Why We Support John Kowalko for the 25th District
 
Those of us working for John Kowalko's campaign will be accentuating the positive, because there's a lot to like about our candidate.  Let's look at the stands that he has taken:

Openness and accountability in our State Government.  John has seen first-hand how the powerful interests get their voice heard in Dover, and he wants that to change.  When the House Energy Committee meets, the electrical utilities should not be the only ones allowed to speak!  John protested this by wearing a gag and being removed from the chamber – and the press reported the scandal.  Now the meetings are open to public input.

Health care coverage for all Delawareans.  It sounds impossible, if you believe the insurance companies.  But John doesn't agree.  He's worked with national and local organizations to formulate a responsible plan for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all Delawareans. He has testified in support of this proposal before a House Committee and will continue to work for this important reform.

Free and Convenient Recycling.  John sits on the Delaware Citizens Solid Waste Solutions Commission and serves as a steering committee member. He has helped put together a responsible and comprehensive proposal to relieve Delaware's solid waste disposal crisis without further landfill expansion or unhealthy incineration technologies. A central feature of this plan is Statewide curbside recycling, at no additional charge to the resident.

Reign in the Electrical Power Cartel.  Utility deregulation hasn't worked.  We were offered a rate “relief plan” that only delays balloon payments until after Election Day.  Excessive profits for the utility interests hurts Delaware residents and businesses.  Now that John is allowed to testify before the Energy Committee, he has called attention to  deceptive bidding practices and suggested ways to re-regulate aspects of the electrical power cartel.

Real Utility Rate Relief for the Needy.  John has vigorously campaigned for meaningful assistance to Delaware's Seniors and needy to meet their utility costs. He has called attention to the hardships caused by rate increases in a series of press conferences, television appearances, and testimony before numerous House and Senate Committees and at Public Service Commission hearings. He crafted a series of proposals and ideas to lessen the rate burden on the community.

Full-Day Kindergarten.  John is strongly committed to a statewide and state funded full-day kindergarten option for all public schools.  In 2005 John and Citizens for Legislative Accountability presented hundreds of petition signatures asking for this, and he followed up with testimony before a Joint Finance Committee hearing, offering a realistic funding mechanism and authoritative studies validating the benefits of full-day K.  He has continued by participating in forums and debates at community meetings and on public television.

Mass Transit to Move Delawareans.  Delaware is growing fast, and needs to grow up with a mix of transit options.  John proposes a light passenger rail service the length of Delaware, to localize development, control sprawl, reduce air pollution, and support the local construction infrastructure. 

We like John!  In addition to his accomplishments and credentials, John is an individual truly committed to the public good, and not an activist for the sake of his own ego.  He digs into issues to find out what's right.  He'll explain it to you at any level of detail.  He cares enough to ask questions.  We need him in our legislature!