There are three candidates running for office in the 20th Representative District – Independent Party of Delaware challenger Don Ayotte, Republican incumbent Steve Smyk and Democratic challenger Barbara Vaughan. Smyk has represented the district since 2012. The district covers all or parts of Lewes, Milton and areas of the county north of Georgetown and Long Neck.
Party: Independent Party of Delaware
Age: 69
Education: B.A. in English, with a concentration in journalism, University of Delaware
Occupation: Retired businessman, journalist, political writer
Residence: Georgetown
Family: Married, one adult son
Relevant experience: Studied political science and history at the University of Delaware; studied as a constitutional scholar.
Party: Republican
Age: 51
Education: Graduate, Sussex Central High School, associate of science, Delaware Technical Community College, specialized military and law enforcement training
Occupation: Full-time legislator, retired Delaware State Police Trooper
Residence: Harbeson area
Family: Wife, Judy; children, Leah, Sydney and Gabe
Relevant experience: First elected to serve Representative District 20 in 2012; immediate past president, Delaware State Troopers Association; past board member National Trooper Coalition; seated on five legislative committees; created, seated and chaired two investigative task forces – one for nuisance noises and another for welfare fraud; organized a task force resulting in a bill to drive human traffickers out of Delaware; working to establish a public–private partnership to address dredging and marine navigation.
• Barbara Vaughan •
Party: Democrat
Age: 87
Education: Bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Allegheny College
Occupation: Former administrator of the Key School, 1969 to 1979; former director of human resources for Anne Arundel Community College, 1979 to 1992
Residence: Lewes
Family: daughter, Martha Vaughan Parravano; sons, Andrew and Roger Vaughan; six grandchildren, Megan, Cooper and Carrie Vaughan; Emily and Eleanora Parravano; and Maxwell Vaughan
Relevant experience: Lewes City Council, 2004 to 2012; Lewes Planning Commission, 2012 to present; liaison between Sussex County and Lewes, 2004 to 2012; board member, Historic Lewes Byway, 2008 to present; board member, Lewes Public Libary, 2012 to 2016
• This district has the only race in the county with three candidates. Is that an indication that constituent needs aren’t being met?
D.A. – The question hits the nail on the head. I believe the incumbent did not meet the needs of his constituents. However, this is not the entire reason I decided to run for this seat. I believe my experience educationally, coupled with life experiences, gives me both the foresight and ability to represent the people of the district. If elected, I will write no legislation nor will I support legislation that violates either the Delaware or U.S. Constitutions. Nor will I erode our civil rights, but instead endeavor to reinstate those that have been eroded by bad legislation.
S.S. – No. It is an indication the district is diverse and dynamic and contains people that, while having differing viewpoints, share a common interest in working on behalf of their community and making it a better place to live and work. That is a vision to which I committed myself during my 24 years of service in the Delaware State Police and the Delaware National Guard. I have remained dedicated during my two terms as the state representative serving the people of Representative District 20.
B.V. – Mr. Ayotte, an Independent, has shown an interest in the district for a number of years and ran for office previously. I do not think there is any great significance in the fact that there are three candidates running to represent the district. I think it shows that three individuals are concerned about the many issues facing the district and, to various degrees, would address them in the legislature.
• Should the state legalize and regulate marijuana?
D.A. – This question is nearly a moot point, since marijuana has already been decriminalized into a violation, instead of a criminal act. However, if marijuana is legalized, it should be heavily regulated and taxed as any other medicine or product is taxed. Although I am not a big fan of legalizing this substance, I do agree that medical marijuana is both useful and needed in the medical industry.
S.S. – No. I've promoted and assisted the medical marijuana industry by supporting their responsible leadership and helped many patients obtain the product. That is as far as we should go. Colorado legalized marijuana for recreational use and their experience should serve as a cautionary tale. The relatively modest state revenue they have generated from marijuana sales pales next to the societal costs they have incurred, which include a sharply higher number of vehicular accidents, injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers. My friends in emergency rooms and mental health and neurosurgeons all agree not to introduce another intoxicant to society.
B.V. – I think it is wise for Delaware to monitor the experiences of the other states that have legalized marijuana before taking that step. I do support the decriminalization of the use of marijuana, especially for medical reasons. If and when it is legalized, it should be heavily regulated and taxed.
• The majority of this district’s constituents live in the county, where transportation needs of the elderly and disabled are barely being met. What can be done to address this issue?
D.A. – The issue of transportation for the disabled and elderly should be addressed immediately. Because Sussex County is a destination location for many retirees, the need for transportation and services for the elderly and disabled will increase exponentially. Both state and county offices should encourage private industry to meet the rising needs of these citizens. Encouraging private industry would create much-needed jobs and help raise the standard of living. This could include tax incentives for businesses and nonprofit organizations to participate in meeting the service needs of the disabled and elderly.
S.S. – All of our constituents live in Sussex County. While there is room for improvement in providing costly transportation services, there are options available, even in our largely rural district. DART First State operates state-subsidized fixed-route service. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled individuals are guaranteed the same level of transportation services as able-bodied people. In compliance with this mandate, Delaware also operates state-subsidized paratransit services for these residents. Ride-share services are helping to fill in some of the gaps. The new Lewes Park & Ride will expand services immensely. Not just for the elderly, but also for the working class.
B.V. – The lack of transportation for residents to the west of the coastal area is of real concern. There are many people in need of employment who do not have access to automobiles and who live too far away from the two bus stops between Georgetown and Route 1. I would support and work to establish a consortium of the various transportation entities, such as DART and CHEER Centers, to provide more effective use of both public and private vehicles.