Most Intriguing Delaware Primaries: RD 5
This is the district that was specifically drawn for Melanie George, now Melanie George Smith. The 2012 version retains most of the barbell-ian characteristics of the original 2002 incarnation and stretches from Bear to New Castle. It was part of a deal that D leadership, specifically Bob Gilligan, cut with the R’s who controlled the General Assembly at that time. Gilligan got Lonnie’s daughter an overwhelmingly D district, while D representatives Dave Brady and Rick DiLiberto got…the shaft. Go over here, click on ‘District 5’, and ask yourselves whether this district could, or should, withstand a challenge based on gerrymandering.
The district is overwhelmingly, obscenely, D for a non-city district. Check out these numbers: 10,832 D; 2059 R; 3210 I. You read ’em right. Well over a majority of the registered voters are D. Hey, when you’re the daughter of the former Speaker, and that Speaker controlled loads of patronage jobs at Del-Tech, this is what they’ll do for you.
You all know the story by now. Smith purchased a house outside of the district. And, after much back and forth, she decided that she wouldn’t come up with some sort of creative living arrangement to maintain official residency in the 5th. She is retiring. At least for now, without the judgeship she so assiduously sought. She’s hanging her shingle at Richards, Layton & Finger, the Rethuggiest of Rethuglican law firms. Also the white shoe-iest.
There is a three-way primary to succeed her. Might as do it alphabetically. By last name, still the only correct way to do it, the internets notwithstanding.
Aja Ajavon describes herself as:
…an activist who spearheads several ventures to empower communities and to provide sound solutions to social issues. She worked for Delaware Family Court as a mediation and arbitration officer and for New Jersey Superior Court Family Division as a hearing officer and mediator. Most recently, Aja taught job readiness skills to adults re-entering the job market at Career Time. Currently, she teaches at Wilmington University in the College of Social and Behavioral Science and is a volunteer mediator at Delaware Center for Justice.
She was born in Liberia and moved to the United States when she was 10. I can find very little on her positions on issues in any of her online media. Perhaps supporters of the campaign can provide a link to them.
…has dedicated her entire career to serving individuals living with disadvantages and life challenges. Kendra earned a master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University and is currently the Executive Director at Elwyn, one of the nation’s oldest nonprofit organizations, and leads a staff of 200. Kendra has extensive experience with managing and budgeting multimillion dollar contracts and is currently responsible for oversight of 21 programs in Delaware and Pennsylvania, serving over 1,100 individuals.
You can look at her priorities and positions here. Basic boilerplate. There is, however, one element of her profile that I like very much. I usually cringe when I click on ‘Endorsements’ b/c it’s often a laundry list of the usual suspects. Not so with Johnson. They’re all either people she’s helped, or people she’s worked with. And those comments all sound like they’re from the heart. People who I respect have said a lot of good things about her.
The third candidate, William Resto, filed just under the wire. He is a bail bondsman, so, if you’re looking for an end to cash bail, he’s probably not the candidate for you. His campaign has not been as visible as those of the other two candidates. Having said that, he has an admirable record of community service. From his linkedin page:
…Resto currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Wilmington Police Athlete League (P.A.L.) and the Nuestra Raices of Delaware: this organization coordinates the annual Wilmington Hispanic Festival and the Miss Hispanic Delaware Pageant. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Resto was a Delaware state employee and shop-steward for Local 640. He is currently the founder and owner of A Bail Bond by Resto & Company and co-founder of the Livingston Resto Project (LRP): a non-profit organization that advocates for the homeless in Delaware. He is a leader at Faith City Family Church: Pastor Steve Hare and the proud sponsor of the 3-Time Champions “Aquila’s” of the Roberto Clemente Little League.
OTOH, he misspells both ‘Delaware’ and ‘District’ on the same linkedin page.
Any of the three would likely be infinitely preferable to any of the candidates in, say, SD 2. (Hmmm, I wonder if any of them live in Nicole Poore’s district, gotta check… answer is no, but virtually the entire RD is in Dave McBride’s district. Woo-hoo! )
Melanie George was a good representative for years, although her focus was less on the communities in the district, and more on some of the more macro issues in the General Assembly. She was a strong advocate for criminal justice reform up until the last few years. She also embraced the budget austerity pushed by DINO’s Markell and Carney, and flipped from a yes to a no on abolishing the death penalty. Accordingly, this primary looks like a no-lose situation for the voters in RD 5. Johnson, in particular, looks like she has the potential to have a real impact in Dover.
