Candidate Name:  Dave Wilson   

Party:   Republican

Age:    72

Hometown:  Lincoln

Political experience: Former register of chancery, former register of wills, former 35th District state representative, current 18th District state senator

Professional experience:  Farmer, small business owner - Wilson's Auction Sales, Inc. for over 50 years, auctioneer

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

I have served in the Delaware State Senate for four years. Prior to that, I served in the state House of Representatives and Sussex County government. I have always kept the constituent needs of my districts foremost in my mind as a legislator. I also consider my statewide service in the Senate and House as a responsibility to all of the citizens of Delaware. I also volunteer my time with many organizations in the community and serve on many boards. I am very active in the community I serve.

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

1. The economy. While many of the problems with the economy are caused by national events, I believe we must do all we can to stabilize the economy of Delaware. We must increase our commitment to businesses which produce products, while supporting the businesses in the service industry. A balanced approach to economic growth and development is required.
2. Education. The pandemic has shown that our educational system in Delaware needs immediate attention. Delaware spends a substantial sum on per pupil needs each year, and we saw how quickly the educational foundation of our students crumbled when schools were closed. We cannot close our schools to our students again. We must insure we are getting quality instruction for the sums we spend on our educational system.
3. Environment. We must have a balanced approach to preserving the environment Delaware has been known for in the past. Air, water and land resources must be protected. We must also understand business, agriculture and service industries are necessary to the survival of the state. While reducing the reliance on traditional fuel sources deserves a closer look, we cannot jump into a course of action without knowing more fully the results of such a decision. Electric cars, windmills and other energy avenues are to be explored, we cannot turn off our reliance on traditional fuels in the interim.

What would be your top priority if elected?

Responsible spending by the state and (to the extent we can control it) the federal government. Spending without considering the consequences - both short and long term - are killing our state and our country.

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

I would revamp the manner in which Executive Branch agencies take legislative grants of authority and adopt rules and regulations which are not intended by the General Assembly. In other words, to reduce the reach and power of bureaucracy.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

This ties in with payments from state and federal sources which disincentivize work. While there are certainly individuals in need of assistance, we must more carefully determine eligibility for funding which serves to reduce a person's desire to work. We must also recruit and retain workers once hired. Incentives, tax breaks and the like for businesses from the state are certainly in order.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

We have passed a variety of gun laws, many of which are of questionable legality. I will let the courts work through those laws being challenged before taking any further action in the area of gun laws. I have been and remain a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights as they relate to the ability of citizens to keep and bear arms.

How would protect or change abortion rights in the state?

With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, it is necessary for us, as as state, to re-evaluate and consider the terms and conditions on life and abortion. I will seek the position of my district and consider those voices before voting on any abortion legislation.

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

No. I believe the move is ill-timed and not completely thought out. There are coverage issues, reimbursement issues and out-of-network issues which remain to be resolved, all the while giving state employees little choice and almost no other options on coverage.