Sussex Republican club hears from candidates
The Sussex County Republican Women's Club held its April 25 meeting at Kings Creek Country Club, Rehoboth Beach. Those in attendance got to hear from four Republican hopefuls running for office this year. In addition to listening to their views on the state of the state, they were treated to a beautiful rendition of "God Bless America" from Sussex County Sheriff Robert T. Lee and his talented wife Lori. Together, they inspired everyone to add their voices to the chorus.
Lee was elected Sussex County sheriff in 2014, bringing his 35-plus years of experience to the job. A Pennsylvania native, Lee began his career in Washington, D.C., attached to the Metro Transit Police. A graduate of American University, he has worked in many areas of law enforcement since moving to Delaware in 1977. After retiring from the Seaford Police as detective/sergeant, he continued his career working on special task forces and fugitive extradition cases for the Office of the Delaware Attorney General. As Sussex County's sheriff, Lee is responsible for seeing that the orders of the state's court system are carried out.
SCRWC President Peggy Bowden-White then introduced the next speaker. Gene Truono, born and raised in Wilmington, is hoping to unseat current U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. He received a degree in marketing from University of Delaware in 1980, then went on to earn his juris doctorate degree from Widener University Law School in 1984 where he served as president of the Student Bar Association. His interest in politics began more than 30 years ago when he saw how regulatory burdens placed on businesses and banks by the government did nothing to solve problems or bring economic relief to the consumers. Truono realizes that public service is an honor. He is not a career politician and doesn't aspire to become one.
Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, elected in 2008 to the House of Representatives for the 35th District, needed no introduction. Born and raised in Lincoln, he is a horse breeder and the owner of Wilson's Auction House. Wilson has held many offices throughout his years of service to this state beginning with his election as Register of the Chancery from 1992-2000. He became Register of Wills from 2006-08. He is a member of the Delaware State Fair Board of Directors, Greater Lincoln Civic Association, Sons of the American Revolution, and the NRA. Wilson has served on numerous committees, including Agriculture, Capital Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs, Judiciary, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Joint Commission on Capital Affairs. He wants to take his knowledge and experience as a house representative to the Senate. Wilson is running for Senatorial District 18 which includes Ellendale, Greenwood, Harrington, Milford, Houston and Slaughter Beach.
Introduced as the youngest mayor in Delaware, the last speaker was Mayor Bryan Shupe. He was elected mayor of Milford in 2014. A native of Delaware, Shupe earned a degree in political science from the University of Delaware. He has worked on several state and local campaigns across the state. Both Shupe and his wife Sherry share a desire to serve their community, and are members of numerous local organizations including the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club. Shupe knows the importance of bringing more healthcare to the area and has been working toward that goal. He is also committed to the revitalization of downtown. He believes local efforts must be supported to solve local problems while making sure tax dollars are spent wisely. He supports State Treasurer Ken Simpler's Sustainability Fund. Shupe, endorsed by retiring House Rep. Harvey Kenton of the 36th District, is running to fill his seat. For additional information visit www.SCRWC.NET.
