The Delaware House of Representatives consists of 41 members, each of whom is elected to a two-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a Representative may serve. All revenue generating legislation must begin in the House. State representatives introduce and vote on proposed legislation, approve the annual budget for the state, and serve on assigned committees. The General Assembly of Delaware meets in Dover three days a week between mid-January and the end of June. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House. The Speaker is elected to the position by a majority of the representatives to run the mechanics of the House, including appointing committees and their members and assigning legislation to committee.
Salary: $51,692/year
* * *
Party: Democrat
Work Experience: President of the America’s and Executive Chairman America GfK/MRI-Simmons Recently Retired…..40 years media and marketing business
Campaign Facebook Page: facebook.com/lindner4delaware
Campaign Phone: (302) 259-8337
Campaign Email: lindner4delware@gmail.com
Community Involvement: 8 years school board, including VP; 15 years youth sports, United Way Southern Chester County PA, Currently President of HOA of local community
Campaign Website: www.lindner4delware.com
Neighborhood/area of residence: Angola, Long Neck, Oak Orchard, Peninsula…..
Education: Two Degrees from the University of Maryland……Masters Degree Quantitative Analysis
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: a) Public Education Funding — The General Assembly created a public education funding commission in 2024. My past elected involvement will bring perspective of different options. b) Affordable and Workforce housing — Detailed below c) Infrastructure and Responsible Growth — Flashing issue across the RD and Sussex. I will be a representative focused on flipping the script where possible, in areas where the state has authority d) Reproductive and Voting Rights — As with Reproductive rights mentioned below, early voting and permanent absentee ballots enabled through constitutional amendments. Will work with the leadership on these vital issues. Other challenges include, child care, transportation, healthcare, community safety.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: The 152nd General Assembly recognized that a lack of affordable and workforce housing is a crisis with significant impacts. Legislature created the Affordable Housing Production Task Force to recommend ways state and local governments could help increase the number of affordable rental units and homes. We face a deficit of approx 20,000+ affordable units. The state not only needs to dedicate funding levels of investments and work with developers, but it also needs to waive infrastructure fees that overburden the cost of building affordable housing. I will work with leadership to move this initiative forward, while focusing on our region.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I support a woman’s right to make her own decisions regarding reproductive health care, including access to medical services and autonomy over her own body. I would support further protecting those rights by supporting a Delaware constitutional amendment. While we currently have statutes protecting those rights, they can be overridden should that legislative majority change. That is why we need this right embedded in our state constitution. I would be a legislator supporting that process.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: We have an extraordinary number of people with wells in our RD. Even in cases where people have the resources to buy purifying systems there are problems. Over 250,00 citizens in Delaware live in areas not in compliance in PFAS levels. This brings about adverse health impacts. The bipartisan federal Infrastructure bill set aside 1 billion dollars for private well owners to treat their wells. My commitment is to be heavily involved in solutions and paths to ensure we do what is required to fix this health problem that impacts so many in our community.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: This issue like many others requires innovative approaches and legislation. I would be ready to work with leadership to support that type of legislation. Some, might be straight forward around food insecurity, children’s health care, and leal services depending on the needs of the individual family. Others such as housing needs, given the already existing affordable housing shortage in the area are far more complex and require action on that issue. Previous years data has shown 70k+ plus immigrants as part of the workforce and only a small percentage eligible for naturalization. Many/most are not benefitting from taxes they already pay. It is a complex issue, but we must do better.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Party: Republican
Work Experience: Retired from private practice as CEO of a four location with approx. 30 employees; Retired Colonel USAFR as wartime Medical Commander for 512th Air Wing at Dover Air Force Base; Business Consultant for Vision Source for 20 years. Business Consultant for Vision Source for 20 years.
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Vote04Jeff
Additional Information: My passion is my family. I am married to the love of my life Marcia for 44 years. We have 3 grown adult children with families and have been blessed with 6 grandchildren. For fun I enjoy cycling. I have cycled across Michigan, Missouri, New York, from Pittsburgh to Washington DC, and from Selbyville to Cape Charles. Recently I raised over $6500 cycling for Lions Club Vision Charities.
Campaign Phone: (302) 381- 2686
Campaign Email: jhilovsky@verizon.net
Community Involvement: Volunteers to teach my Leadership is a Lifestyle Program for 8 years in three local high schools; Easter Seals Sussex County Advisory Board 27 years; Lions Club for 23 years.
