Candidate Name:  Tracey Miller

Office you are seeking:  State Representative for the 34^th district

Party:  Democratic

Age:  55

Hometown:  Flint Hill, Virginia

Political experience:  

My experience with municipal government began 20 years ago in Greenfield, Massachusetts, which is the county seat of Franklin County.  I served on Greenfield’s Planning Board before I was elected to the town council.  I was Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee where I was responsible for a budget of $49 million.  Since moving to Delaware 14 years ago, I have been very involved in the community.   I am the Chairperson of the Democratic Committee of the 34^th district and am a Vice Chairperson of the Kent County Democratic Committee.  I was the Governor’s appointee to the Dover/Kent County Municipal Planning Organization and I was appointed by the Levy Court to the Board of Assessment for Kent County.

Professional experience:

I am a specialist in community engagement and have primarily worked in the non-profit sector.  I am currently the Director of Development for Forward Journey Adult Day Services, a non-profit organization which provides comprehensive day services for adults with severe disabilities.  I was the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for Dedicated to Women Ob/Gyn and am deeply familiar with the challenges faced by local health care providers caring for women and families.  I was an underwriter for NPR and have been a consultant to small businesses to help grow revenue streams.  I have volunteered in several capacities for local entities and was chosen as Kent County Volunteer of the Year for Meals on Wheels.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

My specialty in community engagement involves bringing together people of all industries and walks of life.  In doing so, I have honed the ability to unite the right people to accomplish a common goal.  My long history of professional and municipal leadership gives me the experience to have the same success in Legislative Hall.

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

1. Expanding health care access in Kent County.
2. Improvement of quality and equity of public education in Delaware.
3. Affordable housing for working families.

What would be your top priority if elected? 

Health care accessibility in Kent County is in crisis.  We are in desperate need of Ob-Gyns and primary care providers, including pediatricians.   The severity of this crisis requires involvement of the state.  This may involve financially incentivizing physicians to come to and stay in Delaware, expanding residency programs to entice physicians to the area, and further consideration of creating a medical school in Delaware.  We need to invest in our education systems and our downtowns so our communities are welcoming to new families.

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

I support a restructuring of public education funding.  The state currently funds 70% of public school operations, and the remaining is funded through local contributions.  This sets up different opportunities for students living in wealthier communities.  Please see more details under the education question below.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

Delaware’s workforce is primarily educated by Delaware public schools.  The success of every individual is rooted in success in school.  When we have educated workers, they appropriately take pride in their work and earn a respectable salary.  The community’s responsibility is to ensure success of the working family.  This involves affordable housing, effective public transportation, accessible health care, and quality schools.

How would you protect or change state employee benefits?

Robust employee benefits are part of attracting and retaining good employees.  I will always advocate for supporting our state employees.  This must be accomplished in a fiscally responsible manner. 

What would you do to improve the quality of education in the First State?

The Department of Education recently commissioned an independent assessment the of Delaware’s system of funding public schools.  This report identified a number of ways in which funding for education could be more equitable, distributing more resources to communities with lower incomes.  I support a restructuring of the system of funding public schools.  Children being educated today will be Delaware’s future leaders, workforce, and caregivers.  We should aim for a strong foundation in education, attracting our best teachers with higher salaries along with an improved support system in the schools. 

What issues do you strongly support and would not compromise?

I believe strongly in reproductive rights.  The ability for a woman and her family to decide if and when to have a child is paramount.  Contraception needs to be equitably available.  The decision on whether to continue a pregnancy should be made between a woman, her family, and her doctor.

How do you improve civility and thoughtful dialog in Delaware politics?

Hateful rhetoric should not be tolerated by any individual or political party.  I believe people have more in common with one another than they have differences.  Leaders need to truly listen to understand the words of others to have respectful and productive dialog.  Every person deserves respect.  One cannot summarily dismiss an idea simply because it is different from one’s own.  Respectful discussion cannot always bridge a gap, but it can leave civility intact.

How do you perceive the “Delaware way” today?

Delaware is still primarily a state made up of communities.  In communities, people accept differences and work together for the benefit of the whole.