State Rep. Tim Dukes delivered the Delaware GOP message this week, reflecting on events that happened this year.
Dukes highlighted major themes that defined the First State in 2015: concerns about violence, corporate mergers and budgetary challenges. And to best cope with the anxiety these issues bring, he advises the public to stay informed on the news and speak out on important issues.
Dukes said, in a statement, “Our problems can seem overwhelming. The year ahead will be difficult. But by reaching out; by making your voice heard; by working together; we can find a path forward.”
He added that Delawareans are more likely to influence policy, since Delaware is small state where government officials make themselves readily available to their constituents.
Full text of weekly message:
Hi, I’m State Rep. Tim Dukes.
As we look forward to the start of a New Year, and reflect on the events of 2015, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed.
It seems that there are new stories of intractable problems almost daily. Violent crime is prevalent in some parts of our state; we face troubling budgetary challenges; and the merger of DuPont threatens layoffs and a seismic shift in our business landscape.
The weight of this can seem crushing. One way of coping with the sense of anxiety is to stay informed.
Consumed with the demands of their families and occupations, most people, understandably, do not keep tabs on what is happening in our state capitol. But they should.
It has never been easier to get timely government news. There many tools available, especially on social media like Twitter and Facebook, that will give you an idea of what is occurring in government. Some of that news will be good. For the information that isn’t, the knowledge will provide an opportunity for action.
With fewer than one million citizens, Delaware is a small state. That advantage amplifies the voice of the individual. Speaking from firsthand experience, calls and e-mails from individual constituents do sway the positions of legislators and can result in changes to pending bills.
In some ways, Delaware is a throwback to how governance was once practiced throughout the nation. Many of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, hold regular coffee meetings with constituents. Those that do not can usually be reached by phone and e-mail.
Delaware is one of the few states in the nation where legislators publish their home phone numbers and addresses. And, unlike states like Pennsylvania, you stand a pretty good chance of inadvertently crossing paths with your state representative or senator.
Our problems can seem overwhelming. The year ahead will be difficult. But by reaching out; by making your voice heard; by working together; we can find a path forward.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
