Candidate Name: Sonja Mehaffey

Party: Non-Partisan Delaware

Age: 60

Hometown: Seaford

Political experience: "Newbie” to politics

Professional experience: Small business owner, retired legal records abstractor and title searcher.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

Nothing “uniquely” qualifies me for this office other than the fact that no one else stepped up to challenge the incumbent.  At the time that my political party nominated me to run, for Senate District 21, the incumbent was running unopposed. When politicians run unopposed we get “career” politicians. Delaware does not have term limits for elected legislators. Career politicians ultimately end up serving special interest endorsers and not the people who elected them. As a citizen, I am compelled to run for public office based on my current concerns about our district, our state and our nation. Senators are elected officials, their job was never intended to be a career position, hence the “elected” factor.

My practical experience includes: AS degree and certification, in paralegal studies from Widener University.   I was a title searcher and abstractor of legal filings, recorded in each county on Delmarva.  As a retired legal researcher, I am knowledgeable with legal documents, legal terminology and legal filings, as well as how and where these documents are recorded, managed and how they are accessed for their content. As a retired title searcher, I am experienced with the processes and procedures to real property transactions, such as, instruments of conveyance, tax records, application for land use and variance requests.

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

The things I feel I could work to effectuate during a two-year Senate term are:

• Environmental protections through updating and expanding our public water and sewer services. We cannot protect our waterways, groundwater and drinking water with outdated, fractured and inadequate infrastructure. Delaware is currently ranked number 1 in the U.S. for most polluted waterways. This is unacceptable. I would focus on our drinking water first and foremost, particularly in our public facilities such as schools, hospitals and other health care facilities.

Infrastructure upgrades are also necessary for housing growth that would provide adequate affordable rentals, affordable housing for young families and downsizing older persons, as well as first-time buyers.

• Quality public education – Pre-K to two-year college & trade schools; develop strong and abundant community & youth programs and provide  state funding to assist with financial barriers to participating in youth programs and training programs.
• Term limits for all public offices.

What would be your top priority if elected?

I would pursue the above issues with equal urgency.

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

Institute term limits for all public officials.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

Provide a livable wage to the workforce.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I agree with the current Delaware gun laws.

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

I would continue to support individual liberties such as a woman’s right to choice.

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

No. While I am not fully informed of the total impact this change would have on retirees, the retirees clearly appear to be displeased about this move. I know from my parents that Medicare Advantage has certain limitations, so that would be something I would want to consider before I supported this move.