I must take exception to some of the comments in the recently published article in the Delaware State News (“Time to open up?: Some lawmakers in Delaware feel it’s long past due,” April 29).
Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, said: “Now that the majority of legislators and staff have either received or are able to get the vaccine, we can safely return and conduct business as our constituents expect us to. Most importantly, we must figure out a way to allow the public to participate in person, as well.”
That type of “whistling past the cemetery” is hardly reassuring to anyone’s safety.
Key warnings: He said “majority” instead of “all.” Also, “able to get” is not nearly as effective as “actually getting.” And allowing the “public to participate in person,” even if those members of the public are not vaccinated, is worrisome.
These statements contain the most irresponsible disregard for the health of our staffers, colleagues and the public that anyone could envision. Perhaps the two Republican senators quoted in the article should add that “responsibility for the health and welfare of all Delawareans” is as paramount an obligation of theirs as allowing personal engagement by the public and the lobbyists is.
Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark
