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Olsen promises to push for further work on Wilmington redistricting if elected

Delaware Public Media

A former University of Delaware lobbyist is among those vying for the open state senate seat left by Karen Peterson, who’s retiring.

30-year-old Caitlin Olsen, a Delaware native, says she’ll focus on broadening job training opportunities, boosting spending on higher education and helping solve a Wilmington school redistricting plan.

 

State senators punted on the plan amid opposition from several members – including Peterson. Olsen says it needs to be addressed immediately.

 

“I say we hit the ground running in January and work it. There are going to have to be some concessions made, but that’s the game. We’re all trying to make it work for our families,” she said.

 
Wilmington-area lawmakers chastised their colleagues for blocking it, with some having threatened a lawsuit in the past.
 
She says she understands the frustration of city lawmakers when lawmakers punted on implementing a redistricting plan, but notes that specifics need to be fleshed out.

 

“I think it’s really important for them to understand that the burden may be placed throughout the state and I think it’s doing due diligence to let everyone know what’s happening and I don’t know if those finance questions have been answered.”

 

Olsen says she’s not certain a compromise can be reached over the next year, but it’s something worth pursuing.

She faces Jack Walsh, a 54-year-old union electrician in the primary. No Republican candidate has filed.

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