Praise from Friend and Foe alike

The Delaware State News published a piece yesterday on Governor Markell’s first year in office. Unfortunately, I don’t have a link to the article, only a paper copy. After reviewing the $800 billion budget deficit Markell inherited from Aunt Bee, the piece goes through all of Markell’s actions in trying to close that deficit, actions which brought him up against some of the most powerful interests in the land.

First, Markell proposed a sports lottery that drew the ire of the NFL and the NCAA. Next, he replaced the Delaware Student Testing Program with a more interactive assessment and is now working with the DSEA to apply for “Race to the Top” funding from the federal government, drawing the hatred of Kilroy I guess. He then proposed a 8% pay cut for state employees, which of course drew the rebuke of all state employees, including the DSEA. At the last minute, the cut was replaced by a furlough program. Next, he signed into law several aggressive energy reform bills. His budget raised fees and taxes and cut spending. He then took on the Racinos in the state by proposing a reassessment of the revenue split between the state and the casinos.

For all his work, he is getting accolades from friend and foe alike.

Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson (R-Milford):

“It was definitely a challenging year. […] I asked him last January, why would you ever want this job at this specific time? I think he was probably at least well-fitted for the challenge with his business background.” […] Despite disagreements on the budgetary front, Sen. Simpson said he was pleased to see the governor tackling education reform.

Speaker Bob Gilligan (D-Wilmington):

“No other governor has ever been faced with such severe challenges. […] We got out of it with a balanced budget. […] Look around at the rest of the country.”

DSEA President Diane Donohue:

“[We were] very much opposed to the eight-percent salary cut. […] [But,] just because you disagree with one thing doesn’t mean you close the doors on communication. Where would that get us for the students of Delaware?”

Rep. Darryl M. Scott (D-Dover)

“[He] has really rolled up his sleeves and is trying to effect change. […] He’s done a good job of laying out a vision of things, especially in the area of education. […] You look for somebody that’s going to lead — and he did that.”

Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth Beach)

“There was a major budget deficit, but Jack was still able to get a lot accomplished. […] There was the FOIA legislation, eminent domain, equal rights legislation — a lot of big things — and Jack supported them.