Candidate Name: Ed Osienski

Office you are seeking: State Representative 24th District Newark, De

Party: Democrat

Age: 66

Hometown: Newark, Delaware

Political experience: State Representative for the 24th District since 2010

Professional experience: Retired after 36 years in the fire sprinkler industry- 16 years as a sprinkler fitter- 15 years as a project salesman, and 5 years as the Business Agent for Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

I have a proven track record of community and constituent service, and that service has only improved with my years of experience in Dover. I work directly with all state agencies to ensure my constituents are receiving the services and resources they need to remain safe and healthy to protect them and their property values.


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

1) Ensuring we remain fiscally responsible to eliminate any need to raise taxes on Delawareans. 2) Addressing education funding disparities. 3) Developing policies to help ensure Delawareans have access to a more affordable health care system.

What would be your top priority if elected?

One of my top priorities would be to prevent future occurrences similar to the recent Department of Labor incident. I am currently working on legislation that would help prevent fraudulent activity in state agencies.

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

We need to protect our Court of Chancery, so it remains among the preeminent business courts in the world. This will ensure our state retains the two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies that incorporated in Delaware and provide us revenue for our state budget.


What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

I believe that Delaware can continue to support or even expand current initiatives: The Delaware Workforce Development Board, which I am a member, works with employers to determine their workforce needs then use federal Department of Labor funds to provide training for those in need of employment. Additionally, I support the Department of Education efforts to continue to make additions to the already 150 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in our middle and high schools. (Using federal funds Delaware Dept. of Education awarded 1,397 scholarships to Delaware residents. The scholarships support students pursuing degrees in education and education support, as well as high need career fields.)


How would you protect or change state employee benefits?

I would continually explore ways to bring down our healthcare costs and pay down our unfunded liabilities.


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

I would support initiatives that eliminate funding disparities by increasing funds for high needs schools ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for students with disabilities, from marginalized backgrounds, and English language learners.


What issues do you strongly support and would not compromise?

Two fundamental rights: A woman’s right to reproductive healthcare and a worker’s right to organize.


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

The best way to have thoughtful dialogue is to start the conversation and listen. When working on legislation, I usually seek out the opposition to inform them of my intent and start an open dialogue, instead of simply pushing legislation through if I think I may have the votes.

How do you perceive the “Delaware way” today?

I believe in the Delaware way of working together to find common ground and doing it with integrity and mutual respect.