Comment Rescue: Bethany Hall-Long Has The Delaware Disease
If the “Delaware way” means to wait ones turn and rise through the ranks based on cross party alliances and the patronage of a shadowy cabal of power brokers – then the “Delaware disease” is the chronic fear of losing elections once ensconced in your “delaware way” provided sinecure.
Even when there is no chance of losing an election the “Delaware disease” grips lawmakers rendering them worse than useless. For example, BH-L as noted by La Narcolepsia:
Even though she has a doctorate in nursing and served on Governor Minner’s cancer task force, she voted fort Rep. Thornburg’s unsuccessful attempt to derail the smoking law. Rather than so easily sell out her principles, she could have recognized the teachable moment and explained her position to her constituents. She is of that special breed of Delaware legislator who always runs scared, even though she has not had a close race since her first loss to Cathcart.
Everyone is skeerd of the BHL mafia?
Kidding!
No disease here. Better sources and facts are needed. “Worse then Useless” are those elected officials who do not listen to their constituents. I have been served well by BHL’s principle of REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY. Pull the recorded statements on the floor of the House then and Senate now and you will see you have a bad source. I am a health advocate & was there then and surprised at first, but recall her stating her views against smoking. She actually took the time to poll her district which was overhwelmingly in favor of Thornburg’s amendment, that would allowed smoking in a handful of taverns in the state where no children are allowed or food served. She voted as a true REPRESENTATIVE of her people. It is noteworthy that she has voted for all the cigarette tax increases that have resulted in reduced smoking and cancer rates—-I call that eliminating disease!
Observer, the context you provide helps; things, as they say, aren’t always as they seem. However, wasn’t BHL the one who sat out the vote on HB5? If you don’t want to vote on controversial legislation, perhaps the legislature isn’t the best place for you. I’d like to hear why she chose not to represent anyone in that vote.
OO,
What, other than representing the Tavern owners in her district, did BHL do as rep of the 8th?
I don’t mean to hate on BHL personally – but she served during important times and I don’t recall her doing or saying anything of importance.
BHL appears to be another incarnation of Barbie:
Barbie goes to the senate…..buy her vote now!
Another Mike:
It was SB 27, not HB 5. It helps to know what bill you are actually talking about. HB 5 hasn’t reached the Senate yet. When it does, BHL has been clear that she will vote for it, as she did in the house. HB 5 is actually much more controversial in the sense that it actually means something to citizens, rather than just being a duplicative piece of garbage rammed through in two days.
And Jason,why don’t you run against her next time. Show us what leadership is.
Jason,
According to the house website she was the primary sponsor on 11 bills and 4 resolutions during the 144st general assembly. They looked like important and well thought pieces of legislation to me. Hope that helps.
Since no BH-L accomplishments spring to mind (other than siding with Tavern owners and introducing a farmland conservation license plate), I guess it will help.
Let me check it out. (You might have included a link BTW. Yes, I am that lazy.)
Jason,
As you requested.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis144.nsf/vwLegBySponsor?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=23#23
Wow. I am totally underwhelmed by the critically important and controversial bills that have been sponsored by BHL. Changing a definition; submitting a bill specifically asked for by Mtown; preventing houses from being built right on top of wells… These bills were certainly needed, but were largely “housekeeping” in nature. This is the problem with DE – unwillingness by most legislators to dig in, put themselves on the line, and do good things.
Thats right.
Being one of one is less controversial than being one of 11 or 8.
Pissing off both sides is less courageous than just pissing off one side.
I see…
I’m not sure where LaNuit is going, but since BH-L’s work in the house did not include setting up abortion clinics in Delaware High Schools or forcing the rich into picking between penury or tax exile – they didn’t make it onto my liberal radar.
Another Jason…as in J.H.???
Anywho…a response to J.S.’s query…
What, other than representing the Tavern owners in her district, did BHL do as rep of the 8th?
At the time that vote happened…what tavern owners? Capt Witherspoon’s? That’s a hell of a majority of votes there! Phew!
Everyone is skeerd of the BHL mafia?
Classic! …and true. All I am saying is Cass St vs Main St (near the grandstand) for Peach Festival ’08. 😯