Delaware is the least small-d democratic state in the union, the only one in which citizens can neither vote directly on issues (referendum), introduce bills directly to the legislature (initiative) or recall lawmakers.
The lack of referendum and initiative isn’t going to change, because lawmakers don’t want the hassle to interrupt their busy schedule of dining with lobbyists. But it’s really time to insist that the General Assembly come up with a procedure so we can oust incompetent lawmakers from their posts.
I’m reminded of this longstanding injustice by WDEL’s latest report on Karen Hartley Nagle, the incompetent conspiracy theorist currently occupying the office of New Castle County Council president. Now she’s whining that the investigation of her complaint about “harassment” by Councilman George Smiley was rigged.
As is her established modus operandi, Hartley Nagle complains loud and long about the conspiracy against her, while everyone else points out that she has provided no evidence at all, despite frequent requests, to document the supposed bad behavior. Instead she offered her usual litany of excuses, including “my computer crashed” and leaving out only “the dog ate my homework.”
Yet, because of the state’s lack of concern for its citizens and their rights, we’re stuck with this hopeless clown until 2020. If we had initiative, a citizen could author such a bill. Because we don’t, we have to pressure our so-called representatives to do it instead.