it to over $7 million. This was accomplished by good planning, management and oversight; and last but not least, we lowered your tax rate this year.

    I have the experience and record to make fiscal responsibility a reality – not just a campaign slogan.

    I ask for your vote on Nov. 4 and I know that by working together, we will have a future that is full of accomplishment and pride.

Candidates For State Representative 32th District — Donna D. Stone, incumbent; E. Bradford “Brad” Bennett, challenger

Donna D. Stone

Age: 64.

Political Affiliation: Republican.

Occupation/military/employment experience: Full-time legislator; real estate broker, ERA Harrington Realty, 2000-2006; real estate broker, Emerson & Co., Realtors, 1984 – 2000; former co-owner, Dinner Bell Inn, Dover, and Kelley’s Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach.

Family:  Son, Matthew, 42, and daughter, Kelley, 39.

Academic Education: B.A. Northwestern University, 1967.

Prior political experience: State representative, 32nd District, 1994 – present.

Website: www.donnastone.com

Why are you running for the 32nd District?
    If re-elected, my priority will be what it has always been: taking care of my constituents and working diligently to improve the quality of life that Delaware’s citizens enjoy. That quality of life should include an excellent education, affordable and accessible health care, safe communities, responsible growth, and strong economic development. 

    A quality education is the foundation of our children’s success. I believe we could spend our education dollars more wisely by reducing school administration costs so more money is spent educating students in the classroom. We need to seriously consider using standardized school design, which would reduce the tax burden for building new schools and speed up school construction. I support replacing the Delaware Student Testing Program with a new interactive test that will give teachers the tools they need to identify which students need help to succeed.

    To increase access to health care, Delaware must continue outreach efforts so that all who are eligible for the SCHIP program are enrolled.  The focus of our medical system should be on cost-effective prevention and wellness efforts. Technology, such as the medical information-sharing program known as DHIN, should be used to improve the delivery of health care. Reforms to the way citizens can purchase health care coverage could help reduce costs for Delaware families. I support a tax credit for small businesses to offset the cost of health insurance. 

    Our law enforcement personnel must have the tools and resources they need to do their job and our law enforcement agencies must be backed up by a criminal justice system that holds criminals accountable for their actions. 

    Land use decisions should be made at the local level. Delaware has excellent programs in place to preserve farmland, forestland, and open space. The funding of those programs must continue to be a priority. 

    If we are to be successful in keeping the jobs we have and attracting new ones, we must maintain an attractive tax structure and avoid needlessly burdensome regulations. Our workforce must be educated in the subjects and skills demanded by high-quality employers.  Both Delaware State University and the University of Delaware have good biotechnology programs and these graduates will increase our ability to lure these types of companies to the First State. Additionally, as Delaware becomes the first state in the country with an offshore wind farm, we have a unique opportunity to grow businesses that will produce and maintain the infrastructure needed by this industry.

    In my years of public service, I have built a network that includes my constituents, educators, business people, community leaders, the leaders of city, county, and state government, and Delaware’s Congressional delegation. Together, we solve problems and address issues. I know how the legislative process works and I know how to get things done. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to make tough decisions and stand by my convictions in representing the 32nd District. I have the leadership skills, the energy, the enthusiasm, and the vision needed to effectively serve this vibrant and growing area of Kent County.

E. Bradford “Brad” Bennett

Age:  43

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation/military/employment experience: Bennett Security Service – President, 1990 — present; State of Delaware Budget Office, 1987 — 1990

Family: Samantha, wife, children Caroline, 12, Joshua, 10

Academic education:  Wake Forest University, B.S. The School of Business and Accountancy — 1987; Dover High School — 1983

Prior political experience: Volunteer for various local campaigns in the past 32 years including my father’s for 32nd District State Representative

Campaign website or email: www.bradbennett.org, brad@bradbennett.org

Why are you running for the 32th District?
    I am running for State Representative because it is time for a change in Delaware and in the 32nd district. Our state is headed in the wrong direction, and on Nov. 4, we’ll have the ability to turn it around.

    Specifically, I believe we need to focus on:

    • Fiscal responsibility — With the economy continuing to tumble, state government needs to spend every single dollar wisely. As a small business owner and a former State Budget Office employee, I know what it’s like to meet a budget and make tough financial choices. I will bring my 20 years of experience to Dover and tighten up the state’s finances and make sure our state runs its budget the way responsible businesses and responsible families run theirs. Ultimately, our tax dollars need to be spent on critical programs, not bureaucratic overhead.

