County Council is the legislative branch of New Castle County government. The County Council President presides over meetings of New Castle County Council and has the same rights and duties including the right to vote and speak therein as other council members. The New Castle County President is elected by the public to a four-year term in the “on-years” when the Delaware governor and U.S. President are up for election. He or she must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of New Castle County for at least one year, and over 24 years of age when elected.
Salary: $60,738/year
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Phone: (302) 593-8526
Campaign Website: georgefrankel.org
Campaign Email: george.frankel@georgefrankel.org
Community Involvement: Substitute teacher (Saint Edmonds)
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/1527030621575661/
Work Experience: United States Senate, Financial Institutions, State of Delaware (Delaware Workforce Development Board)
Neighborhood/area of residence: Wilmington
Education: Masters
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: 1) I worked on and off in the United States Senate Chamber from 2015-2019. This legislative procedural experience (working with parliamentarians and clerks) separates me from the other candidates and is an asset in this role. This role is largely a parliamentary role outside of being 1 of 13 votes on the council. 2) I have experience in the private banking sector appraising home values (important considering the re-assessment this fall). 3) I’ve spent the past two years leading business engagement efforts state-wide for Governor Carney’s workforce board. 4) I am not a one-issue candidate. I also am fairly young and not looking for a part-time retirement position. I bring energy, very specific ideas, and enthusiasm to the council.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: Good stewardship of county funds. We could be doing so much, and most of it comes down to funding. When analyzed, we can see redundancy and inefficiency that can be redirected to help our residents and infrastructure. The County needs to serve the community very well in its foundations. 1) excellent public safety, paramedics, and police; 2) great public parks and libraries 3) Great sewers and stormwater drainage. We need to get back to our jobs, address those issues, and adhere to our intended scope of responsibilities. We also need to be more creative in approaching these issues and find ways to do that without increasing taxes.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: YES! We need to focus away from developing small-scale residential in our agricultural spaces. These spaces have very limited access to public utilities (sewer, police, fire, public transit, roads). This puts a massive strain on our local government to expand these services, causes traffic, and artificially creates bedroom communities where there is limited employment. Our county’s growing areas, including former office and industrial spaces or even old retail malls, hold immense potential for development. With existing infrastructure, these areas can be transformed into vibrant communities. I would love to see more density, sustained farmland, and greater access to public transit. I’m running out of words, but I have more ideas!
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow
for the development of affordable housing?
A: YES! Affordable housing is desperately needed in this county. We have a supply-and-demand issue. The cost of labor and materials is so high that new construction is complex to make affordable. However, suppose the county development process becomes less operatic, more predictable, and favorable towards smaller multi-unit homes. In that case, we can create a more extensive inventory and, thus, lower the price of these units. Having a time frame for renters and purchasers who are county residents to obtain these units before the open market could help keep costs low for our residents. We need to make it harder for developers to do the wrong thing and easier for them to do the right thing.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: I plan to treat every resident equally regardless of race, creed, or color. I intend to personally engage with each resident, whether in person, over the phone, or through social media, to ensure that their voices are heard and considered. I propose more community input on re-zoning and development projects. An opt-in text/email program. Residents can provide their contact information and address. When a re-zoning or variance is proposed within a 1/4 mile of where they live, they will receive a text/email stating the meeting’s time, date, and location so their voices can be heard. Having more community say and awareness on development projects will ensure that those projects and changes are meeting the needs of that community.
