In Delaware Today’s list of the People of Influence, two of our Democratic State Representatives make the grade, Schwartzkopf and Kowalko.
Pete Schwartkopf was named for his influence in politics.
The Rehoboth Beach legislator sponsored the bill that made sports betting legal in Delaware, and he continues to be a powerful voice for the Del Pointe project, a proposed harness racing track, which, if built in Millsboro, would include a casino, water park, indoor sports complex, paintball park, movie theaters and restaurants. He says the project could create up to 6,000 thousand new jobs. Schwartzkopf faces stiff opposition from casino owners. He was dismissed in May from his post as head of security for the Delaware State Fair, a position he held for the past six years. The fair holds a majority stake in Harrington Raceway and Casino.
Kowalko, on the other hand, was named for his work in the environment.
Kowalko, himself a former activist, is one of the few who have successfully reconciled a merger of activism and politics. His secret weapon: economics. “Once you track these issues and make an economic connection, it becomes so much easier to argue this from a politically viable point of view,” he says.
Nancy Cook was also named for her influence in finance. Congratulations all.