- Rebecca Walker (D-9th District)
Delaware Democrats see the opportunity to pick up the seat that became open when House Minority Leader Richard Cathcart announced he would not seek reelection. Rebecca Walker began her campaign for the 9th Representative District in July, after Cathcart’s decision to leave. Walker lost to Cathcart in both 2006 and 2008, each time by a 53-to-46 percent margin.
Now, Walker and Republican realtor John Marino square off to represent the district, which includes parts of Middletown and areas south of Newark.
Walker teaches nursing at Wesley College and practices law. A lifelong Delawarean, she believes her background gives her a clear understanding of the economic issues and frustrations facing today’s families. “I see a lot of foreclosed homes when I’m walking through neighborhoods, and a lot of families that have taken on second and third jobs to make ends meet.”
Walker favors tax credits for environmental industries and expansion of Delaware’s biotechnology industry to spur job growth. Walker also supports incentives for small business growth such as group health insurance pools to help owners reduce costs.
To fill jobs created, Walker believes schools must create a better qualified workforce. Schools must better address student needs, she says, rather than focusing on standardized testing that requires teachers to “teach to a test.”
“I believe that if we give more authority and more power back to the teachers in the classrooms, to teach students creatively and be more innovative, I think you can get the kids engaged more,” said Walker. “I think a lot the teachers I talk to have some fantastic ideas, but they’re not in a position to [implement them].”
On the issue of state spending, Walker says that compared with many other states, the State of Delaware provides more services that elsewhere are undertaken by county and local governments, achieving cost savings through aggregated purchasing of services and supplies. She sees potential for even more savings.
“I think we need to look at what we can consolidate and continue to re-audit state spending,” she said. “I think that we cannot raise taxes at this point. I don’t think families can afford that. I know I can’t.”
In her district, Walker is concerned about the impact of continued growth in the Middletown area. “It is a booming area in terms of housing development. However, I don’t think that we always keep in mind or regulate how well that affects the infrastructure…. We need to have somebody who is a watchdog in the state watching over land use and land development.”
Walker and Marino are running in an election that has a back seat in Delaware to the high-profile U.S. Senate race between New Castle County Executive Chris Coons and tea party favorite Christine O’Donnell. “I hope that voters look at each candidate individually and ask them questions,” Walker said.