If you live in this district, what do you think, what have you seen, and what have you heard?
I know people who like Ajavon. The nice thing is whoever gets in will not be beholden to the corrupt ancient regime Democratic Party, and should have a high degree of independence.
Right. And perhaps whoever wins, or whoever loses, can take out Dave McBride in 2020.
That Senate district would be better served by virtually anybody but an out-of-touch white guy who spends most of his time at the beach. (Never too early to plant ideas in peoples’ heads…)
Nobody should be deceived the best candidate thus far in this district is Aja. She loves this State and people in general. Her years of diversed experiences on all matters speaks volume. I will strongly advise all of us to support her candidacy and vote for her on September 6th under 5th District Delaware Democratic House of REPRESENTATIVE.
What I like the most about Aja Ajavon is how much work I see her putting in to win this election. It’s easy for someone to say they want something or to say they’ll work hard for you if they win. However, I’m a huge believer that past and present behavior is indicative of future behavior.
She has children, sits on many community boards, owns her own mediation business and runs a non-profit organization. Looking at the bio of the other candidates I see that they also juggle many roles as well. However, when I look at Aja’s FB and Instagram, I see her making the time to regularly host events where she can talk to the people she will be working for if she wins. She’s frequently out knocking on doors in her district. She also attends or volunteers at many events in the community. The individual who wins this will have a whole new set of added responsibilities on top of what they currently do for the community. Looking at Aja’s page I see someone I know cares to hear from her constituents and will make the time because she’s already showing she can do so.
This is the link to her page I’m talking about:
https://www.instagram.com/voteforaja_5/
Without a question, Aja is best for the District. Her involvements did no only start during the campaign, but long before. She has always been involved with the community, not from the sidelines. In Dover, she will as has always been, true voice of the voiceless and under served in the community.
Aja clearly knows how to get her network of supporters involved. It is a small organizational thing, but telling.
I’ve met privately/personally with Aja Ajavon on two separate occasions and discussed policies and agendas at length with her. I found her to be a highly intelligent and thoughtful individual who expressed a serious interest to serve the community well-being in her district. She is keenly aware of the needs of the elderly and vulnerable citizens among her potential constituents and she struck me as being much less self absorbed than most candidates. I would consider her to be a significant upgrade in representing the needs of the individuals vs those of the corporations if she were to win that seat.
Representative John Kowalko
Kendra Johnson Johnson is the only choice for Delaware’s 5th District! She’s the only candidate with the passion temperament and experience to lead. Kendra is the only candidate who has executive leadership experience and the fiscal responsibility of managing an annual budget of 17 million dollars.
Aside from her education and experience Kendra is truly a person who genuinely cares about others and has dedicated her life to supporting individuals with intellectual challenges. Kendra is an advocate, a mother a wife a leader and a staunch professional who has been called upon to lead the 5th District in a positive direction. Kendrafordrlawate.com
Agreed!! Go Kendra!! This is your calling
Kendra is simply the best choice. I respect the others for their great work in the community but we truly need someone who has the experience and drive to focus on jobs and education for our children. I’ve viewed her site kendrafordelaware.com and I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting her face to face. She’s authentic, prepared and ready to be the next State Representative ofDelaware’s 5th District.
I’m thrilled to see so many people enthused by this primary.
You can vote for Kerri Harris and Chris Johnson, and then you can vote for your favorite House candidate with a clear conscience.
I’m also serious about this–in two years, Sen. Dave McBride is up for reelection. It is time for him to be replaced by someone who, oh I don’t know, lives in the district. The winner or the loser of this year’s primary should be well-positioned to challenge him. Pretty sure that Delaware Liberal would be in full support of such a challenger.
I support this strategy.
Except for SD 3. Vote for Tizzy. The other dude seems like a strange dude, in my opinion.
If you live in Delaware’s 5th District, you have a great opportunity to vote for a wonderful new State Representative in September’s Primary! Kendra is one of the smartest, hardworking, competent, kind and caring people I’ve ever met. Matching those traits with her true devotion to social justice makes her a really easy choice. Vote for Kendra and you honestly will not regret it!!
