A Better Deal for Delaware

Today the Independent Party of Delaware (IPOD) endorsed Mike Protack for Governor. In their press release, Independent Party of Delaware State Chairman Wolfgang Von Baumgart said Mike is:

“an energetic, innovative, insightful, independent and sincere advocate for the people in major issues of education, economic opportunity, open government, energy, environmental quality, and health care. The voters have a real chance to change the politics of Delaware for the better.”

I purposely stayed away from Dover in the last whirlwind days because while there were some last minute issues which had merit (fusion/anti fusion and stem cells) for the most part the session was the end of a process of meager goals and even more marginal results. We also shut down our Blog “Better Deal For Delaware” for two weeks because the last days in Dover have little to do with making Delaware a Better Place. The situation reminds me of an old slogan from writing Military evaluations, “he sets low standards and fails to achieve them.”

This scenario suits the Democratic party because they own the state but the Republican Party can’t wait any longer to rise up to the occasion. I told a Republican group last month that the downward trend of the state in many areas matches the downward trend of the Republican Party. If the GOP loses the Governor’s race in 2008 the GOP will lose the House Majority in the first election after reapportionment and will not see it return for many years. The only way for the GOP to begin achieving electoral success is to regain credibility on every day issues and nominate candidates to statewide office who are a better reflection of the voters. We must gamble on how to win, not control how we lose. The old disclaimer, past performance does not guarantee future results does not apply here. What we have done on the past will fail again and again.

Back to the legislative agenda. A better way is needed. I think it is fair to say there was no grand agenda set in motion by the Governor or either the House or Senate which was forward looking or profound in any way and that is why we were entertained by last minute chicanery and closed door sessions. I do not recall any progress on health care access or coverage nor education not to mention a budget/tax/transportation situation which was virtually ignored. Yes, I think the workman’s’ comp bill was laudable but that is it.

I think the legislative efforts are sort of like weeds in your grass. The best way to keep weeds at bay is to have a healthy and robust yard. In other words, if the House and Senate were debating the issues that matter to people we would not have as many side issues which feed the political machine but do nothing to make Delaware a Better Place. Delawareans want and deserve leadership and workable solutions on health care, education and jobs. There are talented and capable people in the legislature but they need a focus and a prioritization which has been lacking in recent years. Leadership has consequences, inaction and lower expectations invite gradual but certain decline in all we value as a state.

Anyone can steer a ship but it takes a Captain to steer a course. We should shoot high and accept some failures to accomplish goals which will benefit all Delawareans. Absorbing mediocrity as the “safe thing to do” it unconscionable because it is always better to lead and take a chance. Here are the top three in my estimation.

1. Enact a Private but Universal Health Care Plan which allows choice and requires responsibility. Delacare 2008 is our idea based on Wellness, Productivity and Security.

2. Address education in Delaware by changing the way we spend money(site based management/weight based formula) and the way we raise it (property tax elimination) while making testing more goal driven not compliance driven. Vision 2015 is a good first step.

3. Create an innovative atmosphere of job creation and business investment while we restrain the unencumbered rise is state spending and fiscal mismanagement. A Taxpayers Bill of Rights combined with a an aggressive use of state pension funds for investment to small and mid size businesses combined with a state wide wireless network.

For those who say, “do you know what that will take?” or “that’s too hard” or even “it will never work” ask your self if you are content with what we have now or would you rather strive for a Better Delaware.

– Mike

Delaware is known for many things but in so many ways Delaware is falling behind the rest of the country in areas that are important for Delaware today and also for the future. This blog is not a Gossip blog although there will be names attached to issues when appropriate. We will be about substance.

In 2008 Delaware will go to the polls to elect a Governor and U S Senator so the issues posted will be both international, national and local in scope. If you are satisfied with life in Delaware this blog is not for you. I find few people in the state who say , “wow, our schools are the best, we have too many good paying jobs and our government is the best we can find.”

Quite the contrary. People are longing for vision and honesty and we hope to provide it on at least three times a week basis.

Mike Protack