We all know Delaware is a great state, filled with good people of varied backgrounds and talents. This coupled with our unique geographic location, rich history and natural beauty helps make Delaware the perfect location to live and work.
For years, our state set the economic standard for our nation. Our low taxes and educated work force continually made Delaware's economic climate favorable. Our State's economy continually ranked as one of the fastest growing and strongest ones in the nation.
Today, our state is at a crossroads. We can choose a promising future. We can choose to place the good of our state ahead of party politics; if we decide to change course now.
Jobs are fleeing our state at a record pace. The Bureau of Economic Analysis ranks Delaware's economy single worst in the nation in terms of growth. Our state's personal income growth is currently ranked 48th in the nation. According to the Gates Foundation, only 60% of our 9th grade students graduate on time. Each one of these statistics represents real people and real families in Delaware who are hurting.
We can do better. If you choose me as your next Governor, I vow to do better for Delaware's families.
I will take on the special interest and sacred cows. I will fix our educational system by empowering teachers and principals, and by devoting 20% more of the money we spend on education in the classroom for instruction.
I will reverse the course of our economy by investing in retraining Delawareans who are looking for a better life, creating a next-generation workforce prepared for the high-paying jobs of tomorrow.
I will reverse the growth of government with performance audits that allow us to target what is not working. I will hold the line on taxes that drive business away and cost us jobs.
I will commit to cleaner air and water. I will hold polluters accountable and I will level with the people about cancer clusters.
I will create the most open, honest, and accountable administration in state history, restoring the faith of the Delaware people in their government following years of scandal and incompetence.
The Dover insiders will tell you that after spending years in public office, it is only now, in 2008, that they are ready to change things. Don't believe them. We can't expect the change Delaware needs by simply giving the same people new job titles, and hoping for different results.
I don't seek the Governorship for personal gain or a career in politics. I seek the Governorship because I love this state. It pains me to see Delawareans suffering because their government is broken and their leaders are out of touch.
If I earn your vote and am elected to the office of Governor I will put nothing before the welfare of Delawareans. I will change course by doing things differently than they have been done before. We can do better. As your Governor, I will do better for Delaware's families.
