Lisa Blunt Rochester speaks to Rehoboth-Dewey chamber

In her first appearance before members of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester presented herself as someone who gets things done.

That was music to the ears of chamber members, who gave her a standing ovation after her 30 minutes of remarks plus a question-and-answer period.

Speaking at Kings Creek Country Club June 20, Blunt Rochester said her first job was working at McDonald’s. Being a congresswoman is similar, she said, in the sense that her first words are usually, “How may I serve you?”

Blunt Rochester said she is engaged in issues like beach replenishment, which helps protect Delaware’s vital tourism industry, as well as homes and businesses. After recent replenishment efforts at Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, she said, federal funding has been secured to replenish Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island.

Blunt Rochester also said she wants to work in Congress to support small business, which she said is at the forefront of innovation. Small businesses need support during a time when the country is transitioning from a manufacturing economy to one based on technology, she said.

“We have to be willing to invest in the environment that allows small businesses to hire, grow and thrive. The landscape is changing,” Blunt Rochester said.

She said the most important message she wants constituents to know is, “I’ve got your back,” and that as Americans, we have to have each other’s backs to move forward.