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Phone: (302) 212-4919
Additional Information: Instagram: @val_for_ncc_council
Campaign Website: valgould.com
Campaign Email: hello@valgould.com
Community Involvement: Volunteer with Friends of Wilmington Parks and with in Brandywine Creek State Park with master naturalists; also volunteer research services to local civic organizations
Campaign Facebook Page: facebook.com/gouldforncc
Work Experience: Career music teacher (20+ years of experience); Legislative Fellow for Delaware State House Majority Caucus; Intern for U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester; policy analyst for Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus; specialize in energy, environmental, social justice, and education policy; event management, educational leadership, and administrative experience
Neighborhood/area of residence: Wilmington, DE
Education: Bachelor of Music Education from University of Delaware; Master of Educational Leadership and Administration from Cabrini University; Master of Energy and Environmental Policy from University of Delaware
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: I’ve taught for 20+ years, which has given me insight into the challenges faced by families and how those challenges negatively impact academic achievement. I also have a master’s degree in energy and environmental policy and worked for the Delaware General Assembly—as a policy fellow for the House and a policy analyst for the Senate— which has given me further insight into resident concerns. I have a solid policy background and have assisted in writing and editing legislation. These unique skills and experiences set me apart from the other candidates while giving me the valuable ability to break down complex issues, effectively communicate those issues, and generate meaningful solutions and action steps to address them.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: Our historically oppressed communities and environment have been neglected for far too long. As such, I’m running on the most people-centered, environmentally-focused platform in this race, which includes creating more affordable housing, encouraging sustainable development that preserves open space, strengthening historically neglected communities, and protecting our communities and the environment through more sustainable and equitable land uses. Business as usual isn’t working for the majority of our residents or our environment, and the time for action is now. I firmly believe that, if we uplift everyone with more future-focused decision-making, our communities and economy will truly thrive.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Expanding New Castle County’s development footprint will further harm our environment and strain our already-strained infrastructure (sewage, stormwater, roads, etc.). We are also experiencing a severe lack of affordable housing for anyone making less than 120% AMI, and especially for those making under 50% AMI. We must utilize infill, multi-use development as well as inclusionary zoning to create more sustainable communities that are financially accessible to everyone who lives and works in them. Subsequently, this will allow the county, DART, and other stakeholders to make public transportation more efficient and effective while preserving more of our remaining open space.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: I have a multi-pronged plan to create Increase access to affordable, accessible, and sustainable housing: 1. Infill development to increase density in current population centers, which creates more housing where infrastructure and services already exist and creates more complete and walkable/sustainable communities 2. Mixed-use and inclusionary zoning, which centralizes services and multiple types of housing for all income levels (apartments, townhomes, retail and shopping, medical, etc.) and creates more complete and walkable/sustainable communities 3. Creating a fund that assists seniors with home repairs and upgrades that enable aging in place
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: I have a strong background in environmental and social justice. As County Council President, I will fight to increase the outreach and transparency in the rezoning and land use designation processes (meeting notices via social media, text/email/phone, via mail, in person via canvassing, etc.) while ensuring that the notification process alerts as many potentially impacted residents as possible (look at increasing notification radius, etc.). Locations and times of meetings may also need to be altered/added according to community needs. I will fight to implement the same transparency and inclusive practices in all aspects of county government business.
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Party: Democrat
Additional Information: I am committed to transparency and ethical governance, underscored by my pledge to never accept campaign contributions from developers. As a tech entrepreneur and owner of a successful web design and SEO company, I bring valuable expertise in the technology space. I am an innovator for community development and economic growth. Born and raised in Delaware, I have a deep understanding of our community’s needs and values. I envision a future that includes expanding green spaces, promoting affordable housing, and ensuring equitable access to resources. I am an avid runner and ultimate frisbee player, fostering a healthy and active community. As a proud LGBTQ+ member, I support diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life and community development. My lifelong commitment to Delaware and my diverse experiences equip me to effectively serve and uplift our community.
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@hooverfordelaware
Campaign Website: gohoover.com
Campaign Email: jason@gohoover.com
Community Involvement: My community involvement is extensive and rooted in my dedication to improving New Castle County. As Founder and Director of Save The Valley, I led efforts to preserve land, resulting in extending Delaware’s first national park. As a member of the NCC Open Space Advisory Board, I work on initiatives to protect and plan for open spaces. Additionally, I founded and chair Rank The Vote Delaware, advocating for ranked choice voting. I served on Matt Meyer’s Open Space Committee, contributing to strategic planning and land use decisions. As a tech entrepreneur and small business owner, I am connected to the local economy and community needs. I am a lifelong Delaware resident and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. My pledge to never take campaign contributions from developers ensures my decisions are in the best interest of residents. This dedication has earned me endorsements from Councilmembers Durham, Carter, and Cartier, Delaware Stonewall, and other respected organizations.
