Kim
On the Issues
Now is the time to bring people together. As your senator, I will be committed to bipartisan action for real change, not just talk.
People Over Politics
As the Vice-Chair of Sussex County Planning and Zoning, Kim worked within (and sometimes beyond) the council’s ordinances to protect Sussex County. That work included:
Protecting People
Many developments came before Planning and Zoning with only one entrance/exit – not great in an emergency situation. Twice during Kim’s six years on the commission, cement trucks overturned at the entrance of developments. In another recent example, fire trucks putting out a fire at the front of a development filled the entrance, effectively trapping people inside and blocking an ambulance that was trying to get in to help someone else. At Kim’s consistent urging developers began to add extra “entrances” – areas outside the official access points where ambulances, fire trucks, and police could still get into a development, and people could get out in emergencies, even if the main entry was blocked.
Protecting Trees and Buffers
During her time on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Kim often wrote conditions into subdivision plans to protect trees. It always struck her as counterproductive for developers to cut down large, mature trees, only to plant small ones that often didn’t survive. Kim worked on the initial drafts of tree ordinances with the aim of preserving mature growth forests, increasing buffers between developments, and maintaining interconnected buffer and tree areas throughout the county to provide vital habitat for wildlife. The commission also implemented requirements for the size and type of trees, along with guidelines for maintaining and replacing them, to give newly planted buffers a real chance to thrive.
The tree ordinances are still under discussion in County Council.
Protecting Farmland
Protecting farmland is something Kim takes very seriously. While on the Planning Commission, she ensured that new developments included clauses in their covenants to inform people moving to Sussex County that they were coming to an agricultural area. Residents should expect to encounter dust, smells, noise, and the occasional tractor on the highway. The incredible corn and delicious tomatoes enjoyed from farmers markets and roadside stands exist because of these farms. Kim made sure people understood where that goodness comes from and what’s involved in producing it.
Saying No
Not every development needs to happen. Make no mistake, Kim believes in property rights, but not every inch of the county should be covered. She made motions to keep houses out of flooded areas, out of the line of airplane landing strips, and out of marshy muddy areas. While she didn’t always win those votes, she increased awareness and ensured that the conditions on the subdivisions were the best she could legally require – even if she voted against the final product.
The Cape Gazette wrote:
“Many applications on each agenda were in District 3, which [Kim] represented, and where development has far outpaced most other county districts. She didn’t always vote with the majority on key subdivision and rezoning applications. However, she did garner support for several motions on controversial applications… She was effective as she worked hard for Sussex citizens. She was at times a maverick, but at other times the commission’s voice of reason.”
https://www.capegazette.com/article/hoey-stevensons-resignation-loss-sussex/260813
Moving Forward
The state and county must work together to protect the environment as well as the economy. Kim is the only candidate with county experience, having worked for six years as vice-chair of the Sussex County Planning Commission. She knows the players, knows the issues, and works to bring groups together and facilitate conversations. Kim left the commission in frustration, but there is so much still unfinished. The conversations must continue for the safety and quality of life.
The 6th State Senate District is a dynamic and beautiful place filled with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Kim’s service as the new State Senator will be focused on upholding shared values of:
- Enhancing Personal Responsibility
- Expanding and Embracing Government Efficiency
- Strengthening Public Safety
- Supporting Children and Seniors
- Prioritizing the Values of Equality and Equal Opportunity
Here are just some of the challenges that many Cape Region residents have shared, which are holding the 6th District back and not being addressed with thoughtfulness and collaboration by those currently holding legislative office.
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I am a responsive, responsible, and respected leader for Delaware families focused on:
Improving healthcare accessiblity
Safer roads
Championing our students & teachers
Strengthening our small businesses
Preserving farms and open spaces
Clean beaches and clean water
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