Wilson, Wolfe battle in 35th Representative District
There are two candidates running for the 35th Representative District seat – Republican incumbent David Wilson and Democratic challenger Gary M. Wolfe. Wilson has represented the district since 2008. The district covers the northwest corner of Sussex County, encompassing parts or all of Greenwood, Bridgeville and Ellendale.
• David Wilson •
Party: Republican
Age: 66
Education: Milford High School
Occupation: Owner/operator of Wilson’s Auction; farmer/horse breeder
Residence: Lincoln
Family: Wife, Carolyn
Relevant experience: Sussex County Register in Chancery, 1992-2000; Sussex County Register of Wills, 2006-2008; State Representative, 2008-present
• Gary M. Wolfe •
Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Education: BS biology, Salisbury University
Occupation: Operations manager
Residence: Greenwood
Family: Jackie, Gary II, Christopher, Scott
Relevant experience: 10 years, Milford Board of Education
• Is farmland/open space preservation important?
David Wilson – Under a state law enacted in 2004, the first $10 million in annual revenue from the state’s share of the real estate transfer tax is supposed to be earmarked for the farmland preservation program. However, this money has been repeatedly raided and used for other things. Agriculture is our state’s top industry and farmland preservation is a powerful tool to perpetuate this vital sector that provides quality jobs to thousands of Delawareans. I sponsored a proposed constitutional amendment in the 148th General Assembly to stop the misappropriation of farmland preservation money and restore its predictable source of funding.
Gary Wolfe – As the state continues to see growth, it is very important to have a plan to protect the environmentally sensitive areas of our state, both along the coast and near the natural areas of our inland parks. The charm of Sussex is not only its coast, but also the back areas that I have enjoyed riding my motorcycle around. So how do we protect while growing? Are the days of million-dollar preservation initiatives from the state over? Yes, as the state cannot be the only entity working to protect these areas. The counties and communities must be part of the picture as well.
• Compared with other parts of the county, water-related issues in this district are minimal. Do you think that leads to a lack of consideration for the district when it comes to funding initiatives that would benefit property owners in the western portion of the county?
D.W. – We have many water issues in western Sussex County, but they’re different than you’ll find at the resorts and the Inland Bays, where dredging, water quality and beach replenishment are big issues. In the west, the concerns are about drainage, tax ditches, stormwater management, and nonpoint source pollution. I have been very involved in addressing water issues in my district. This year, I asked a bipartisan group of my colleagues to reform stormwater management regulations that were expensive, ineffective for the conditions in Sussex and which severely limited how private property owners could use their land.
G.W. – I don’t agree the water issues are minimal in the 35th district as we see issues throughout Sussex involving everything from excess nutrient usage, to septic failures and industrial pollutants. Now if the county has seen less than its share of funding, that goes back to are our public figures hearing and doing something for their constituents.
• How would you improve the county's drug addiction services?
D.W. – Over the last several years, there has been an increasing realization that our state – like the nation as a whole – has a significant problem with heroin use and the abuse of prescription opioid painkillers. New treatment options, including inpatient facilities, have been added downstate. However, more work remains to be done, and those efforts are ongoing.
G.W. – The current drug resurfacing around the lower counties is heroin due to its low cost and ease of access for our youngest citizens. The schools are where we need to start educating and offering help for those affected by drugs. The other help would be extending the state’s current programs to the lower counties, as other than private help, there are few if any programs for those whose insurance does not offer help.
