I am frequently asked who I will vote for this November; perhaps you are as well. To be clear, here are the key drivers of my state Senate decision:
1. Proven leadership and effective representation for Sussex. Sen. Russ Huxtable has consistently excelled in his role, representing Sussex County with effectiveness. He has been a prime sponsor of legislation that aligns with my values and supports our community's needs. His track record speaks volumes about his commitment to his District 6 constituents.
2. Smart growth and quality of life. As an active community advocate, I am deeply invested in smart development. Huxtable has shown a clear understanding of coordinating county and state issues.
His opponent, Kim Hoey Stevenson, voted for overbuilding. In researching her past history of roll call votes on the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, we see her views. Records do highlight her pro-development culpability. In fairness, Kim’s activity did show some due diligence, albeit too many strategic non-committal abstentions and real yes votes on negative zone-changing decisions. Her history does validate she supported key pro-builder zoning changes.
Finally, her former county government experience often overlooks the community outcries for preserving our area quality of life. In a recent meeting I attended, Hoey Stevenson defended her position by citing the county transfer taxes spawn low-resident levies as a main retiree magnet. Kim ignores many retirees are attracted here for the area beaches, fair society values and the environment, not just individual financial taxes. This disconnect reveals a misalignment with many assets that make our local area desirable to folks moving in.
3. Support for clean energy futures. Yes, I’m very passionate about advancing clean energy. I note Senate candidate Kim Hoey Stevenson’s husband, David T. Stevenson, is the director of the Center for Energy & Environment at the Caesar Rodney Institute. This baffling title leaves me scratching my head. In my witness, Dave’s public comments have a history of opposing clean energy projects, citing alleged planet/animal-friendly veiled misinformation. For years, allegations have surfaced that the Caesar Rodney Institute is funded by fossil fuel interests, with no transparency of funding offered by those who operate the Caesar Rodney Institute.
CRI’s views alarm me, given the institute’s alleged ties to the petroleum industry. Is one piece of Dave T. Stevenson’s hidden agenda to have Delaware offshore oil platform leases instead of wind energy? In my view, electing Kim Hoey Stevenson could be a potential state Senate vote for the CRI’s continual dystopian fossil fuel siege against Delaware clean energy.
In stark contrast, Huxtable is a strong advocate for preserving Sussex County’s magnificent quality of life.
For these reasons and more, Sen. Russ Huxtable has my endorsement. This November, voting for Russ is a vote for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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