Small Town News

Schwartzkopf vows to bring jobs to Sussex County

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Incumbent to face Chris Weeks in the 14th

Standing in front of the Re-hoboth Beach Bandstand beneath the iconic orange Dolle's Candyland sign, House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, announced his bid for re-election for the 14th Representative District seat.

"In June 2002, I stood in this very same spot, asked for your support and vote. This is my fifth trip now and I ask for the same," said Schwartzkopf.

About 200 supporters, including many leaders of the manufactured home community, Re-hoboth Beach city officials and county lawmakers laughed, cheered and clapped for Schwartzkopf.

Gov. Jack Markell, Attorney General Beau Biden and Speaker of the House Bob Gilligan, D-Wilmington, on Wednesday, July 14, accompanied him.

For six years, Schwartzkopf had been in the minority party, but in 2008, the Democrats took over me House for the first time in 24 years. Schwartzkopf challenged his critics, who, he said, claim he hasn't gotten much done.

Working with the governor, Schwartzkopf was among the leaders who helped to bridge an $800 budget shortfall last year. He also said one of his greatest accomplishments was helping to establish a wind farm 12 miles off the coast of Rehoboth Beach

Passing balanced budgets last year and this year was possible only with support from both sides of the aisle, he told supporters.

"I'm not gonna sit here and hide from raising fees and taxes to close budget gaps," he said.

In the second-highest leadership position in the House, Schwartzkopf helped pass laws to end sexual orientation discrimination, to establish voluntary statewide recycling and to ban cell phone calls and texting while driving.

Tourism is the lifeblood of die 14th District, and he said he would continue to protect the area businesses, including his opposition to a statewide rental tax.

He noted Sussex County has the second highest unemployment rate in the state - behind Wilmington - and he said he would bring jobs to the 14th District, Sussex County and the state.

He used me new Boardwalk as an example of his contribution by working with the state's congressional delegation and local officials to bring $7 million in stimulus funds to Rehoboth to replace the outdated promenade.

As supporters cheered him on, a bus emblazoned with "Only When Pigs Fry," an anonymous, anti-Schwartzkopf campaign that focuses on his raising taxes, circled the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Schwartzkopf, however, remained undeterred. He said he would stand nose-to-nose with his challengers to discuss any issue.

Republican Chris Weeks, a Rehoboth Beach businessman, announced his candidacy for the 14th District in May, vocally criticizing Schwartzkopf for raising taxes and increasing the size of government.

Schwartzkopf dismissed the campaign as election-year rhetoric, saying that lawmakers cannot just cut their way out of a deficit He said something had to be done to close budget gaps.

Before Schwartzkopf announced his bid, Gilligan said Schwartzkopf understands the issues, has compassion and is an honest leader.

Biden said Schwartzkopf, a retired state police captain, knows what it means to protect residents. He said Schwartzkopf was instrumental in helping to pass 10 bills to protect children after former Lewes pediatrican Dr. Earl Bradley was charged with sexually abusing more than 100 children.

"He is one of the most efficient legislators I've observed in any House across the country, including Washington, D.C," Biden said

Markell called Schwatrzkopf a family man who has gumption and turns his passion into action

"We're gonna be right here with you fighting for Pete to make sure Pete will fight for us," Markell said.

Aside from strong support of state leaders, Schwartzkopf's family was also by his side.

His announcement beganwith introducing his 4-year-old grandson, Oliver, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and he ended by thanking his wife, Carol Without his family, his candidacy and successful record as a politician would not be possible, he said.

"I'm gonna win," he said.





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