For the first time since his election in 2010, Rep. Harvey Kenton will have an opponent in the  36th Representative District race.

In an interview Jan. 17, Don Allan, a 36-year-old Democrat from Milton, said he’s taking on the Milford Republican in 2018 for a number of reasons, but primarily because he feels Kenton has ignored his constituents.

“I understand I’m the underdog,” said Allan, a first-time candidate. “But at least I’m going to make sure Mr. Kenton has to answer why he stood where he did on certain issues.”

In 2010, Kenton defeated Democratic opponent Russ McCabe by 800 votes. Since then – 2012, 2014, 2016 – Kenton has not faced a primary or general election challenger.

Allan, a full time carpenter, said Kenton has not responded to concerns raised by people living near the soon-to-be-built Allen-Harim spray irrigation fields just outside of Milton, off Routes 16 and 30.

Allan said the sprayfields are behind his home, and he’s concerned treated wastewater coming from the Allen Harim plant in Harbeson has the potential to leach into his well water. Allen Harim has been poisoning the waters of Beaver Creek for years, he said, and now they are going to be spraying near homes.

“I’m not trying to stop anyone’s business. I just want to make sure every law is being enforced as strictly as possible,” said Allan. “There has been no response from Mr. Kenton.”

Allan described himself as blue collar and he said he’ll be fighting in favor of middle-class issues. He also said, he’s in favor of legalizing marijuana and thinks prevailing wage is a good thing.

Allan said he’s not getting into the race to tell anyone else how to live. He said he just wants to make Delaware a better place for his daughter.

“I’m pretty much a live-and-let-live type of person,” he said. “As long as someone isn’t hurting anybody else, that person can do what they want to do within boundaries of the law.”

The 36th Representative District encompasses all or parts of Milford, Ellendale, Milton, Slaughter Beach and Broadkill Beach.

The deadline for candidates to file for statewide office and all other offices is noon, Tuesday, July 10.

The statewide primary election is set for Thursday, Sept. 6. The deadline to register to vote for the primary is Saturday, Aug. 11.

The statewide general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 6. The deadline to register to vote for the general election is Saturday, Oct. 13.

For more information on Allan’s campaign go to www.allanforde.net.