Sussex Post

GEORGETOWN — The League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum on Thursday in Georgetown.

The Oct. 16 forum drew a large crowd of candidates who were quizzed on everything from the best way to improve education to what they feel is the single biggest issue facing Delaware.

When asked how to best improve education: Rep. Joseph Booth said the Delaware State Testing Program (DSTP) can be done more quickly and more cheaply. "We have wasted six years in the DSTP." He added that Delaware is spending money on education, but does not seem to be getting the desired results.

Rep. Gregory Hastings said the state is overspending in a lot of areas and spends too much on construction. He said there are educational improvements being made in some areas, but not in others.

John Atkins, running for the 41st District Representative seat, said the DSTP should be abolished and the state needs to work to attract quality teachers.

Sam Wilson, running for Sussex County Council, said that competition from private schools will make public schools better. "You can throw all the money you want at it, but competition will improve it."

Mike Wyatt, also running for county council, said that parents should be more involved and that teaching needs to return to basics.

Helen Truitt, running for the 37th Representative seat, called for good basic education and making parents responsible for homework.

Dave Wilson, running for the 35th Representative seat, called for good teachers being paid a decent salary. "It all goes back to parents," he said.

His opponent for the 35th District, Aaron Chaffinch, made an opening statement, but was not able to stay for the question period because of another commitment.

Sen. Gary Simpson said that more teacher’s aides would be a good use of state monies. He said that not enough education funding actually gets into the classroom. He said the DSTP should be scrapped.

Gary Downes, running for the 18th Senatorial seat, said that improving education is it’s a matter of parental involvement, good administration and students being prepared. He said the DSTP should be changed.

39th Representative candidate Jerry Semper attended the forum, but couldn’t participate because his opponent Daniel Short was not also participating.

When asked what the single most important issue facing the county is: Mr. Wilson read a comment dating back to ancient Rome, saying that the budget must be balanced and coffers must be re-filled. He also said the county should be business-friendly to attract businesses.

Mr. Wyatt said that if the economy is the top issue, then there is a pressing need for jobs and a need to balance the county budget. He said the county industrial park is nearly full and a new industrial park might help bring jobs.

When asked about a number one priority, Mr. Wyatt said it would be how to handle growth. He said he believes in property rights, but quality of life for residents must also be protected.

Sam Wilson said property rights as well as local control, low taxes and a common sense approach to government.

Mr. Atkins said being accountable for the public’s tax dollars. He called for increasing jobs and providing a business-friendly climate to attract business and jobs.

Rep. Hastings said economic development and creating jobs would be his biggest priority.

David Wilson said he would watchdog the credibility and accountability of state agencies and offices. He said "we need a good housecleaning."

Mr. Downes focused on a Southern Delaware Economic Development Committee as a way of bringing better paying livable jobs to Sussex County. He focused repeatedly on the issue of attracting better paying jobs.

Sen. Simpson said there had been many good ideas mentioned, but none of them would succeed unless the state has financial responsibility.

Rep. Joseph Booth said the financial situation is the number one state priority. But he said he would also like to work on health care, noting that the number of uninsured Delawareans has increased dramatically.