Delaware State Representative candidate Kendra Johnson has picked up the endorsement of the state’s largest union, adding to the list of high-profile supporters backing her.
The support from the Delaware State Education Association is huge for Kendra with a month left before Election Day on Thursday, September 6th.
The endorsement from the 13,000-member union is one of the most coveted in Democratic politics!
DSEA members are teachers, maintenance employees, paraprofessionals, nurses, retirees, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers, food service workers, school counselors, school psychologists, or librarians – ensure the 134,000 students in Delaware are in effective learning environments, receiving a quality education, and preparing children for the future.
Kendra Johnson is the RIGHT CHOICE for District 5!!!!! I’ve meet her when she was canvassing in my neighborhood!!! What a wonderful person and spirit!!! I couldn’t be more impressed!!!!
Vote Kendra on Sept 6th!!!!
I really like the idea that Kendra Johnson is running a positive campaign is really laser focused on the challenges we face in the 5th District. She cares about bringing higher paying jobs, improving education and keeping our neighborhoods safe. She gets it! She sits on the PTA and has twins in the district and a spouse tho works for the state. She’s so invested and I admire that about her. She really is the obvious choice.
I’m a proud supporter of Kendra Johnson. I met her several years ago doing volunteer work for Elwyn. She was very pleasant and just an all around great person!
She loves her championing for her community and being an advocate for others!
Vote Kendra for District 5!!!!
I’m all on board for Kendra, I met with her several months ago before she announced. She is the mother of young teens and has spent her career giving back. No one goes into her field for the money. She has been hitting doors since she started and doesn’t do much of coming to all the dem events but rather spends her time in her district speaking with voters. She will be an asset in Dover for the Dem party. Voter Kendra Johnson September 6th for RD 5.
Thank you so much for speaking the truth about Kendra! She is definitely an asset and the best choice for her community!
Kendra Johnson is the best choice for 5th district representative. I have worked with her for over 10 years and have never seen anyone work harder and totally dedicate herself to the agency she works for. She will give the same energy and dedication to those in her community because the passion to work for others is part of who she is.
VOTE for KENDRA
Kendra Johnson is far and away the strongest candidate! She is a strong, intelligent and driven leader of change. She is driven by her compassion for individuals and communities and never gives up until her mission of support is accomplished. She has an impeccable track record of organizational and financial success and will bring this to the 5th district. VOTE FOR KENDRA!!!!
Kendra Johnson is the only choice for the 5th district! I have known her professionally and personally for 25 years. She has amazed me in our chosen profession of working with Individuals with disabilities. We started our careers together so I have had the privilege of watching her grow immensely through the years. Her leadership skills, commitment, and passion combined make her an ideal candidate for her community.
Kendra folks are blowing it up! Cool.
Don’t forget, kids…Kerri Harris, Chris Johnson, Kerri, Chris…
Kendra Johnson is my choice for the 5th District of Delaware. Kendra never seems to amaze me, she was place on this earth to serve and that she has done. Just when you think she has gone above and beyond to make someone else’s life better, she continues to strive for the best. Kendra as you have read, has dedicated her life to others while managing her own family. The legacy Kendra has built thus far would over and exceed that of an average person but that is not enough for Kendra and it shows. Kendra goes out of her way to make people around her better. I know this because I am one of those people who she has made better. Kendra’s guidance, leadership, compassion and determination to help others truly made me want to model some of those characteristics. Having crossed paths with Kendra early in my professional career has been a true blessing and I know that the 5th District of Delaware will feel the same. We need more people in this world who cares like Kendra. Congratulations 5th District, you have a great Leader, Teacher, Motivator, Mother, Wife and Sister in Kendra living next door.
I have known Kendra Johnson and her family for over 10 years. She is passionate about helping people and improving the world around her. She is dedicated, hard-working, and will do anything to help someone in need. Her intelligent, loving, thoughtful, and caring children are a reflection of her values, determination, and kind heart. I couldn’t think of a more deserving candidate.
I have worked with Kendra for four years. I know her to be a professional, intelligent, compassionate and extremely capable executive. Kendra is not afraid to challenge convention when she feels doing so will help her programs better meet the needs of her staff and individuals we serve. I am very conservative politically, however, when a candidate comes along like Kendra Johnson —- that you know has the intelligence, compassion and business acumen to successfully make a difference in today’s turbulent political climate —- you need to transcend political alliances and recognize the talent of the individual. If you knew Kendra as I do you would see that she is the logical choice to make a difference for the people of Delaware!
