I received an e-mail from my brother this morning pointing out the campaign website of Representative Bryon Short (Democrat, 7th District).
I am a registered Republican and tend to vote that way, but I do not vote blindly. I try to evaluate the person and their message, so my votes go all over the political spectrum. I voted for Bryon Short when he ran in the special election to replace Wayne Smith (at the time, I was registered Independent). My reasons were posted here.
Since Bryon Short has been in office, I have had occasion to e-mail him twice. One thing I have to say about Mr. Short: he answers his e-mails. I expressed my opinion on Senate Bill 164 (he unfortunately did not agree), and also sent him a short e-mail thanking him for HJR 18.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this second e-mail is on his campaign website on the “What They Are Saying” page ! It was nice that he found it valuable enough to post. It is kind of ironic though, isn’t it, that a registered Republican’s “thank you” is featured by a Democrat? I think it is rather refreshing. There may still be hope for all of us.
Speaking of representative answering e-mails, I have e-mailed my Senator, Catherine Cloutier, she of the infamous flip-flop on eminent domain. She has never responded to one. I remember a while back I thanked a member of the Wilmington City Council for a response and commented that it was the only response I had received. This Councilperson replied saying that politicians “don’t like to put things in writing”. I guess politicians also have a need to show up with their personal lawyer when meeting with a constituent, as it is reported that Senator Cloutier did.
So, if nothing else, Bryon Short is responsive to his constituents. I am glad I voted for him. This election, I hope to meet him at one of his constituent sessions to find out his views on other issues that are important to me, and do the same with his opponent. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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4 comments:
Short is responsive. But he is still wet behind the ears and his first responses aren't always the most helpful. But he is eager.
Bowers is well versed and is good with email too, so I don't think you're goint to get another Cathy Cloutier or Wayne Smith with him. Honestly she is the worst when it comes to communications. Smith was almost as bad.
Other than Cloutier, all our other Brandywine 100 legs are fantastic with email. Charlie Copeland, Greg Lavelle, and Bob Weiner always have fast, accurate responses.
People tease Weiner about sending too many emails, but the guy does a good job of keeping everyone in the loop. I am on his list and delete many of them, but it's nice to have that option instead of getting nothing.
Bowers has coffee on thurs mornings at the republican office in Branmar. I went to one and his fiscal and open goverment ideas are why I will vote for him.
Thanks for the info on Bowers ... Maybe I'll try to get there this Thursday.
I have to concur with anonymous above. Jim Bowers helped craft a transparency package last year, just as a candidate for that seat. He is informed and engaged on a host of issues, and is a true "people person".
I have known Jim for years. He is smart, earnest, creative, accessible, and an all around good guy, as well as a great husband and father.
He is a dynamo kind of person who will really be a leader in the House, someone I would savor the chance to work with to bring real reforms to Delaware government.
I am sure Mr. Short is a decent fellow, but Bowers will make a superior rep and legislator.
Anyway, just my two cents.
Dan Short, my legislator in Seaford is running for re-election this time around, and will be getting my vote again. He, too just finished his freshman term, and is very responsive to his emails. I sent him an idea once he ran by his cohorts, and probably would be a bill by now if it hadn't been for this economic downturn. Every step of the way he let me know what was going on with it, and he earned a bit of respect from me for it.
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