Campaign Website: www.vote4jeff.net
Neighborhood/area of residence: Long Neck
Education: BS in Biology (Grove City College) Doctor of Optometry (Illinois College of Optometry)
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: The problems are real, and the issues are complex. We face significant challenges for the future because our public education is ranked 45th in the nation. Our education rank has fallen 39 places in 31 years. Medical Care: access; cost; and outcome rank us 49th out of 50 states. Our drug prices average 39% higher than the national average. We rank 9th in the nation in opioid deaths. Year over year from 2022 -2023 Delaware had the nation’s only negative GDP. We have an EV mandate without infrastructure and a car market shunning EVs and demanding hybrids. Recent budgets have increased spending greater than projected revenue: unsustainable. Each of these topics deserve in-depth solutions far exceeding the space limits of this format.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: This is a very complex topic with many factors involved. Large scale solutions may be illusive, but many smaller scale pieces of this puzzle may form a foundation to build solutions. I was recently appointed to the newly formed Affordable Housing Task Force by the Speaker of the House. The purpose of the Task Force is to assemble thinkers in the real estate industry, builders and contractors, Delaware Housing Authority, mental health experts, current affordable housing experts, and others to explore and look for best practices and best solutions as applied to Delaware’s many unique situations. Legislation may or may not be the answer. If legislation without unintended consequences makes best sense, of course I am willing to help.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: Delaware has a clear path for reproductive choices so this question is answered in this state.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: Water quality is essential, but simply boiling water may be a simplistic answer to a complex problem. If the water is contaminated by a dangerous bacterium, and certified water and public health experts recommend temporarily boiling the water until a safe solution to restore water quality to the homeowner or community is implemented, then that should occur. There are many chemical contaminants and minerals for which boiling water is not helpful. The best solution is to concentrate on areas where contamination exists, determine the cause of contamination, experts research facts to determine best solutions, determine a safe/effective implementation plan, then deliver that solution in a timely manner. Institute measuring and monitoring.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: There are many resident citizens in Delaware in need of services; how could they not be our first priority? I believe that state resources should be first allocated to resident citizens. Once resident citizens are fully cared for, we can turn our attention to immigrants.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Neither support nor oppose
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Neither agree nor disagree
* * *
Party: Democrat
Community Involvement: Leadership positions in Democratic Party for 8 years, including 4 as Chair of RD 14, Prison Ministry with The Way Home, Active Citizen
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ClaireSnyderHall
Campaign Email: clairefordelaware@gmail.com
Work Experience: Professor of Political Science (1998-2012), Democracy Consultant (2011-2021), Director/Executive Director of Common Cause DE (2015-2017, 2021-2024)
Education: BA cum laude from Smith College, PhD in political science from Rutgers University
Additional Information: I am running for House because I want to do the work. This is not a stepping stone job for me or something to do for two terms and then retire. I am in it for the long haul, full-time.
Campaign Website: clairesnyderhall.com/
Campaign Twitter Handle: claire4delaware
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@Claire4Delaware
Neighborhood/area of residence: Villages of Old Landing in Rehoboth
Campaign Phone: (302) 569-9205
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: A lot is on the ballot in 2024: choice, LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, & the Am Dream itself. We need to secure reproductive freedom with a constitutional amendment; attract more healthcare providers (including vets) to the area; strengthen democracy with vote-by-mail, campaign finance reform, & a nonpartisan IG; ameliorate the environmental destruction caused by overdevelopment & climate change; strengthen the public schools (including increased pay for educators); & address the housing crisis affecting working people & the unhoused. After 13 years of political engagement in DE, including 5 as head of CCDE, I have strong relationships in Dover & a proven track record of success. I will work with colleagues to address our most pressing problems.