September 2004

New Castle County Executive Candidates Chris Coons and Chris Castagno

There is no race in 2004 more important to economic development in New Castle County, and yet more uncertain as to its outcome, than the race for New Castle County Executive.

As of this Meeting Notice (9 days before the 9/11 primary), the Democratic candidates include Chris Coons, Sherry Freebery, and Richard Korn and the Republican candidate is Chris Castagno. Our debate participants will be the Democratic Primary winner and Chris Castagno.

Chris Coons was elected President of New Castle County Council in 2000 and is an attorney for W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. where he is responsible for Gore's ethics training program, federal government relations, e-commerce legal work, and general commercial contracting. Chris has a B.A. in Chemistry and Political Science from Amherst, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and a Master's in Ethics from Yale Divinity School.

Sherry Freebery was appointed Chief Administrative Officer by newly-elected County Executive Tom Gordon in 1997 after serving less than a year as New Castle County Chief of Police. Sherry joined the NCC Police in 1973, as one of the first women police officers. Sherry has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College and a law degree from Widener University School of Law.

Richard Korn came to Delaware from Nassau County New York 5 years ago. He is President & CEO of 911 LifeLINK, a company which developed a medical, emergency, and personal information business-card-size CD-R using the US Government's Advanced Encryption Standards (AES). Richard has a B.A. in Political Science from Adelphi University, a Master's in Public Administration from New York University, and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Chris Castagno was elected President of the City of New Castle Council in 2000, was formerly a business leader with W.L. Gore & Associates, and currently works with a business-consulting firm serving companies specializing in international sports and consumer markets. Chris has a B.S. from the University of Delaware.

The debate format includes opening and closing statements from the candidates and answering questions submitted by members. Members of The Committee of 100 are invited to submit questions for the candidates.

Beverley Baxter