When it comes to Delaware statewide elections, the upcoming September Democratic primary is the de facto election. With just a little over four months to go until the primary, DCA held a special spring CACC luncheon with the three filed Democratic gubernatorial candidates. CACC Chair, Brian DiSabatino, EDIS, led the panel discussion with Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, and former DNREC cabinet secretary Collin O’Mara who is now the CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

After eating together at the head table, all three candidates took a seat at the front of the room alongside Brian acting as our moderator. Brian opened with some good humored ribbing before moving on to more substantive issues important to DCA’s members. This was not a debate, but rather an opportunity to share their approach to challenges ranging from healthcare costs to education to permitting efficiency. As far as I know, our event was the first to have all three candidates together answering questions and sharing their platform.

I appreciated Brian’s remarks regarding how DCA works to benefit the whole of the construction industry despite the fact that our membership is made up of companies that compete with each other and even have competing construction business models. This was a perfect segway to stressing that the competition of ideas is good, and that input should be sought from everyone who wants to make Delaware a stronger state.

DCA’s Government Relations Committee greatly appreciates our members’ generous sponsorship of and attendance at our annual CACC Luncheons, providing the financial support our PAC requires to achieve its mission. It is going to be a busy election season and your financial support is what makes it possible for DCA to continue to be the Voice of Construction in Delaware.