Delawareans Weigh In On The Most Underreported Stories Of 2010: Economy, Development, Redistricting, Government Spending And Dredging - States Rights

(DelawareFirstMedia News) Year in Review commentary: Stories you may have missed in 2010

“The condition of Delaware’s economy was the most underrated political story of the year. While the national/global economy tanked in 2008, Delaware’s economy actually went into recession (experiencing a reduction in economic output) in 2007. While nationwide, the political discussion was of jobs & economic growth, in Delaware the discussion was of witches and marxists.
—Charlie Copeland, former state senator and 2008 GOP candidate for Lt. Governor


“The pressures on Delaware’s fragile environment, infrastructure and open space have only increased. The Great Recession may have left investors with less capital and borrowing capacity, but it also scares policy-makers into welcoming poorly-considered development, because of a vague hope that more permissive zoning will bring jobs even after the bulldozers are packed away.”
—Chuck Durante, Attorney; Fmr. Parliamentarian, Delaware State Democratic Committee


Last year Senate Bill 20 was introduced to open up the redistricting process by creating an open and transparent Redistricting Commission to reapportion the State Senate and House of Representatives. Senate Bill 20 died in committee without a vote being taken.A secret redistricting process does not provide the foundation for competitive elections and ultimately leads public policies being adopted that favor the special interests.”
—John Flaherty, Delaware Coalition for Open Government president


government spending on personnel costs must be tackled. And beyond just tinkering around the edges, this really will require the kind of top-to-bottom review of government services and agencies at every level, and a genuine attempt to consolidate and combine and reduce them – that we’ve been promised for years.”
—Michael Fleming, New Castle County Republican Party chair


the dredging of the Delaware River...Against the preferences of the states of Delaware and New Jersey and contrary to the objections of environmentalists, a federal judge ruled in favor of Pennsylvania and the Army Corps of Engineers who want to deepen the river. This is a classic case of federal v. states rights, with much at stake for the future.”
—Sam Hoff,Delaware State University political science professor