General Assembly makes history with virtual session

The General Assembly made history this week, meeting virtually for the first time as a legislative body.

The House first passed a concurrent resolution May 26 by a vote of 39-2 to meet virtually, and the Senate followed May 27 with its approval by a vote of 17-4.

Voting no in the House were representatives Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, and Shannon Morris, R-Harrington.

Collins said he believes legislators could meet in person at a location other than Legislative Hall.

“While it might be somewhat inconvenient, we could meet in person at auditoriums and gymnasiums in any school in this state or at Dover Downs,” he said. “There are numerous facilities that would allow the social distancing that would make our members feel safe.”

Sen. David Wilson, R-Bridgeville, said he does believe all options to meet elsewhere were exhausted before the resolution was introduced, especially since gatherings of 250 or more will be allowed with permission on Monday, June 1. “I'm concerned we're setting a precedent here,” he said.

Nominations confirmed

The Senate confirmed several gubernatorial nominations which included unanimous approval of Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Nathaniel McQueen as the new cabinet secretary for the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Also unanimously confirmed was Lewes resident and former Dewey Beach Alderman Catherine Hester for Sussex County magistrate. Hester, a former prosecutor who has served as Dewey Beach alderman for eight years, said she was honored to be nominated. “I try to make sure everyone gets a fair hearing,” said Hester, also a co-owner of Teller Wines in Lewes.

Attorney Pete Jones was confirmed as a Superior Court judge. Jones has been an attorney and partner with Morris James LLP since 1983 and previously clerked for the Delaware Supreme Court.