Just as I arrived home from my umpteenth stay at Beebe Healthcare, I received a telephone call from a concerned individual. The caller said, "Hi, Charlotte. It's me, Bethany. I heard that you were in the hospital, and I want to know how you are feeling. Remember, I am a nurse. How can I help you?" She did not refer to herself as the lieutenant governor, but as a nurse. Her call was a reminder of why I support her efforts to become the next governor of Delaware. Bethany Hall-Long is about communities and all of us who reside in them. Her call made me feel visible and safe. Her empathy made me feel hopeful. Her offer of help reminded me that she is aware of and sensitive to the needs of all Delawareans.
I had the opportunity of getting to know and to work with Bethany during my years as founder and board chairperson of a nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of racial and social injustices. She publicly supported this mission and in her capacity as lieutenant governor worked to remove systemic barriers that impeded change. She was and continues to be approachable and available. Whenever I met with her, she listened and responded with concrete, realistic advice and possible action plans. Her responses are timely, direct and valuable. Her understanding and empathy are truly genuine. Her optimism is infectious and motivating.
Hall-Long has used her collective skills as nurse, governmental leader, educator and activist to improve life for all Delaware residents. Her willingness to assist or solve immediate or long-term problems is genuine. She has sought reform in many aspects of our criminal justice system, such as the positive changes made to the Board of Pardons, reducing the wait times for pardons and commutations so that previously incarcerated individuals, can be more productively reintegrated into communities. She has supported numerous proposed bills and legislation that deal with law enforcement reform, the expungement process, juvenile justice system reform and the protection of domestic violence victims; all indicators of her commitment to racial and social justice, and equal and fair access to resources for all of Delaware's residents. She is also a strong advocate for improved Black maternal health, protecting a woman's right to choose as well as ensuring that women have access to reproductive healthcare.
Bethany Hall-Long is indeed highly qualified, prepared and ready to assume the position of governor of Delaware. I am confident she will continue to be an excellent public servant and leader in an environment of transparency and collective problem solving and community building.
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