Crossroads Community Church Debate 19th Senate
Jul 21st, 2009 by David Anderson
Post by Bruce A. Rogers, Esquire
Important Updates from Independent and Libertarian Chairmen in the comments sections.
Last night, all four candidates for the 19th Senate seat started out at the Crossroads Community Church west of Georgetown. Three remained to answer questions and defend their positions.
Joe Booth, Matthew Opaliski and Wendy Jones remained at the debate to answer questions from the moderator and the audience, while Polly A. Mervine left after reading a prepared statement. Ms. Mervine left the crowd of almost 250 people to attend a hastily-arranged cocktail party in Georgetown, which mustered 6 cars in the home’s driveway. Mervine did not appear at an earlier 35th District candidates forum and has advised the League of Women Voters that she will only appear to read her closing remarks at their forum later this week. Thus far, Mervine has refused to appear and debate any of the candidates in this election.
While the three remaining candidates differed in minor ways, both Opaliski and Jones agreed with the positions of Joe Booth for the most part. Booth demonstrated experience and a knowledge of the details necessary to be ready to serve as Senator from day one. The candidates for the Libertarian Party and the Independent Party of Delaware found themselves agreeing more with Rep. Booth than disagreeing.
One point which has become a tempest is the issue of Del Pointe in Millsboro. In her prepared statement, Mervine opposed Del Pointe but stated she was open to considering the issue after further study. Booth continued to state his position that he supported Del Pointe because the voters of the 37th supported the project. If the voters of the 19th oppose the development once the study has been completed, the issue will be revisited. Opaliski agreed to further study the issue. Wendy Jones opposed the development.
With less than two weeks remaining, there is only one scheduled joint appearance between the candidates – and only three have agreed to appear. The debate for the League of Women Voters will be held later this week in Georgetown.
I think it is odd that the libertarian candidate opposes Del Pointe.
Polly is going to need these “friend-raisers” after she alienates every voter in her district.
When you understand that it is a special government giveaway then it makes sense.
If you like to view my comments about last night’s debate and candidate choice, please visit my blog: http://www.dewhig.org/blog.html
With regards to Polly Adams Mervine, let’s ask ourselves “is her present unwillingness to speak for herself an indication of how she will perform her duties, if elected to her daddy’s Senate seat?” I know what my answer is.
yes, it is strange that a libertarian would support hands-on, monopoly protecting government, rather than open market capitalism. Extra strange considering she said she supported Del Pointe for basic libertarian principles at the SCCOR debate with Joe Booth. Talk about a finger-in-the-wind flip-flopper!
I attended the event and here is what I saw and heard.
Ms. Mervine did and acceptable job in her intro but she should have stayed for at least two-three questions. She hurt herself by leaving so soon.
Joe Booth displayed substance and on that issue he was on top but Matt Opaliski clearly connected with the audience on more occasions and seemed more in tune with the mood of the night. Joe provided a calmness and competence and Matt provided a man on the street with a passion to serve.
Both did well.
The Libertarian candidate showed knowledge of the issues but did not meet the gravitas of the office.
The Moderator, Dan Gaffney did a great job on the time and the moving between candidates.
Mike Protack
Ms. Jones was recovering from having two disks removed from her back last Thursday, and was released from the hospital on Saturday. She stayed for the whole event.
That shows gravitas, Mike. Hands down.
Her switch of position on Del Pointe was due to more information she has learned about the project. She is against the state’s involvement in the project. If it was 100% independent of the state she would support it.
Maybe you could clarify this “government involvement” concerning Del Pointe. Doesn’t all legal gambling in the US involve government?
I applaud Ms. Jones’ determination. Please give her our best wishes Brian.
Thanks for the review, Mike. The more perspectives we have the better.
A response from the
Independent Party of Delaware
Office of the State Chairman
That was fairly nice diplomatic reporting on the part of Bruce Rogers re: the Crossroads Community Church Candidates Forum,
but, when it came to the pivotal question of illegal immigration, he failed to mention that Matthew Opaliski really nailed it.
While Polly Mervine was out raising funds, Matthew Opaliski was raising votes. It’s not a question of whether the candidates agree
with Joe Booth — it’s a question of who best will INDEPENDENTLY represent the people of the 19 th Senatorial District directly and
pragmatically (free of partisan baggage and special interest influence).. It’s high time for some dynamic new blood in the upper
chamber of the state legislature — a creative alternative to politics as usual, well grounded in the principles of constitutional Liberty,
open government and commonsense.
With record deficits, the People of Delaware should be spared the monopoly and mediocrity of a one-party state and the expense
of an unnecessary special election in the 37 th District. The voters of the 19 th District have the power to make history (before history
makes them) by applying the principles of true fiscal conservatism in the greater public interest :
Joe Booth for STATE REPRESENTATIVE
MATTHEW OPALISKI for STATE SENATOR…
Is the Delaware League of Women Voters any less biased towards the left as the one in Maryland?
As usual, Art is somewhere in the clouds.
I agree with David here!
I know Matt Opaliski personally, how dedicated to DE he is, how well-schooled on DE code and procedures he is, how fair-minded he is, and how accessible he is. He has stepped forward to represent his district again. This time, he deserves to be given a chance by the senatorial district voters. He is the best choice for this seat.