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: Homelessness is a very serious problem, particularly in Sussex. I consider housing a human right. I will work with allies & colleagues to find creative solutions. For example, I’d like to expand NCC’s Hope Center concept – where a government-purchased old hotel is being used to house people & provide wrap-around services on site. We should consider expanding “pallet communities,” e.g. in Georgetown, & make sure wrap-around services are conveniently available. Unhoused people need access to the same kinds of services that we all do – healthcare, substance abuse counseling, jobs, childcare, etc. And let’s make sure returning citizens, those fleeing DV, or taking refuge in DE b/c of transphobia or other reasons don’t fall through the cracks.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I’ve always been a strong supporter of reproductive freedom. The gov’t should not tell us whether or when to have children. No one should be forced to bear a child because they cannot access or afford an abortion, & no one should feel compelled to have an abortion because they are too poor to support a family. In addition, gov’t should never control the reproductive decisions of people on public assistance or implement forced sterilization. Fortunately, DE protects abortion access & protects providers. In addition, many positive additional protections were passed last session. However, we still need a constitutional amendment to protect the right to choose. On a related note, we need protections for providers of gender-affirming care.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: Clean water is essential for life, but unfortunately our waterways & groundwater are contaminated because of agricultural run-off & rapid development. A recent report by the Center for Inland Bays (CIB) gives our waterways a grade of D. We need to strengthen environmental protections to improve water quality & also make better land use decisions. We need increased buffers & a decrease in clear-cutting of land prior to development. The General Assembly should take decisive action when county government fails to address critical problems. I support legislation that provides for clean water, as well as funding for the CIB. I believe environmental laws should have teeth. I’d support subsidized water testing & filtration systems for homeowners.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes, I support allowing undocumented immigrants greater access to healthcare, housing, and financial services, such as food benefits. Healthcare, housing, and adequate food are basic human rights that should be available to all people. I support government programs working in partnership with faith communities and non-profit organizations to help people in need.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
* * *
Party: Republican
Community Involvement: Rehoboth Beach Vol Fire, Delaware Special Olympics, Rehoboth Sportsplex, Eastern Sussex Ducks Unlinited
Work Experience: Telecommunications, Fire fighter, Small Business Owner
Education: High School, Del Tech, Delaware State Fire School
Campaign Email: Info@simpler4de14.com
Campaign Twitter Handle: mikesimpler4de
Campaign Facebook Page: m.facebook.com/61559780725670/
Neighborhood/area of residence: Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach (forgotten mile)
Campaign Phone: (302) 519-1414
Campaign Website: Simpler4DE14.com
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Most important challenge today for Delaware is division. This division needs to be bridged in order to make sure we can work towards a better governance of the issues, education, housing, healthcare & equity for everyone.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: Working to end homelessness is a difficult task because you have many different agencies working on the same problem. We need a task force to bring in all the agencies working into group discussions and attack the issue from there.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: The government should be in everyone’s healthcare in a safe, fair. affordable and equal way. But a woman or a man has a right to her/his own body not the government.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: I believe clean water is very important. I believe with all the municipalities and water companies in the state of Delaware we should be able to provide healthy clean water to majority of the people in the State of Delaware.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Not at this time. Right now in the State of Delaware we are experiencing healthcare, housing and many Delawareans are financially strapped. Many are living paycheck to paycheck. Many Delawareans are also drowning in credit card debt as well. If an immigrant comes to this country the legal way we should help support them as needed.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Neither support nor oppose
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Neither agree nor disagree
* * *
Party: Democrat
Additional Information: I have been actively involved with numerous State and Local community organizations for many years. I have a proven record of successful service in all organizations.
Work Experience: Worked as a teacher and administrator for all grade levels, elementary through post-secondary.
