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February 20, 2001
GOVERNOR RUTH ANN MINNER
One could easily argue that Ruth Ann Minner
entered the Governor's office knowing more about the workings
of State government than any newly-elected governor in Delaware's
history. From her eight years in the Delaware House of Representatives
and her ten years in the Delaware Senate, she understands
the workings of the General Assembly. From her eight years
as Lieutenant Governor and her Chairmanship of the Minner
Commission, she understands the workings of the administration
and the State's multiple departments and offices.
In addition, after 66 years of living in
Delaware, after 26 years in elective office, and after eight
campaigns (three state-wide), Ruth Ann knows this State and
its people.
That knowledge was evident when, newly sworn
in, she hit the ground running. January 3rd, when
she replaced former Governor Carper as he became Delaware's
junior U.S. Senator, she began her initiatives. Then, as she
began announcing her choices for her cabinet, we saw nominees
with stature and a history of service in Delaware (including
two members of The Committee of 100 Board of Directors, David
Singleton and John Wik).
In her January 16th inaugural
address, Governor Minner made it clear that she intends to
work in partnership with her former colleagues in the General
Assembly. In her January 25th State of the State
address, the Governor cautioned about the slowing economy
and promised fiscal restraint. She noted Delaware's financial
obligations, such as increased Medicaid payments and the possibility
of $452 million in capital spending if all pending school
referendum pass. As she announced several initiatives (Patient's
Bill of Rights, Environmental Right-to-Know legislation, and
an expanded E-Government program), only one, $5 million for
more reading specialists in Delaware's schools, included new
spending.
Delaware's new Governor, Ruth Ann Minner,
will share with us her vision for Delaware and for her administration.
Beverley Baxter
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