Sakaduski: Will you be better off in four years?

Republican candidates like to ask, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” because they’re hoping people will only be thinking about the price of eggs.

Four years ago, we were weathering a shamefully mishandled COVID-19 response, overseen by a chaotic president who lied to the public and nearly caused his own death by failing to take proper precautions. The economy was teetering on the brink of depression.

Four years later, we’re still seeing the effects of postpandemic inflation and price gouging, but economic indicators are positive, and it’s clear we are heading in the right direction.

In the past four years, on the local level, overdevelopment has exploded, thanks to an all-Republican Sussex County Council that put developer desires above resident needs. There was even an attempt to allow commercial development in Cape Henlopen State Park (thankfully, Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, sponsored legislation that will now prevent that from happening).

So, before you vote, a better question to ask is: “Will you be better off four years from now?”

Through the efforts of Sen. Huxtable and Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, legislation is finally beginning to address the critical lack of housing for our teachers, health care workers and service providers. Sussex County Council has been empowered to enact assessments in new developments, for the purpose of new school construction (though the current council members have refused to do so).

Jane Gruenebaum (a candidate for Sussex County Council) will push to balance growth with infrastructure — the roads, evacuation routes, schools, health care facilities, fire services and police capacity that are necessary to maintain the quality of life in our community.

For the next four years, do we want an out-of-control president who refuses to listen to experts and instead makes dangerous decisions and is easily manipulated through flattery? Do we want more and more development without concern for infrastructure? Do we want housing for our workers? Do we want our rights protected? Do we want elected officials who take climate change (and the risks of living near the coast) seriously?

Let’s continue the path of getting better. Vote for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. They are looking toward the future, not the past, and have your interests at heart.

Nancy Sakaduski

Lewes

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.