As a practicing doctor and a former teacher for over a decade, my concern is for the well-being and safety of our students, and the health of all residents of Sussex County. Over the past year, I’ve taken a hard look at both Ernie Lopez’s and Dave Baker’s actions and positions on education and school safety.
I’ve talked to both candidates, read their platforms and looked at voting records. Sen. Lopez is an avid supporter of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’s plan to take our tax dollars away from our public schools in Sussex County and give that money to private schools. I’ve seen Sen. Lopez attend Sussex County public school events for what seemed like a “photo op,” when in reality he supports taking away the very funds that pay for those events.
Hundreds of residents of Rehoboth Beach witnessed Sen. Lopez’s photo op at the March Against School and Gun Violence following the Parkland massacre. Mr. Lopez spoke of his concern at the rally, but his voting record is in direct contradiction with his public comments. How can Sen. Lopez say he is for school safety when he has opposed and voted against banning military type assault weapons? Additionally, he is opposed to raising the age for a long gun license to 21. Like a lot of his positions, he talks a good game, but in reality he is contributing to the vulnerability of our students.
I interviewed Dave Baker to see if I could support his position on these important issues. Mr. Baker told me he is an ardent supporter of public education. Proof of his commitment to education, Mr. Baker is a past member of the Cape Henlopen school board. Additionally, he has served Sussex County for over 30 years and was a very successful county administrator.
Regarding the issue of taking away our public school tax dollars to support private schools, Dave Baker is 100 percent opposed. Dave is married to Sandy (a former Sussex County teacher), and together they raised funds to establish an early learning center in Georgetown.
On the issue of reducing gun violence, Dave Baker is in favor of banning military assault weapons, raising the age for purchase of a long rifle to 21 and increasing criminal background checks.
There are other issues beside education where Sen. Lopez and Dave Baker differ widely. I can’t think of anything more important than the safety of our children and the funding of our public schools. I am voting for Dave Baker for state senator because he is our best advocate for our children and our public schools.
Dr. T. Connelly
Rehoboth Beach
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