GOP inquires about Milton rep’s absence

State and Sussex County GOP leaders are asking House Democrat leadership to address the absence of Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton.

Parker Selby was absent during the January swearing-in ceremony at Legislative Hall, and since then has not voted or attended any legislative functions.

“This letter was not written out of malice or partisanship but out of a fundamental duty to ensure that all Delawareans receive the representation to which they are entitled,” wrote Delaware GOP Chair Julianne Murray and Sussex County Republican Committee Chair Daniel Willis March 17. “Rep. Parker Selby’s health and well-being remain the primary concern, and we sincerely hope she is able to make a full recovery. However, given the significant impact her absence has had on the legislative process and on her constituents, it is only fair that we receive clarity on when they can expect to have an active representative in the House.”

Murray said there are 23,201 registered voters in District 20, which largely covers Milton and Lewes.

Messages left on Parker Selby’s home phone and cellphone have not been answered.

Delaware does not have a recall law that would allow the residents of the 20th District to circulate a petition for a special election. Instead, Delaware Code states that the decision to call a special election to fill a seat lies with the “presiding officer of the House in which the vacancy exists.”

“The leadership of a chamber determines if a vacancy exists and, generally, the chamber itself [via designated processes/procedures] determines if a sitting member is no longer qualified to serve [thus creating a vacancy],” said Cathleen Hartsky-Carter, community relations officer for the Delaware Department of Elections.

Speaker of the House Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, D-New Castle, said the caucus has been in regular contact with Parker Selby and her family, and they are affording her time and the space she needs to heal.

“We are encouraged by her progress and look forward to welcoming her back to Legislative Hall soon. Plans are already in place to formally swear her in, and that will take place in the very near future,” she said. “Rep. Stell Parker Selby's office has remained open and has been diligently responding to constituent outreach and concerns throughout this period. Out of respect for her privacy, we will not be commenting further on her personal health matters. With that said, Rep. Parker Selby remains the duly elected representative chosen by voters in the 20th Representative District and is committed to continuing her service to the community.”

The Delaware GOP also sent the letters to House Minority Leader Tim Dukes, R-Laurel, and Minority Whip Jeff Spiegelman, R-Clayton.

In November, Parker Selby won the District 20 seat over newcomer Republican Nikki Miller by a razor-thin margin, 8,857-8,612.

Miller and her supporters recently marched in Milton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, carrying campaign-style signs.