Throughout my many years of engagement in politics — as an activist and an elected official — I have been consistent in one aspect: I do not respect or regard negative ads or attacks on individuals running for office. I have found that most of this negative attitude is based on half-truths, innuendo and a disregard for the whole truth. I will judge candidates on the policies they propose, the policies they support and their willingness to publicly state those facts.
When I decided to consider supporting/endorsing a candidate in Delaware’s gubernatorial primary, I felt obligated to look at all their records. I listened to their pronouncements during forums and debates, as well as their statements to the media, about their policy positions. I know all three of the Democratic candidates and have worked with two of them in Dover over a period of time. I respect all of them as individuals of honesty and integrity, but I had to be assured of their willingness to pursue, support and advocate for the policies and people’s interest that I spent my career in the state legislature working for.
I have chosen to endorse and support the election efforts of Collin O’Mara, based on his willingness to fight for fairness for the people, taxpayers and families of Delaware. I have had personal conversations with Collin, and I came to the conclusion that he was the person I wanted to represent us as Delaware’s next governor. His 13-point plan for government reform includes many of the issues that I spent 16 years advocating for. His willingness to support campaign finance reform, taking corporate money and influence out of Dover, is the type of commitment I respect. His publicly stated backing for the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General is one of the most important positions in the interest of good and transparent government. His willingness to consider personal income tax bracket reform, without any additional taxes imposed on middle-class households, shows foresight and courage. His attitude and commitment to clean and renewable energy is the hallmark of a visionary who respects our planet and the people who live on it.
As a state representative, I served under three governors. Unfortunately, those matters and policies that are important to me and Collin have been resisted and often impeded by these administrations. None of these governors has shown any willingness to use their “bully pulpits” to advocate for these changes, and that may be their most pronounced failing. The influence wielded by a Democratic governor with significant majorities in both chambers cannot be overestimated or overstated.
Collin O’Mara is committed to making these progressive changes, which will benefit all Delawareans, and he is willing to publicly lay out his plans to secure those benefits for all Delaware taxpayers, businesses and working class families.
The importance of this primary should not be underestimated. We must step out of the shadow of wealthy corporate influence. We must reject the impact of the “special interests” that have created the disease, known as the “Delaware way,” that infects our state. It will take a special person of courage and foresight to lead this state to a better and brighter future, and that person is Collin O’Mara.
I hope you will join me Sept. 10 to cast your vote for our next governor, Collin O’Mara. Let’s all support a forward-thinking person of courage and vision. That person is Collin O’Mara.
John Kowalko
Retired state representative
Newark
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org .
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