    • Education — I know first hand the problems facing our schools and teachers here in Kent County. Not only do both of my children attend public school, but my wife is a public school teacher and I’ve been endorsed by the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA). We need to eliminate the DSTP and replace it with a test that works. We also need to keep class size low and make sure money allotted to the classroom actually gets there. Finally, if elected, I’ll put emphasis on early childhood education and encourage strong incentives to attract the best teachers.

    • Economic Development – State government needs to do more to bring new jobs to the state. We must create a more favorable business climate in Delaware. I will work to create more, good-paying jobs by investing in renewable energy sources and tax incentives for pre-employment training programs. I’ll also work to recruit high-tech jobs to our rural areas. Strong economic development efforts will ensure that our state succeeds despite national economic problems.

    • Healthcare — It’s a fact. Healthcare costs are on the rise and spiraling out of reach for the average Delaware family. I’m committed to lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and encouraging employers to buy affordable group plans. Opportunities to make healthcare more affordable in our state have been blocked or stalled in the General Assembly again and again. It’s time for a change.

    • As a lifelong Kent County resident, I know the issues facing our district, our county, and our state. The 32nd district needs real change with new, innovative ideas if we are going to weather this national economic downturn. I look forward to having the opportunity to listen to your concerns and work with my fellow legislators to make the changes we need.

Candidates For State Representative 33th District — Robert E. Walls, incumbent; Harold J. Peterman, challenger

Robert E. Walls

Age: 67.

Political affiliation: Democrat.

Occupation/military/employment experience: Small business owner, state representative.

Family: Bonnie, wife, two children, four grandchildren.

Education: Milford High School.

Prior political experience: Served as state representative since 2006.

Website: www.twocountrep.com

Why are you running for the 33rd District?
    Two years ago, I made a promise to bring change to Dover and that’s what I’ve done and that’s why I am running for re-election. Working together with Democrats, independents and Republicans I have brought home resources to renovate local schools, repair our roads, deliver more funds to our classrooms. I helped save the Senior School Property Tax Credit Program and secured critical funds for the Milford Veterans Home, the Boys and Girls Club, our senior center and the volunteer fire departments.

    My plans for the future include: Strengthening job training programs and creating partnerships between higher education and businesses to prepare our students for high-tech jobs in manufacturing, building and farming. We must also focus on educational programs that will help reduce the size of our classrooms and make sure we take care of our teachers and teacher’s aides to do all we can to give our students the first class education they deserve; lowering energy costs by investing in alternative energy resources that bring new industries to our state and creates good-paying jobs, all while protecting our environment; standing up for our family farmers by reducing sprawl to protect farmland and wildlife – making sure that as our state grows, our agricultural community isn’t left behind; expanding access to quality healthcare by allowing small businesses and individuals to join together for affordable coverage and promoting the SCHIP programs so all children who are eligible can receive the benefits available under current allocations.

Harold J. Peterman

Age: 66

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation/military/employment experience: Farmer

Family: Sandy, wife, two sons, their wives and three grandchildren

Academic education: Graduated high school 1962; continuing education and college through the years

Prior political experience: Served for 16 years as Levy Court Commissioner, 4th District

Campaign website or email: www.JackPeterman.com

Why are you running for the 33rd District?
    We need jobs in Delaware. Almost everyday the newspaper reports more job losses. If you are like me you have to be wondering what your state government is doing about this mounting crisis. Best I can tell — nothing.

    I’m running for the Delaware House of Representatives District 33 and I think more has to be done to attract good paying jobs to Delaware and especially to Kent County. I had the honor of representing much of southern Kent County on Levy Court for 16 years and during that time, we actively worked to retain existing jobs and attract businesses to the county. We had a lot of help from the state and state Legislature, but for some reason that dedication to job creation and preservation has stopped. I want to know, why?

    Some may want to blame the governor, the president or partisan politics but all I can see is a lack of commitment and accomplishment. I promise I will work tirelessly every single day to attract good paying jobs to central Delaware if I am elected your state representative.

    Both presidential candidates are promising tax cuts. I think we need to look at this issue on the state level as well. We need to put more cash in the pockets of the middle class and small business people.

    With regard to the state budget, it has grown incredibly and we have to start setting common sense priorities and cutting back on wasteful spending. For example, why did the recent state budget cut funds to our much needed senior centers and Meals on Wheels programs, but gave half a million dollars to the public television station in Wilmington?

