In Senate District 20, it’s Hocker versus Mitchell

There are two candidates running for the 20th Senatorial District seat – Republican incumbent Gerald Hocker and Democratic challenger Perry Mitchell. Hocker has represented the district since 2012. The district is in the southeast corner of Sussex County, encompassing all or parts of Millsboro, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millville, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island.

• Gerald Hocker •

Party: Republican

Age: 68

Education: 1966 graduate, Lord Baltimore; 1971 graduate of University of Delaware with a BS in business administration

Occupation: Small business owner/state senator

Residence:  Ocean View

Family: Wife Emily, five children, and 11 grandchildren

Relevant experience: 38th Representative District legislator, 2002 – 2012; 20th Senatorial District legislator, 2012 – present; founder and organizer, Springtime Jamboree; member, Better Business Bureau and the Federation of Independent Business since 1971

• Perry J. Mitchell •

Party: Democrat

Age: 78

Education: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree

Occupation: Professor of political science, retired

Residence: Ocean View

Family:

Relevant experience: Ocean View planning and zoning, town council

• The implementation of the state's shellfish aquaculture program continues to be delayed. What's it going to take to get this program past the discussion phase?

Gerald Hocker – As many are aware the state's aquaculture program, established by legislation that I supported and co-sponsored, has created a number of big issues for hundreds of homeowners, property owners, and businesses that operate within the Inland Bays of Delaware. I strongly support cleaning our bays, but after lots of meetings with DNREC over the issuance of a statewide activity approval permit, I have called upon the secretary to fix these issues before it moves forward. I have asked for this to be done before Dec. 31. This is a great idea, but it cannot create more problems than it solves.

Perry Mitchell – The state is reviewing the protests. I think that after a thorough review and giving due consideration to the protests, the state will move forward.

• How would you rate the district's elderly care services? Explain.

G.H. – Sussex County has grown, and with this growth has come the need for more elderly care – whether that is in-home health services or direct medical support from Beebe. Having lived here my entire life, I can tell you medical services have improved for our senior population. However, I agree more needs to be done. Some of this is just waiting for the medical community and providers to catch-up with growth. I will continue to support new medical programs here in Sussex and any efforts that make it easier for these businesses to build and operate in the district.

P.M. – Not adequate. My platform provides for finding available housing through means-tested housing subsidies. Providing affordable transportation using DART and negotiating reduced taxi fares. Attracting more doctors to Sussex County to reduce the doctor shortage for seniors. Finding affordable home healthcare through revised Medicaid rules. Facilitating veterans assistance for improved pensions, homebound assistance and aid, and programs from the veterans administration.

• Flooding in the district continues to be an issue. Is it always going to be an issue? What can the state do to help property owners?

G.H. –Flooding has been and will always remain an issue for lower Delaware. There are some things we need to do – one of which is making sure our conservation district is well funded and the projects get done. I have placed significant funding in the Bond Bill for the conservation district, but those resources go elsewhere because it is not a priority of the majority of members. I will always seek the most support I can for this great program, because it is one of our first lines of defense when it comes to moving and controlling water.

P.M. – I agree it will always be an issue. The state can provide adequate drainage through ditches, better roads and the like. The state can provide better monitoring of flooding and alerting residents to problem areas.