Candidate name: Cheryl Precourt

Party: Republican

Age: 66

Hometown: Dover

Political experience: Caesar Rodney school board, 2012-17

Professional experience: Medical billing, credentialing, administrative duties for mental health practice in Dover.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

Being a school board member for five years gives me insight into local government and interaction with state agencies. I will be able to help people in my district navigate their way through a sometimes confusing system, so they can get the answers they need.

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

The top three issues for this office in my view are 1.) economy, which includes, among other issues, inflation, housing and jobs; 2.) safety and crime; and 3.) education.

What would be your top priority if elected?

My top priority, if elected, would be to stop job-crushing regulations and laws, especially on small businesses with less than 50 employees. In the last two sessions of our General Assembly, there were several bills passed that are a burden to small businesses. Senate Bill 184, which affects contractors, is just one of many examples. These regulations and laws are placed on businesses with 10 or more employees, and the implementation of these regulations and laws are cumbersome and stifling to private business.

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

I would look at Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative polices, renewable portfolio standards and the zero-emission vehicle standards which we have adopted from California. As we have seen our utility bills increase 30% in the city of Dover, we need to consider all forms of energy — energy that is reliable and affordable.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

We need to relax or remove regulations unless they are related to safety. We need to create a business environment in Delaware that will attract companies that will provide good-paying jobs with good benefits. This will help us keep people employed that already work here and will attract people from other states to Delaware. Instead, we are hindering new growth and development by micromanaging private companies.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I would seek to overturn House Bill 450, which bans assault weapons without truly defining what weapons are assault weapons. In addition, Senate Bill 6, which bans the use of most standard-capacity rifle magazines, and lastly, House Bill 451, which would make a person under the age of 21 prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing or controlling a firearm or ammunition of a firearm except under limited circumstances. These bills are currently being challenged as unconstitutional.

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

There is no other medical procedure that I am aware of that a physician doesn’t require an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc. A bill was introduced in a last session but did not make it out of committee. This bill was known as the “The Woman’s Ultrasound Right to Know Act.” This bill would require the physician to offer (not force) an ultrasound before the procedure, so that an informed decision can be made.

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

I do not support the State Employee Benefits Committee’s move to a Medicare Advantage plan for state retirees. First of all, it is not what the employees (now retired) were told they would have when they signed their contracts with the state. Secondly, if you look at the members of the committee, dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/sebc/documents/sebc-members.pdf?ver=0310, there was no retiree representation to this decision. Lastly, while Medicare Advantage may be a good fit for some, it could be quite costly for those on a fixed income or for those who may travel frequently, as Medicare Advantage plans may require you to stay in your local area for medical services.