    Why did the state budget send another $20,000 to Salisbury State University in Maryland? It’s indefensible if you ask me. I did not have a vote on the matter but Bob Walls on Election Day did. Ask him why vital funding was cut for senior centers. If you elect me, I promise to improve funding for senior citizen programs like senior centers. It is just a matter of making the issue a priority. It is extremely important to me.

    Bob Walls will tell you he tried his very best to represent the citizens of the 33rd District in the General Assembly during his first term but he just couldn’t get these important things done. But his record just doesn’t support his claim. He wants you to give him another chance to try to get things done.

    I promise if you give me the honor of representing you in the House of Representatives, I will listen to your concerns, I will return your telephone calls, I will visit you home or place of business, and I will fight to bring good paying jobs to our community.

    Whatever has been done or is being done simply isn’t working, so I ask you to elect me to represent the 33rd District so we can move this state and our economy in the right directions.

Candidates For State Representative 34th District — Donald A. Blakey, incumbent; Gordon “Bruce” Hamilton, challenger

Donald A. Blakey

Age: 72

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation/military/employment experience: Retired educator from Caesar Rodney School District; currently director of Theater and Dance for Delaware State University

Family: Delores, wife; three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

Academic education: BS, MS, doctorate in theater arts

Prior political experience: 18 years as Kent County Levy Court Commissioner; one term as state representative, 34th District

Why are you running for the 34th District?
    I am running for state representative because I believe I have the experience, desire and energy necessary to speak for my constituents in the Delaware General Assembly. Jobs, education, transportation, clean energy, health care and adequate housing are only a few of the important issues being faced by our State of Delaware. Being a candidate who has worked in these areas for many years, I feel that my experience and ability to bring all parties to a common table will produce overall support for any legislation that takes everyone into account. In addition, I will give my full attention to getting Delaware back in the black fiscally. Our government has got to learn to budget like the average householder living on a fixed income. Lastly, I enjoy working for and with my constituents. I take pride in helping them find solutions for their problems.

Gordon “Bruce” Hamilton

Age: 61

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation/military/employment experience: Six years U.S. Naval Reserve, one tour Vietnam (shore duty Naval support activities 1966-67); 35 years with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Retired in 2005 and currently working as a safety consultant at the Valero refinery (night shift, Senior Safety Professional).

Family: Patricia, wife, and two sons ages 37 and 34.

Academic education: Mt. Pleasant High School class of 1965; U.S. Navy Electrician Class A school (finished third in a class of 65); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers apprenticeship 1970-1974 (finished first of a class of 20) and was named the apprentice of the year in 1974; Certified Safety Administrator with the National Association of Safety Professionals.

Prior political experience: This is the first time I have chosen to run for public office.

Campaign website or email: gtackle@msn.com

Why are you running for the 34th District?
    This is the first time I have chosen to run for public office. Now that I am retired I can devote the time that being a representative requires. While the position of representative is listed as part time, I don’t think it can be done properly without a full-time commitment.

    I am a native Delawarean. I have seen the changes that this state has gone through and not all of them are good. We have lost our manufacturing base and now we are losing the banking industry. Without the good paying jobs these two industries brought to Delaware we cannot continue to provide the quality of life we deserve and have come to expect. We have a chance to bring a new industry to Delaware: the Green Collar jobs of sustainable energy. Blue Water Wind wants to come to Delaware. We need to encourage other manufacturers of sustainable energy to locate in Delaware. With this industry comes well-paying jobs that are environmentally friendly.

    In order to entice this new industry we need to have a well-educated work force. To this end we should end the current state testing program and tell our fine teachers to go back to educating our children and not spend so much time teaching the test. We should expand the programs already in place that permit our students the opportunity to go to community college, and tell them that if they do well in the first two years that there is a chance they can go on for two more years at a state college.

    I think that land use is the reasonability of the county. It should be the state’s job to make sure that the infrastructure is in place and if that means the state has to apply a fee to the builders of new homes to pay for schools, roads and the emergency services that these new homes will require then that is what should be done. Delaware is a small state and I don’t want to see it covered with concrete. So our road construction has to be better planned – not just more roads but better planned roads.

    We have residents that live in manufactured housing on leased land. They should have the right to buy the land that their home sits on when the landowner wants to sell it. I agree with the recent laws that provide the Right of First Refusal.

    I think Jack Markell has the right idea with Universal Health Care. This will provide health care for all Delawareans.