Two candidates vying for Rep. District 37 seat

There are two candidates for the Representative District 37 seat. Millsboro resident Paulette Rappa is the Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Republican Ruth Briggs King of Georgetown.

District 37 represents the residents of Georgetown and Long Neck.

Ruth Briggs King

Age: 58 years young

Residence: Georgetown

Occupation: Chief executive for Sussex County Association of Realtors

Education: Master's in human resource management with emphasis in school leadership and instruction

Family: Married to Stanley N. King for 38 years; two sons and four grandchildren.

Reason for running: I am running to ensure the people of the 37th have a strong and experienced advocate looking out for their needs and concerns.

Paulette Rappa

Age: 52

Residence: Millsboro

Occupation: Educator

Education: BA, Glassboro State College; MS in educational psychology

Family: William Doll, husband of 14 years; six sons and two daughters

Reason for running: I am running because I want to strengthen the services and resources for the residents of Georgetown, Long Neck and Oak Orchard.

The district has a number of developments where the manufactured homes are on leased land. What are the problems currently facing those residents and what would you do to address them?

Ruth Briggs King: Issues in manufactured housing communities are the same issues that all residents face including the lack of good jobs, the ever-increasing costs of utilities, the proposed increase in gas taxes and other fees, the concerns of education, the need for improved public safety, and infrastructure improvements. In land-leased communities, the uncertainty of rents as well as real estate market values impact the homeowner. I worked hard in the last two years to address these issues through the first rent justification law. I will continue to seek a major revision of current law so homeowners can read and understand the requirements, to rekindle the Advisory Council on Manufactured Housing, and to institute a legal assistance program through a not-for-profit such as DMHOA.

Paulette Rappa: Manufactured homeowners on leased land, of which I am one, face unique issues separate from other manufactured homeowners. Because these homes are titled, the structure is considered chattel property instead of real property. Like a car, the homes depreciate as soon as you sign on the dotted line. Because these homes are considered a vehicle, lending institutions offer mortgage rates similar to car loans starting at 8 percent and ranging as high as 11 percent -14 percent. Furthermore, there are precious few lending institutions willing to lend on a structure that depreciates so dramatically over time. I would like to promote legislation that would deed these homes.

The legislators, with the Rent Justification Act, have addressed runaway leases, but like many new laws, the law still needs to be tweaked. Homeowners associations need help in processing arbitrations, from financing any resulting appeals to how to present legal arguments. Enforcement of Chapter 70 continues to be problematic. I would like to create a separate office under the Attorney General’s Office that would specifically be dedicated to enforcing and addressing the issues that manufactured housing residents face.

Three of the top five Sussex County projects on DelDOT's proposed FY16 to FY21 Capital Transportation Program include intersection improvements in this district – two on Route 24 and an overpass at the US 113 and Routes 18/404 intersection. Where are other improvements needed and how do you plan on getting them on the list?

R.K.: I will continue to be vigilant in pursuing safety on our roads. By examining the needs and understanding the funding sources, I have been successful in finding federal funding programs as well as economic development to finance needed improvements in the district. More importantly, I will continue to do more work for less taxpayers’ dollars by seeking improvements to the prevailing-wage survey that is outdated and unfair to Delaware. Additionally, I will work to see that transportation dollars are used on roads and not “other” items. We could do a lot of work if the Transportation Trust Fund was used for roads! Additionally. I will continue my efforts to address major intersection upgrades and paving projects in the new district.

P.R.: Because of the traffic flow increase in Sussex County, safety is an issue at key intersections, for example at Kruger Road and Route 113. Having a light installed there and having the intersection realigned with new road lines would help to eliminate the danger. Using monies that are appropriated to each legislator to address infrastructure issues such as these, and having a working relationship with the House Transportation/Land Use Infrastructure Committee would be the most effective way of ensuring that the needs are addressed.

All but two Sussex County legislators are Republican, but the state as a whole votes Democratic. Can a Republican accomplish what needs to be done for Sussex voters?

R.K.: Politics may matter in an election, but I deal with issues, not politics, as a true statesman. Once elected, I am the representative for all. I am more concerned with getting the job done than with getting the credit. As long as I achieve the outcome that is needed for the people, I am “one” highly effective person. It is not about the numbers; it is about results. Rather than say I did this or that, let the results speak such as: Workers Compensation reform and the first rent justification laws that were passed this session. I work on both sides of the aisle to accomplish what is needed. I am highly regarded by both sides of the aisle as honest, hardworking, and diligent. Character matters.

P.R.: Party does matter in terms of influence in Dover. With a super majority in place in the House, my party affiliation does give me the ability to sponsor laws that I know will pass; therefore, I am in a better position to exact real change for Sussex County. That said, I believe strongly that reaching across the aisle is important and critical for the welfare of Sussex County voters.