Kendra is the best choice for the 5th District in Delaware. She truly cares about people and has always encouraged others to do better. I have known her for over 25 years and have had the opportunity to work with her as a co-worker and when the opportunity for advancement presented itself, she became my supervisor. Although we no longer work together, she continues to encourage my growth in my chosen profession. I have watched her excel into the leader she is today as serves individuals with special needs as well as all of the staff that she mentors on a daily basis. She is a forward thinker and has the rare ability to identify an issue and help guide the team to the best solution. In order to be a great leader you must also have the ability to listen. She will listen to the people of the 5th district and will ensure our voices are heard. One of her favorite statements when addressing her team was “In moving forward….”. I say today with all confidence in Kendra that in order for Delaware to move forward we need Kendra!!!. Vote Kendrafordelaware.com
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I have had the pleasure of working along side Kendra Johnson for several years on many social issues and legislation driven to change the lives of Delawareans. She had marched, led and spoken at public rally’s, testified numerous times in front of the Joint Finance Committee, worked with current and past legislators on new laws and law reform for diverse topics, educated and held local legislators accountable for the communities they serve in a collaborative and effective way that has led to positive sustained relationships across party lines. That is who she is: A collaborative leader who effects change in diverse audiences on behalf of diverse populations. She is a macro thinker that has the ability to evaluate issues, educate and create buy in and motivate opposing groups towards “shared vision”. I have witnessed this first hand in various situations. When speaking with Kendra she will tell you that she has served her whole life as a caregiver, advocate, servant leader, activist, confidant and friend. Kendra’s work ethic is admirable. She and her team have knocked on over 1,000 doors, phoned constituents, held various meet and greets and worked tirelessly to make connections with the people she hopes to represent in the near future. Kendra is a ready made leader with the experience to make immediate impact in the district but she still desires to learn and grow to ensure that she represents the needs of all people. I could write a book (some might say I have) but It is clear the Kendra Johnson is the Only Choice to represent Delaware’s district 5. VOTE FOR KENDRA!
Well said!! Kendrafordelaware.com
Vote for Kendra on Thursday 9/6/2018
The only choice for Delaware’s 5th District
Delaware’s 5th Legislative District has the unique opportunity to elect the one candidate with the quantifiable record of competency and excellence, coupled with proven compassion and commitment to public service in Kendra Thompson Johnson. Kendra simply walks her life consistent to her core values, along with her personal and professional passion to servant leadership. Leadership is the art and science of getting great things by mobilizing others in a unified direction. Leadership is concurrently the ability to model the change you desire to see. Kendra’s professional life literally exemplifies and personifies those highly desirable qualifies through both her work and more importantly, by virtue of her results. Kendra understands the realities of forging collaborative relationships while also remaining independent to her commitment to Delaware’ 5th District. Kendra Thompson Johnson is the best candidate to represent her constituents. Kendra is a competent and knowledgeable professional and I thoroughly support her candidacy as she prepares to lead the charge as the legislative representative of Delaware’s 5th District.
Didn’t Carper unseat Roth by suggesting Roth was too old and incapable?
Daily reminder. What El Som said.
Kerri Evelyn Harris – Senate
Chris Johnson – AG
🙂
Mouse–Yes. Didn’t hurt that Bill Roth fainted on camera. One second he was in the picture. Next second, he had gone DOWN.
Arguably the best real-life Montgomery Burns ‘three-eyed fish’ moment ever.
If you want change in your community, then please come out and vote for the best candidate for us on Thursday, September 6th, 2018….KENDRA JOHNSON! Kendra has a genuine passion to help people. She is dedicated to go the extra mile!!! She is the ONLY choice for Delaware’s 5th District. Her hard work and determination is beyond words!!! COME OUT AND VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 6th, WE NEED THIS CHANGE!!!!
Kendra Johnson is THE candidate for the 5th District of DE. I have known Kendra for many years and have witnessed her intelligence, her passion, her caring, her competence and her true dedication to her family and her professional life. I would like simply to say that Kendra, always,” takes care of her business.” If you elect her she will listen, reflect and represent you admirably! She will take take of the 5th district’s business! Please vote for Kendra Johnson on September 6th!