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/hooverfordelaware
Work Experience: Small business owner of Trolley Web
Neighborhood/area of residence: Midtown Brandywine in Wilmington, DE
Education: BS in Physics, BS in Engineering Science and Mechanics, MS in Engineering Design & Innovation
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: I am deeply invested in my community and my qualifications reflect my commitment to New Castle County. As Founder and Director of Save The Valley, I led a grassroots effort to preserve land that became part of Delaware’s national park. As a member of the NCC Open Space Advisory Board, I work on preserving open spaces. I also founded Rank The Vote Delaware to advocate for ranked choice voting. Additionally, I served on Matt Meyer’s Open Space Committee, am a tech entrepreneur, a lifelong Delaware resident, and a proud LGBTQ+ member. I’ve pledged to never take developer contributions and am endorsed by Councilmembers Durham, Carter, and Cartier, Delaware Stonewall, and four other organizations.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: The most urgent issues in New Castle County revolve around responsible land use, community safety, and economic development. We must prioritize open space preservation to maintain our unique natural areas and prevent harmful sprawl. Redeveloping underutilized areas like old malls and commercial centers can create vibrant, economically sustainable communities without sacrificing green spaces. Addressing the tremendous gap in affordable housing is crucial to maintaining a diverse, resilient population. Lastly, enhancing community safety through equitable access to public health and safety resources is vital for the well-being of all residents. Our future depends on these strategic initiatives.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. Strategic changes are crucial for sustainable growth and development in New Castle County. We need to prioritize redeveloping underutilized areas like old malls and commercial centers to prevent sprawl and preserve open spaces. Implementing smart growth principles, such as mixed-use zoning and incentivizing denser developments, will create vibrant, walkable communities. Additionally, integrating transportation planning with land use policies will improve infrastructure efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. These changes will enhance livability, attract residents, and support long-term economic stability.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: To ensure the development of affordable housing, I will advocate for zoning reforms that incentivize affordable units in new developments, such as density bonuses and expedited permitting for projects that include affordable housing. We will introduce inclusionary zoning policies requiring a percentage of units in new residential developments to be affordable. Collaborating with developers, offering tax incentives, and leveraging public-private partnerships will also be key strategies. Additionally, we’ll focus on redeveloping underutilized properties to create mixed-income communities, integrating affordable housing into vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: Including all voices in decision-making is vital in creating a community that works for all residents, especially those who have been traditionally shut out. First, I will hold regular town hall meetings and listening sessions in diverse neighborhoods to bring in more representative discussions. Utilizing social media and digital platforms will help reach a broader audience and provide convenient channels for feedback. I will establish advisory councils composed of community leaders from minority groups to directly inform policy decisions. By prioritizing open communication and actively seeking input, we can make sure all voices are heard and valued in our decision-making processes.
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Party: Democrat
Ms. Johns did not respond to the questionnaire.
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Phone: (302) 893-6906
Additional Information: Endorsed by Delaware Building Trades, Delaware Association of Police, State of Delaware Fraternal Order of Police, IAFF Firefighters Union 1590
Campaign Website: CommitteeToElectWilliams.com
Campaign Email: RobertWilliams@CommitteeToElectWilliams.com
Community Involvement: HOA President, lifelong Volunteer Firefighter
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/committee.to.elect.williams?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Work Experience: 20 years Police Lieutenant, 5 years Trauma Nurse, 10 years Medical Fraud Investigator, 7 years Councilman, 2 years State of Delaware 911 Administrator
Neighborhood/area of residence: Newark
Education: AS Degree in Nursing and Criminal Justice
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and (if challenged) what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: Im the only candidate that has served as a Councilmember with council experience in preparing ordinances, reviewing and vetting a governmental budget. I’ve served on the Public Safety Committee as a chairman, and Finance Committee as a member. 20 years of Policing Experience. I currently oversee a budget of roughly $15 million annually.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: Land use and transparency
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: The council has adopted council rules and procedures. Council has repeatedly failed to follow the established guidelines. I would enforce rules and procedures to keep council on track.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: Please see my prior response. I feel that following established procedures and rules, council can review and vote accordingly. I firmly believe that district Councilmembers should be the primary sponsor on land use ordinances that are proposed within their respective districts.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: All aspects of council will be open for public discussion. Any issue that effects a community, council will deploy an advisory system to make notification to residents of that specific area.
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