Candidate name: Keegan Worley

Party: Democratic

Age: 27

Hometown: Spring Grove, Pennsylvania (currently reside in Angola)

Political experience: I held the positions of vice president, treasurer and auditor of Millersville University’s Student Government Association.

Professional experience: Four years teaching at Milford High School, one year teaching at Caesar Rodney High School. Assistant varsity wrestling coach at Milford, head junior varsity wrestling coach at Caesar Rodney.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

As a teacher, I see classrooms and curriculum firsthand every day. I care for my students and make it known to them, so that they trust me and want to perform well academically. I believe that being a state representative is similar, in that forming a personal connection with constituents is necessary, so that people know who you are. I care about the issues that affect our community because I see them. Living in almost the very center of the district, the issues that I see are the same issues that you see. Being young, I can provide a new set of ideas in Dover that will best help our community over time, as I plan to start a family in this area and not leave anytime soon.

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

Education: Now more than ever, we need to protect our students in our schools. Events like Uvalde show us that we need to strengthen protections in our schools. While constables and school resource officers can be a deterrent for violence, I believe we need to install bulletproof glass or deadbolt locks on classroom doors. Additionally, the pandemic has spotlighted a significant issue with mental health in our students. I want to work to extend mental health support services to the secondary levels of education that were passed by the previous General Assembly at the primary levels. Health care: With the development we have seen in Sussex County, we simply do not have enough qualified doctors to accommodate the need for health care. I have heard horror stories of individuals waiting months to see a physician or people having to drive hours away back to their doctors in the states they lived prior to Delaware to receive emergency services. I want to implement a plan to incentivize qualified professionals to live in and practice medicine in Sussex County. Environment: The new development Sussex County has seen is appalling. Land zone buffers have not been followed, and the backfilling of wetlands has led to an increase in flooding, especially in our manufactured-home communities. These communities need proper drainage, especially with the flooding we just saw with Hurricane Ian. I also want to work to replenish our farm trusts in Sussex County, so that when approached by a big builder, farmers have more incentive to say “no” to selling their lands. Furthermore, I am the only candidate running for the District 4 seat that believes we need to dredge the inland bays. If it is not high tide, it becomes unsafe to attempt to get a boat out or even enjoy the inland bay areas.

What would be your top priority if elected?

Overall, I believe in securing more resources for Sussex County. I will be a representative not only for all in District 4 but for everyone in Sussex County. Sussex County is a beautiful piece of paradise, and those in surrounding states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, etc., have caught on. While I am not a Sussex County native, I, along with many others, have chosen to make Delaware my home. We need to not shut the door behind us and instead focus on helping those who are here, both longtime and new residents.

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

I do want to change a few, but I will focus on one: During the pandemic, the state school tax exemption for seniors was increased from living in the state from five years to 10 years. I believe that our seniors deserve a break, and we need to change that back to where it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen a revenue increase in the state and ought to help our seniors live a comfortable, retired life.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

I think there is a tremendous opportunity for Delaware to advance in renewable energy, which will increase the amount of jobs available. In Delaware, I believe that we are built on unions. An upcoming offshore wind project will seek to provide thousands of offshore wind jobs, as well as IBEW jobs, that will be close to home. The only thing holding these projects back is approval from the state and a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. I believe that this project will help not only with jobs for current union workers, but we can use this project to partner with Delaware Technical Community College, the University of Delaware and surrounding high schools like Cape Henlopen, Sussex Tech, Sussex Central and more to create internships and on-the-job training for those interested in renewable energy and electrical work. This is just one example of work that I think we can bring to Delaware. Additionally, in our coastal communities, we need to work to be more resilient to climate change and coastal sea rise. I believe that this is another opportunity to make our community safer and provide good-paying jobs to those in search of work.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I believe that the gun laws passed in the previous General Assembly will help to curtail gun violence in our state.

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

Abortion has been codified by Delaware; however, it will be up for a vote in the Delaware Constitution in the upcoming General Assembly. I will vote to protect a woman’s right to choose.

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

As a high school teacher, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Delaware state employee. State employees have worked for and earned the right to retire, as well as receive health care that is not only affordable but covers their needs. The lack of transparency surrounding this change is problematic to say the least. I believe that those affected should have been made aware sooner, so that their feedback should have been taken into consideration. It is my understanding that this is a contract that cannot be changed; however, the General Assembly could, and should, provide meaningful oversight to ensure our state retirees have access to the health care they need and deserve.