Neighborhood/area of residence: Milton, Delaware
Campaign Email: friendsforstellparkerselby2024@gmail.com
Campaign Website: www.friendsforstellparkerselby.com
Education: B.A. Sociology, Delaware State University; Master of Education Instruction at the University of Delaware
Community Involvement: Member of school board, including presiding as President. Vice Mayor, Milton City Council, Member Beebe Medical Center Board, DSU Board of Trustees, DE Historical Society Board, Sussex YMCA Board, President Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour Chair
Campaign Twitter Handle: StellPSelby
Campaign Phone: (302) 480-6976
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/friendsforstellparkerselby
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Providing a living wage to afford the basics of life, affordable housing, childcare, health care, and education are support programs that help recruit and retain a workforce by addressing these issues. Growth must be evaluated and not allowed to go unchecked, ensuring plans to address increased needs for transportation, as well as adequate and safe roads. I support state funding for land preservation, public transportation, environmental protection, and green jobs. Access to high quality early childhood education, and the early identification of disabilities is important. I promote expanding access to high quality education at all levels. I encourage programs that inform high school students of their post-secondary opportunities.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: I believe everyone deserves safe and clean shelter. I co-sponsored DE Bill 246 that provides support for home repairs for low and very low income residents to keep them in their homes and eliminate possible homelessness. We must review options to house and protect our growing homeless populations.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I believe bodily autonomy is a human right. I support protections for individuals and health care providers to ensure that privacy and rights are protected in making reproductive choices and that no adverse actions can be taken against services that are legal in this state.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: The infrastructure in Delaware for maintaining quality water standards must remain up to date. Testing and analysis conducted at regular intervals are important to ensure the water system meets appropriate standards. I support funding for the Delaware Clean Water Initiative for all communities with an emphasis on underserved communities, which helps provide clean public drinking water for the State’s low income and underserved communities.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: YES. I believe all people deserve adequate healthcare, housing and financial services. I support funding for the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to subsidize all low income individuals and families. All humans have a right to live with dignity.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Party: Republican
Campaign Phone: (302) 329-8684
Campaign Website: www.nikkimillerforDE.com
Education: B.A. Secondary Social Studies, M.A. Applied Technology & Administration Certification K-12, Ed.D. Educational Leadership/Superintendent
Neighborhood/area of residence: Windstone
Campaign Facebook Page: Facebook.com/nikkimillerforde
Campaign Email: nikkimillerforDE@gmail.com
Community Involvement: I’ve spent my career in public service. Examples of community involvement include local food drives, clothing drives, fundraising for special olympics, family engagement nights, college financial aide workshops, technology training for parents, organizing career fairs, student voter registration stations
Additional Information: I am a mom and educator, who cares deeply about the health and wellness of women, our kids, and seniors. If elected, I will represent the 20th District with respect to these experiences and those I learn from listening to members of this community. The Cape community has supported me for many years, I hope to continue with that support to make a greater impact.
Work Experience: This is my 21st year in education! Roles include: Middle School Social Studies Teacher (Seaford), 6-12 Instructional Coach (Seaford), Assistant Principal (Seaford & Cape), Principal (Cape High), Supervisor of K-12 Instruction (Seaford)
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Our state faces two critical challenges: education and health care. To address these issues we need to ensure we invest equitably in education by increasing funding for teacher salaries and retiree pensions, ensuring that our educators are well-supported and our educational system remains strong. For health care we need to provide robust support to local hospitals and physicians, working collaboratively to expand access to care and meet the needs of our growing population effectively.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: To address the issue of homelessness in Delaware, I would propose legislation that demonstrates strong support for the annual state budget bill with a focus on increasing funding for the Delaware State Housing Authority. This boost in resources would enhance housing availability in Sussex County and across the state. As well as, development of innovative incentives to engage and support advocates for affordable housing, fostering creative solutions and greater community involvement in addressing this critical issue.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: The government should play a key role in expanding access and support for an increase in availability and choices for women’s health. As well as continuing to provide women and all individuals with the freedoms they need to make the choices they feel are appropriate in their own lives.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: As I work to represent an area grappling with challenges related to the consistent availability of clean water, prioritizing increased state budgetary support for the Clean Water Fund will be essential. This investment is crucial to addressing and improving our region’s access to reliable, safe drinking water.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: I would support innovative legislation aimed at expanding access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Additionally, I am committed to ensuring that these vital services are available to all Delawareans in need.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Disagree
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor Arts, Political Science, University of Delaware; Master of Public Administration, University of Delaware
Community Involvement: Milford School District Board of Education (2019 – 2022); ACLU of Delaware; Delaware Hispanic Commission; Educational Equity Council; La Red Health Center Board of Directors;
Campaign Email: ronyfordelaware@gmail.com
Work Experience: Congressional staffer to U.S. Senator Tom Carper (2017 – 2019); Community Relations Officer, Office of Delaware Attorney General (2020 – 2021); Director of Policy and Communications, Office of the Delaware Secretary of State (2022 – Present)
Campaign Phone: (302) 841-1236
Campaign Facebook Page: facebook.com/ronyfordelaware
