On The Issues

Below is a comparison of the two leading candidates for the 32nd Representative District on key issues.

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Utility Rates

• LaChelle Paul supported Senate Bill 326, which keeps a cap on Delmarva Power's non-mandatory infrastructure spending, identified in the bill itself as a “major driver of rate increases,” to force the company to bring down electricity bills for Delaware families.

• Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris filed a last-minute amendment to strip the spending cap out of Senate Bill 326, the key provision meant to make Delmarva lower rates. In its place she offered a resolution that only “suggests” regulators consider a reduction, with no requirement. She asked Delmarva to “voluntarily adjust its interim rate implementation” rather than require it.

 

Opposing ICE

• LaChelle believes local law enforcement should not cooperate with ICE based solely on a person's immigration status. She backs the ACLU supported House Bill 368, which bars holding someone solely on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant, with exceptions for violent felonies, sex offenses, domestic violence, and repeat DUIs.

• Rep. Harris was the only Democrat who voted No on House Bill 368 to limit local cooperation with ICE. Despite the bill having strong support from groups like the ACLU of Delaware.

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Government Transparency and NDAs

• LaChelle believes government should be open and accountable to the people it serves, not shielded by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that keep the government’s business secret.

• Rep. Harris acknowledged proposing a staff confidentiality policy that became a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) certain government employees were required to sign, a policy new House leadership voided later as improper. Rep. Harris said “she believes privacy is important when dealing with government affairs.”

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Education

• LaChelle believes we should have put schools ahead of a $35 million Legislative Hall expansion project in the bond bill (House Bill 500). The budget gave less than $3 million for Dover & Magnolia school improvements but $35 million to Legislature Hall where legislators only meet for about 50 days a year.

• Rep. Harris voted for this budget and publicly defended it; Democratic Gov. Meyer vetoed it as unaffordable.