Booth debates new opponent at SCCOR forum

More than 100 people gathered at the pavilion at American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard on July 7 for a candidate forum for the 19th Senate District seat, recently left vacant by the passing of Sen. Thurman Adams.

Republican Joe Booth was expecting to run against Democratic candidate Eddy Parker, but found out a few minutes before the forum that Parker would be stepping down and the Democrats will nominate a new candidate at a July 8 meeting, at the CHEER Center in Greenwood.

In the meantime, a nominee from the Libertarian party attended the forum: Wendy Jones, of Milton.

Organized by SCCOR (Sussex County Community Organized Regiment), the forum allowed the candidates to say a few words about why they’re running and provided them the opportunity to answer questions from the audience.

“This is a difficult election because I think we’ve lost a prominent figure in our state,” Booth said. “We’ll deeply miss Sen. Adams … I didn’t see things done that needed to be in state government so that’s why I’m running for Senate.”

“The Libertarian Party is one of personal rights and liberty,” Jones said. “We need to be informed so we can make decisions rather than have a ‘mafia’ government come in [like bullies].”

A casino in Sussex?
Candidates were asked about the Del Pointe project in Millsboro, which will bring a racino to Sussex County.

“I asked the 37th District what they thought and they were interested in the jobs and economic development it would bring,” Booth said. “I represent my district. If the 19th Senatorial district says we need to protect the Harrington track, I’ll do what my people want to do.”

“Those who are interested [in economic development] are the key for growth and stability in this county,” Jones said.

Illegal immigration
The topic of illegal immigrants, who are estimated to cost Delaware $120 million in 2010, was breached.

“Hispanics are not assimilated to our way of life [and were] abused by landlords when they first moved to Georgetown in 1990,” Booth said. “It’s a concern – I wish I had a golden answer.”

“It seems to me they’d be interested in learning English [which] needs to be the official language,” Jones said. “They need to learn to read and write rather than living in their micro-Hispanic communities.”

The candidates closed by urging attendees to vote in the election on Aug. 3.

“If you vote from the heart, I don’t think any vote is being thrown away,” Jones said. “Just get involved and be a member of your community.”

“I support Joe. It’s unfortunate we didn’t have a response tonight from the Democratic party,” said Georgetown councilman Brian Pettyjohn. “I look forward to hearing their views.”

“I think they hit around the questions but never really answered them – it would have been nice to get some answers,” said Georgetown resident Dawn Mott.