Candidate name: Amy S. Fresh

Party: Independent Party of Delaware

Age: 52

Hometown: Currently Long Neck

Political experience: I am not a politician. I am a small-business owner and an average American who understands the daily struggle.

Professional experience: My background is in sales, the past 12 years in real estate sales, which gives me a window of insight into our area’s growth now and in the future. It also provides experienced negotiation skills. This is a unique perspective that other candidates may not have. As a certified yoga therapist, I strive for balance in all that I do, professionally and personally. I bring dedication, honesty and integrity to all that I serve in my business.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

All the above, along with, I am a two-time graduate of the Institute on the Constitution’s Delaware State Constitution Course, attended by only four other state legislators and myself, despite invitations to all legislators. I will listen to the community and its needs, then work together towards solutions to our common problems. Our state leans too far to one side. We need balance, and we need solutions. The solutions are in our constitution. I am Independent, which means I can think/view legislation in a free and unrestricted way. I will vote based on the needs of the people of District 4, not the needs of the party.

What are the top three issues for this office in your view?

After listening to the people of District 4 the last several months while out on the campaign trail, they have told me that the biggest challenges for our newly formed district are: 1.) traffic caused by explosive growth; 2.) overbuilding caused by poor planning and oversight; 3.) misrepresentation caused by politicians pushing party agenda, not the people’s agenda.

What would be your top priority if elected?

The unsustainable development/irresponsible planning that is affecting our current communities, environment and our citizens’ quality of life, including public safety. We need to address and offer better uses of land, including localized activities for our kids and affordable housing.

If you could change one state policy or law, what would it be?

Sussex County Ordinance No. 2618, which calculates how population density is figured for new construction. It is a loophole that many developers use to overbuild and needs to be reviewed and amended immediately.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

It can start by encouraging small business and light industry to make Sussex County a home. If the business is there, the labor force will come. We are changing from an agro economy to a service economy. While the change will take time, we can make sure that local education institutions provide the training needed to support a new and evolving workforce. We can offer tax incentives for businesses to train and hire locally.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I do believe around 85% of gun crimes were dismissed and/or not prosecuted in Delaware the past year. I would start there. I will support law and order, as we need to control gun violence/violent crimes. We also need to address the behaviors and mental health problems behind the crime/guns and create solutions for mental health.

How would you protect or change abortion rights in the state?

Abortion is already protected in the state of Delaware.

Do you support the State Employee Benefits Committee’s move to a Medicare Advantage plan for state retirees? Why?

I would need to review the State Employee Benefits Committee plan in its entirety before answering.