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Parker Selby’s lifelong service is commendable

July 8, 2025

Stell Parker Selby's tenure as the representative for RD 20 does not outshine her commendable and lifelong service to the diverse citizens of Sussex County and Delaware. She has been a champion for civil rights, an educator, an elected municipal official and board member on many health, educational and civic organizations. I am unable to identify a Sussex County legislator whose record matches the breadth and depth of Parker Selby’s commitment and activities on behalf of the State of Delaware. 

I admire and respect her use of the sick leave, to which state employees and legislators are entitled, to make a thoughtful decision about actively returning to her duties in the House of Representatives.

I regret, though, that some segments of the news media, some of Parker Selby's colleagues and some of her constituents did not objectively inform and guide the public about her entire situation, among other things, referencing a prior situation when a legislator was absent from the legislative floor for two years due to illness. Telling the whole story would have provided Rep. Parker Selby's constituents and colleagues an informed basis upon which to consider her situation while she was in the process of making a decision about returning to active duty on behalf of her constituents.

Thankfully, Rep. Parker Selby's record as an outstanding public servant really has not been diminished. It is my sincere hope that her constituents, colleagues and party leadership will use her demonstrated experience as a legislator as a criterion for the individual who is selected as the candidate to complete her term and become the viable candidate for the 2026 state elections. 

Thank you, Rep. Stell Parker Selby. 

Marlene A. Saunders
Bridgeville
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