Neighborhood/area of residence: Milford
Campaign Website: ronyfordelaware.com
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Improving our education system is fundamental to addressing many challenges facing our district and state. A shortage of teachers, increasing behavioral challenges among students, low graduation rates, students not being college and/or career-ready, and inadequate support for students with disabilities, low-income, and multilingual students are challenges impacting our schools. To ensure that we are raising the next generation of capable adults and residents of our district begins with our teachers. We must address the pay structure to be competitive among our neighboring states to retain and attract teachers. We need to create high-quality pathways for students to begin exploring opportunities to become educators.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: People who are experiencing homelessness often – but not all the time – experience other mental health challenges that are hindering their ability to overcome their situations. In other instances, drug and opioid abuse have taken a toll on an individual’s life, and recovery may seem out of reach. We need to continue investing and empowering non-profits and organizations that work with the homeless population to ensure that they have food, temporary shelter, and mental health support. Partnering with those same organizations or others that provide workforce training to ensure that individuals can get right back on track is essential.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: The first role the government should play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices is to protect it. The second role that the government should play is to expand access to women who may not be able to afford GYN care, birth control, and other services, including the right to have an abortion.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: There needs to be an effort to test water levels more frequently, particularly in underserved and low-income areas, to reduce the likelihood of individuals getting sick from PFAS or other chemicals. We also need to make sure that facilities are adhering to regulations when it comes to polluting waters and neighborhoods.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. Regardless of whether an individual is undocumented or not, they are still living within our communities. When we discuss expanding access to healthcare and reducing healthcare costs, immigrants should also be included. When we invest in keeping families and communities healthy, it reduces the financial burden in the long run for the entire population.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
* * *
Party: Democrat
Campaign Website: www.brettfordelaware.com
Additional Information: The 41st Representative District has changed dramatically over the past ten years. I look forward to providing the leadership that reflects the current and future needs of our community. I will be a leader that fights for responsible growth, protection of our natural resources, quality education, affordable childcare, and the responsible transition to renewable energy.
Campaign Phone: (443) 257-2061
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556315164141
Community Involvement: Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Center for the Inland Bays, Environmental Team Chair for Progressive Democrats of Sussex County, Treasurer RD 41 Democratic Committee
Campaign Email: brettfordelaware@gmail.com
Work Experience: VP of Operations Retail, CPA Financial Analyst
Education: BBS Accounting Cleveland State University
Neighborhood/area of residence: Millsboro
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Educational Reform – Provide a more equitable and transparent funding formula that is weighted to properly account for costs of low income students, english language learners, and those with disabilities. Affordable and Accessible Childcare – provide a childcare tax credit to families and a credit to employers that make child care available to employees. Leverage Available Investments in Clean Energy – Massive amounts of investments in clean energy production are available from federal, state and private industry sources. Delaware needs to be a leader in implementing clean energy solutions to protect our environment for future generations, and to create good paying jobs in the burgeoning renewable energy industry.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: Expand subsidies to groups offering wrap-around services to homeless individuals, such as the pallet village in Sussex County. In addition to providing housing, the wrap-around services provide assistance in getting individuals back on their feet with mental health and addiction counseling, financial planning instruction, and job search assistance. Enact good-cause eviction legislation to protect renters. Provide emergency rental assistance. Prevent rejection of renter’s applications due to using vouchers or previous homelessness. Enact an income based property tax limit on seniors. Offer tax credits to developers creating affordable housing. Enact zoning reforms that allow smaller, affordable housing on smaller lot sizes.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: The government should protect a woman’s right to determine her reproductive choices. I support a Delaware state constitutional amendment to enshrine a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: The Delaware Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities (CWI) is overseen by the Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee. The CWI is funded by the Clean Water for Delaware Act signed into law in 2021. I would follow the activities of the oversight committee and thoroughly review its annual reports to ensure that all communities in need of assistance to have clean water, receive that assistance. I support a policy in which the reports issued by the committee are made public, including through community informational meetings. The Delaware Clean Water Act is an excellent framework to ensure clean water for all. As a state representative I will diligently follow up on the activities and findings of the oversight committee.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. We cannot ignore immigrant communities due to their immigration status as we work as a country to improve the process whereby immigrants can be given a path to citizenship. Making healthcare available to immigrants is not only a compassionate policy, it is a community health issue that protects the population at large. The recent pandemic highlighted the importance of community health. It is also financially prudent as we need to reduce the burden of treating uninsured patients that hospitals across the country are facing. I am in favor of providing housing assistance and financial services to immigrants that are in good standing, with a tax payer ID and who pay taxes.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
* * *
Party: Republican
Campaign Website: richcollins41.com
Campaign Phone: (302)381-1610
The Delaware Journalism Collaborative is a project of the Local Journalism Initiative.
