Flaherty: Coalition for Open Government opposes $120M for Leg Hall expansion

My name is John Flaherty. I am on the board of directors for the Delaware Coalition for Open Government, a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to greater openness and transparency in our government institutions.

I want to first thank director Cerron Cade and the staff of the state Office of Management and Budget for holding hearings in such a professional manner and for providing time for members of the public to testify at hearings.

I testified Friday in opposition to the office’s request for $120 million for a Legislative Hall renovation and expansion, as well as a parking garage, listed as item 14.

As I rode the state-supported DART bus from Wilmington to Dover to attend this hearing, I was struck by how many parking spots were available for the public on the streets and lots adjacent to the Haslet Armory Building, where these hearings took place.

So, I was curious to find out how busy our legislators are during the year to justify this enormous amount of money for essentially a doubling of office space at Legislative Hall.

In addition to the doubling of office space, a huge parking lot is planned, connected to Legislative Hall by an underground tunnel, which would shield our legislators from a prying public as they travel 100 feet underneath the street, totally protected from the elements.

So, how busy is the General Assembly?

As of Friday, the legislators are scheduled to be in session in 2025 for 42 days, 11.5% of the year.

For 88.5% of the year, the session will not be conducted.

So, $120 million for an upgrade that 62 legislators will use 42 days of the year.

I don’t think so.

I urge the Office of Management and Budget to take the money allocated for our legislators and use it for items that are in the public’s interest.

Thank you for your time and attention.

John Flaherty

On behalf of the Delaware Coalition for Open Government

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