Candidate Name: Dr. Jeff Hilovsky

Party: Republican

Age: 66

Hometown: Origin hometow: Butler, PA.  Current Location: Millsboro

Political experience: none

Professional experience:  retired eye doctor (38+) years, owned a multi-location practice, created jobs.  Retired Colonel and Medical Commander for the 512th Air Wing at Dover, AFB, DE.  I serve the community in many ways: 23+ years on the Sussex County Easter Seals Advisory Board serving people with disabilities, 25+ years as a Lion where I personally raised $5,000 for the Lions Vision Research Foundation at Johns Hopkins University by riding my bicycle across the Erie Canal Towpath in New York, and last year I personally raised $750 additional dollars to add to the Lord Baltimore Lions Club high school scholarship program. I teach leadership in three local high schools as a volunteer in a program designed called "Leadership is a Lifestyle." I also lead a Mission Team to West Virginia to work at Chestnut Mountain Ranch.  We have participated in the building of 4 group homes, a school, and a chapel for boys who have had a difficult home life.  I have served as President of the Delaware Board of Examiners in Optometry twice, and Delaware Optometric Association. 

What uniquely qualifies you for this office? 

My record as a doctor, business person, job creator, military leader at high levels, and my volunteer resume.

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

Public Safety, access to good paying jobs that develop into a career and strengthening education. 

What would be your top priority if elected? 

Public safety: supporting the police, fire service members, and EMS members.

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

History tells us high taxes stifle growth and innovation.  Our real estate transfer taxes are the highest in the country, and our Gross Receipts Tax hurts small businesses. Based on the above facts; I would work to unleash the power of the economy so growth happens in all corners of the state, not just in some areas of the state.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues? 

Complex question.  As the recent real estate boom has caused house prices to skyrocket, affordable housing is a priority.  As approximately 50% of jobs in Sussex County are in retail or in the service industry, I believe we must return our schools to centers for excellence. This in turn will create a more competitive workforce with increased wages and opportunities as a result. While building a plan to accomplish above, the current plans for Workforce housing has been granted from the Federal level. To "move the needle" on an issue as complex as this, multiple experts representing various viewpoints with multiple solutions will have to be vetted and understood so solutions can be implemented.  There is no quick fix, but the problem is not insurmountable. 

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I believe the Constitution gives us the Bill of Rights, and with that the Freedom to bear arms.  Recent changes to laws involving guns are currently in the litigation process.  How we respond to the decisions will mark us as a society for years to come.  

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

It is difficult to legislate morality.  If you an abortion advocate, Delaware law is very supportive.  If you are not an advocate for abortion your journey is steeply uphill. 

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

Many fine people exhausted many hours debating and crafting the new retirees health coverage.  As I looked at the coverage, on the surface only, the cost to the retiree will go down.  However, it appears pre-authorization criteria is less flexible. My thought is to implement the program passed by the General Assembly without hiccups along the way.  I propose we survey parents, teachers. and healthcare providers to and make 'mid-course corrections when needed/necessary.