Wednesday, August 22, 2012

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SURVEY

·        My answers online are abbreviated to 500 characters - these are my expanded answers.

             what do you believe the state government could or should do to improve the employment situation in Delaware? Please be specific.

·         I am not an economist, and I don't believe any of the sitting officials are, either. That's what we have an Economic Development Office - to come up with ideas to run by the state leadership. DEDO actually has a number of incentives in place to encourage businesses to move or start up here in DE, including loans for young farmers that tie in to the Dept. of Ags. farmland preservation program. Unfortunately, people don't invest in new businesses or hire new employees when the economy is slow and uncertain - and the national economy is not a local issue to "fix.”  Any new ideas that Delaware comes up with are still interdependent with the national economy.

·         The education system of the United States overall has lost global pre-eminence. What would you do to improve Delaware's public education system? Do you believe our current system of funding is adequate and fair to all districts? If not, what would you change? Please be specific.

·          I believe that student and parent accountability and responsibility have to be brought back into the picture.  There is far too much insistence that teachers are responsible for whether or not a student excels or fails.  The teachers are responsible for teaching – and it is the State’s responsibility to ensure that good teachers are hired and standards are met.  The school districts determine the curriculum.  But students and  parents must take ownership of individual behavior and performance.   I also believe that there should be more time and money invested in programs and counseling for students who are NOT interested in an academic career.  Kent County only has one vocational technical school, which means that not all students who want to attend are accepted.  Not everyone wants or needs an academic college education, yet the DOE strategic plan is focused on college-bound students.  As to funding being fair to districts – money is allocated from the state to the districts on an enrollment basis.  I have been told that the amount per student is the same for all districts.  That would seem eminently fair at the state level.  The difference in how much more is spent in some districts is determined by the district and local referendum.  I realize that not all districts are economically equal and some may be unable to raise more money for their schools, but it is not a question of  “fairness” at the state level. 

·         Do you believe overregulation is a problem at the state level? If so, which specific areas of regulation would you eliminate?
Yes – and the governor has initiated a regulatory review of State agencies.  Public meetings have been/are being held on Education, Economics, Finance, Agriculture and Children, Youth and their Families.  These regulations should be reviewed and eliminated if out of date, overly-restrictive language removed and, with federal regulations, made less restrictive where there is a choice.
·         With Delaware’s reliance on fluctuating and out of state sources of funding, what strategies would you advocate for securing other sources of state revenue?
Delaware offers out-of-state companies tax breaks and financial help to move to DE;  At least one has been known to take the deal, then turn around and close their facilities.  I think the State has to re-think this program, not only in regards to the financial cost of the incentives, but to build into the program ways and means to recover expenditures when a company reneges on the deal.  I have long believed that DE’s economic reliance on the construction of new homes iss short-sighted both in terms of $, quality of life and agriculture.  With alternative fuels so much in the news these days, perhaps we should look to find new sources of income for our agricultural community and industry.

·         Is public financing of political campaigns desirable and/or achievable? Why or why not?
My first inclination is to say no, particularly in this economic climate.  But - if campaign funds are limited to what is provided through public financing, and funding is available to ALL candidates (not just the 2 major parties) then yes, it would be desirable.  However, achievable?  I think there will be too many candidates with greater resources than what would be allowed and who will complain very loudly.