Priorities

As we face Trump’s attacks on free and fair elections, Delaware needs to take steps to strengthen the guardrails of democracy. This includes codifying into law early voting, same-day voter registration, and automatic voter registration for when you become a citizen and/or turn 18 in Delaware.

Although greater development in our community can certainly be a positive, our neighborhoods have unfortunately faced an unsustainable level of growth. This overdevelopment leads to worsening traffic, environmental harm, lack of affordability in the region, overcrowded schools, and an even greater strain on emergency services during our busy summer months.

There needs to be better communication between Sussex County and our State Legislature in finding reasonable compromises to promote sustainable development in the area. Through my communicative experience, I’m well-equipped to be that key liaison.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade marked a dark day in our nation’s history, turning the clock back over 50 years. We need to defend the right to bodily autonomy in Delaware by amending our State Constitution to include reproductive rights. The Delaware state legislature needs a supermajority of those in support of this legislation to get this passed and we are just two more votes away from making this vision a reality.

As a state legislator, I am ready to be one of those key votes.

Housing has gotten far too expensive in the district, with a severe lack of apartments and other affordable housing. Workers in our community have to live 45 minutes away because they can’t afford to live in the district - including health care workers at our newly built ER. This lack of affordability harms our local economy and limits the employment opportunity in the region.

As your legislator, I will make sure that the voice of this district, including our demands for more affordable housing, are heard loud and clear within the legislature.

Our district’s students deserve every opportunity to receive a quality education. This starts with supporting our community’s educators. We need to cut down on the long wait times for teacher licensure so qualified professionals can get into the classroom faster.

At the same time, we should expand scholarship programs that help aspiring teachers stay and succeed right here in Delaware. This includes investing in affordable housing options for educators and building more schools to meet the needs of a growing student population.

By the year 2030, our demand for electricity will increase by 50% and yet Delaware produces barely any of its own. As a former Director at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), I can attest that climate change is an emergency that impacts our community directly that we just can’t ignore. Advancing renewable energy within our state is a key solution.

Delaware needs to look at all the alternatives it can. This includes incentivizing developers to implement geothermal heating systems and solar power for new construction projects. This a common sense solution that not only protects our environment, but saves our community money in the long run through lower electricity bills.

Similarly, we need to advance solar panel implementation within public services like our parks, transportation facilities, and maintenance facilities. Also, we must consider installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as a source of revenue and a way to promote clean energy.

As Delaware’s population grows, so does the demands of our community’s public safety and infrastructure. We need more firehouses, police stations, and lifeguarding programs to support both year-round residents and the influx of summer tourists.

We also must protect our communities from worsening climate impacts. That’s why I’m proposing a neighborhood flood mitigation fund to support vulnerable areas like Billville, Ocean View, and Bethany Beach. We’ll also strengthen flood and irrigation regulations for new developments and take action to protect our maize fields and aquifers from harmful runoff.