The trio of candidates for Delaware’s insurance commissioner debated before insurance agents and brokers Sept. 17 with general questions to specifics on laws while airing their views and backgrounds.

    The Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Brokers hosted the event at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino to educate their members. The organization’s chairman John Yasik, who acted as moderator, said the debate helps them because often their customers ask who the agents recommend they vote for in the election.

    Republican candidate John Brady spoke of his ability to work hard and his familiarity with some of the state insurance code from his work with the Delaware Legislature.

    Brady called for more Internet sale regulations where agents get a commission for sales within their geographical area, as well as limiting homeowner cancellations and seeing if tough credit score guidelines are working to lower rates.

    “I want to make sure we have the best of the best in the state of Delaware,” he said.

    Karen Weldin Stewart, the democratic candidate pointed to her actual hands-on regulatory experience and said she is the only professionally certified candidate.

    She thinks one of the most important issues is keeping insurance companies solvent while offering more products to customers such as a greater number of auto insurance carriers. She said she also wants to have increased dialogue between agents and the insurance commissioner’s office, having a group meet at least monthly, if not quarterly.

    She said she couldn’t emphasize the agents enough.

    “You – the agents – are selling the product. You’re on the front lines,” Stewart said.

    Independent candidate Tom Savage said he’s acted as the only unpaid lobbyist in state government and when he was 16 became the youngest insurance agent on the East Coast.

    His platform consists of one main concern – having universal health care for the entire state, which he said would actually save taxpayers money.

    He said run away health costs make it necessary to move the issue to the forefront after it’s been on the state’s legislative agenda for more than 13 years.

    “It’s past the time to talk, now is the time to lead,” he said, later adding, “We need to focus on the needs of citizens first.”

Email Jayne Gest at jayne.gest@doverpost.com