Posted: Jan. 30, 2004

WILMINGTON -- Delaware GOP Chairman Terry A. Strine called Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s veto of Senate Bill 53 another example of her political cronyism and willingness to put politics over responsible government. 

Senate Bill 53, which would keep the size of New Castle County Council at 7 members, rather than initiate unprecedented growth to 13 members, passed the Democratic-controlled Senate last June and passed the House of Representatives Tuesday. The legislation has received overwhelming support from the Civic League of New Castle County, the Council of Civic Organizations of Brandywine Hundred, the County Executive’s office and several members of New Castle County Council. 

“It is a sad day in Delaware when the governor is willing to so casually thwart the will of the people to simply appease a handful of her cronies,” Chairman Strine said. “This bill would have stopped an unnecessary and costly expansion of bureaucracy, it is frustrating to have a governor reject the advice and urging of so many civic and community leaders as well as a substantial number of lawmakers from both the House and the Senate.” 

New Castle County Republican Committee Co-Chair Tom Ross said he is also disappointed in the governor’s decision, but not surprised. 

“I would urge anyone interested in good government to take note,” Mr. Ross said. “It’s time to clean up the mess at the state and county level.”

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