The Board of Directors of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) today announced the appointment of Michael F. Smith as the organization’s next president. Smith will succeed Michael J. Quaranta, who will retire in mid-December after eight years of service to the State Chamber and Delaware’s business community.
Following a national search, the Board selected Smith based on his experience in public policy, higher education, economic development, and community engagement.
“Michael Smith brings strong advocacy experience, a deep understanding of Delaware, and a proven ability to build relationships across sectors,” said John Gooden, chair of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Those strengths will be important as the State Chamber continues to represent the interests of Delaware employers and advocate for a competitive business climate.”
Smith was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2018 to represent the 22nd District, which includes Pike Creek Valley and portions of Hockessin and Newark. His legislative service has included work on the House Capital Infrastructure (Bond Bill), Education, Health & Human Development, Revenue and Finance, and Economic Development, Banking, Insurance & Commerce committees.
You will note that nowhere in the Chamber’s press release does it mention his plans for leaving, or staying in, office.
OK, a representative can’t head the Chamber Of Commerce while still in office, can he? So, can he be replaced on the ballot, or will he try to brazen it out until November?
BTW, this from the Tip Line raises a whole shitload of questions:
Michael Smith (state rep) just announced as new President of the State Chamber. How is this remotely legal (not to mention ethical)? Just read the code: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c058/sc01/index.html#5805
I mean the guy literally sits on the House Business committee. His predecessor was a registered lobbyist in Delaware PIRS (maintained by the PIC). Is he resigning his position? Is he going to sit out half the votes next year on conflict of interest? Is his committee assignment going to change? Even if he resigns it is clearly against the law to go run a lobbying organization immediately, there is a 2 year cool down period. There are elected Dems commenting on the announcement congratulating him. It is insane. It is barely different than an elected official going to work at a contract lobbying firm.
This one particularly struck me:
Even if he resigns it is clearly against the law to go run a lobbying organization immediately, there is a 2 year cool down period.
Well. Here’s something you can do right away. Donate to the campaign of Alex Green right here. I don’t care how popular Mike Smith has been. People aren’t gonna want to vote for someone who has sold out for the big payday. Especially for one who intends to double-dip. He is now officially the State Rep (R-Chamber Of Commerce).
Oh, and the Delaware Democratic Party should be in court ASAP to have Smith disqualified from running in this election.
I–did not see this coming. There’s more than one way to get to a 2/3rds majority.
