Karen Hartley-Nagle formally announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of New Castle County Council.
Hartley-Nagle, a two-time congressional candidate, took aim at what she sees as corruption in county government.
“Separation of powers is a fundamental tenet of our democratic form of government. The current president has acted as a rubber stamp, rather than a counterbalance, to an unchecked executive branch,” says Hartley-Nagle. She is referring to current Council President Rev. Christopher Bullock.
Under the current system, the council president has limited powers as the first among equals among county council members. County Executive Tom Gordon has broad powers, with checks and balances from the council usually coming on budget matters and approval of ordinances.
While saying that she is promoting economic growth is a centerpiece of her platform, she that New Castle County must do more to restore public trust. “We need excellence in government,” she added that county government must be far more efficient and fair. “County jobs, for example, should be awarded based on experience and expertise rather than nepotism and political payback,” she stated. “Stronger procurement regulations should be put in place to ensure that taxpayers are getting the best value for their dollars,” she stated.
She continued:
“Over two years ago an economic study was undertaken by the current County government that produced a plan. To date, virtually nothing has been done. A plan which cost over $50,000 in consulting fees was paid for and put on the shelf, gathering dust. No meaningful action has been proposed,” she revealed. Hartley-Nagle promises a forward-thinking strategic campaign to promote economic development, repurpose commercial properties, and develop a relationship with the State Economic Development Office to create and retain jobs.
Recent news of job losses from DuPont and Chemours, and the loss of AstraZeneca, GM, Chrysler and the banking industry point to the need for a thorough review of those codes and regulations that are impinging economic growth. Hartley-Nagle states, “It is time to make sure that our laws and regulations don’t continue to discourage industry from locating in New Castle County.”
Hartley-Nagle is calling for changes to the Unified Development Code that would create a more predictable review process. “Business hates uncertainty. It can take up to four years to complete the County development process. That places us at a severe competitive disadvantage to neighboring counties and states,” she says.
“Furthermore, I am seeking this office to correct decisions that have left the County in a most vulnerable financial situation,” she states. “Mounting new debt and a vastly underfunded pension fund have put the county on a path toward lowering their bond rating, raising taxes and cutting services – none of which are acceptable,” asserts Hartley-Nagle.
So far, Gordon and the council have not increased property taxes as a modest turnaround in real estate transfer taxes have boosted revenues. The county does have structural budget problems that include automatic pay increases for newer employees.
Hartley-Nagle promised to provide the leadership necessary to deal with what she claims is the county’s deteriorating financial condition. “If we don’t attack this problem head-on now, we face the likely possibility that we, our children, and grandchildren will have to pay for their overspending,” she adds.
“We need aggressive oversight of budget spending and the County’s overall finances”, says Hartley-Nagle. “It is my intent to put the County in a position so that we do not have to raise taxes”. She declares, “When elected, I will not vote to raise taxes”.
She also tried to tie the city’s homicide rate to county law enforcement. “County and city police are fighting a hard battle against violent crime that sees no borders. That battle has cost lives, is defining our county’s future and we are far from winning it,” says Hartley-Nagle. “Most people in the county don’t feel as safe as they did ten years ago. They perceive an alarming increase in robberies, burglaries and crimes against persons and property. We need to do what is necessary in a coordinated effort to restore their confidence in the police’s ability to protect them.”
