Sunday News Journal Endorses Minner
It is with some distress that I note Gannet's SundayNewsJournal is endorsing Ruth Ann Minner for a second term.
Not so much because the paper endorsed the candidate as newspapers endorse candidates all the time. But in their “Our View” editorial this past week the paper lists the reasons they endorse Ruth Ann, the issues on which she is lax, and the reason they can’t get behind the Republican candidate, Bill Lee.
All of those reasons are stupid.
Bill Lee, so the editors say, is “too inexperienced”.
Well, duh.
Anyone who has never been Governor is inexperienced. Ruth Minner was once inexperienced. By the paper’s own admission:
“Bill Lee, the former Superior Court judge who is the Republican candidate for Governor is a smart, affable man with good insights about state government. Mr. Lee correctly says that Delaware must attract new businesses if our fiscal health is to continue. He says that manufacturing is in jeopardy in Delaware, and banking is mature with little prospect of growth. These are accurate observations. Mr. Lee also is on the mark with his contention that dropping the state’s gross receipts tax and improving the workers compensation program would revive Delaware’s appeal to businesses.”
Well, damn, if the man’s that good why aren’t you endorsing him?
As to why the paper so loves Ruth Ann, the paper states that Minner handled the fiscal affairs of the state well during the last economic downturn, keeping government growth at a minimum, cutting liberal spending programs across the board and holding down unnecessary spending.
Hey, Gannett, this is what everyone, from Governors to businesses to yon family households, does when money is tight. No genius there.
Still, this is not the damning faint praise offered by the paper that should cause all Delaware citizens to give off a slow steam.
“While her support for school reform has continued, teachers are still not being held accountable and the silly three-tiered diploma remains in place. Gov. Minner has insisted that teachers will be held accountable and that student scores will be part of professional evaluations. It’s time for her to stop coddling the Delaware State Education Association, the teachers union. The governor and the State Board of Education must put regulations in place and enforce them.”
The wise I thinks education is pretty darn important and by the paper’s own admission, in FOUR years the lady is still pandering to the teachers union not that teachers should have to do their job or anything.
I refer the reader to my last Delaware Missive
Delaware, ladies and germs, is 43rd in the country per the SAT scores of 2003. That’s leaves seven states BELOW Delaware.
I now quote from my own Blog, from research I did my own wise self:
The state of Delaware, ladies and germs, is ELEVENTH, from highest to lowest, in terms of salaries paid to teachers. Which means, let me interpret, that only ten other states pays their teachers more than Delaware. And for this we get 43rd in the union in terms of SAT scores?
In terms or pupil to student ratio, a statistic that the mighty teacher’s unions cite as a direct impact to quality of education, get this, Delaware is EIGHTH in the nation, from smallest pupil/teacher ratio to highest. Which means only seven other states have less pupils to teacher.
Dear Gannett, there is nothing more important than the education of our children. And Minner has done horrifically, by your own admission.
Bill Lee has no experience you moan. Well, Delaware has experience with Minner…..and it’s not good.
Then again, with the state of Journalism and the Old Media, perhaps Gannett doesn’t think such as reading and writing is as important as environmental issues and House Bill 99.
Don’t Know Where to Vote in Delaware?
Thanks to a final exasperated email to the Republican party, I was directed to this site Where to vote in Delaware
All a registered voter has to do is type in their name and boom, the location of where to vote, the polling hours and a sample ballot are right there.
Disney, Sidney Poitier Coming to Georgetown!
On Wednesday, October 10/20/04, the legal proceedings will commence in the Georgetown Court House. Seems Walt Disney, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware thus the lawsuit filed by Disney stockholders over the outrageous severance package paid to former CEO Mike Ovitz in excess of $19 million dollars for less than a year’s work is to be tried in Delaware.
Judge William B. Chandler III is a Sussex county native and though the Georgetown court house might look quaint from without, the legal building is equipped with the greatest of technology. The good Judge opted to have the trial in Georgetown rather than mighty Wilmington to the north because, Judge Chandler lives near Georgetown.
The Hollywood types and NY Lawyers will have to be put out one way or the other, or so went the judge’s logic, so keep the trial in the Georgetown courthouse where Judge Chandler’s staff also works.
The local yokel says the Hollywood pack will not be dazzled with the Georgetown scene. Myself says right down the road is the entire Atlantic Ocean for God’s sake.
In fact, as I read, some of the lawyers have booked hotels on the oceanfront in Rehoboth Beach. Including entire conference rooms, catered lunches and reservations at coastal highway restaurants.
The courtroom only seats 50 but get this, the Judge limited actual lawyers allowed in the courtroom to 35! Well, dang, is that all? Only thirty five, count 'em, 35 lawyers!
Still it’s nice that the local folks get some of the lawyer moolah and who knows, perhaps we’ll get a glimpse of Sidney Poitier in his limo!
Delaware Looking for a Few Good Women
Got an email from the Republican party, italics below.
Not sure why it was sent to me because I am entirely too politically incorrect to be a Winning Women. Some other eager yon reader might be interested, way I figure.
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Winning Women Now Accepting Applications for the 2005 Class
We are excited to be preparing for our 2005 Class of Winning Women of the First State Series, and we invite you to become a part of this incredible program.
The mission of Winning Women is to increase the number and influence of Republican women in Party leadership, as candidates, campaign leaders, and grassroots organizers. The RNC has identified Winning Women as one of the most important programs for the Party's continued success. Delaware is the eleventh state to initiate this program.
To apply or for more information, please contact Elizabeth Roche at eroche123@verizon.net . Applications are due by November 15, 2004 (deadline has been extended due to the elections!).
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Don’t Get Married in Kent or New Castle Counties
..Come to lower and slower Sussex county where the elected Justices of the Peace don’t harangue for illegal money.
According to a media report today, Clerk of the Peace candidate, Loretta Wootten admitted to soliciting campaign contributions for doing the job she was elected to do i.e. perform a wedding ceremony.
The relevant portion reads:
“Loretta Wootten, clerk of the peace in Kent County, said she charges couples the county's $20 ceremony fee even when she marries them outside her office during non-working hours. This money goes to the government, she said, and she does not accept tips. When couples ask her about giving an honorary payment, she said she suggests a contribution to her election fund as an alternative.”
And this:
WILMINGTON, DE --- Brian N. Moore, candidate for New Castle County Clerk of the Peace, called on Ken Boulden to stop his practice of “requesting” tips for performing wedding ceremonies.
Moore said he was alerted to the practice by New Castle County residents who were frustrated by their experiences with Boulden and that Boulden has publicly stated that he accepts tips.
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Reminder-I will be teaching a night class on how writers go about getting published. First class is next Wednesday night in the Indian River School District. Email me for details.
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