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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Delaware State House District 08 Primary

The Delaware House of Representatives consists of 41 members, each of whom is elected to a two-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a Representative may serve. All revenue generating legislation must begin in the House.State representatives introduce and vote on proposed legislation, approve the annual budget for the state, and serve on assigned committees. The General Assembly of Delaware meets in Dover three days a week between mid-January and the end of June.

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    Lissa Brutus
    (Dem)

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    Watara T.F. Heath
    (Rep)

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    Sherae'a "Rae" Moore
    (Dem)

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    Matt Powell
    (Dem)

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    Gary Taylor
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?

Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?

How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?

What, if anything, should our state do over the long term to ensure quality healthcare at an affordable cost for all?

Do you support unaffiliated voters voting in primary elections?

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Campaign Website http://powell4de.weebly.com
Campaign Phone (443)553-7695
Campaign Email powell4repde@gmail.com
Neighborhood/area of residence Middletown
Education I am a proud graduate of Delaware's public schools, including a vocational-technical high school, where I earned my pilot's license. I went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Leadership from the University of Delaware before receiving my Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law.
Work Experience My professional career has been dedicated to public service, leadership, and advocacy. I have experience working at Delaware's Legislative Hall as a former Legislative Assistant, providing firsthand insight into the legislative process. As a licensed attorney, I have represented individuals and families, helping clients navigate complex legal matters and achieve fair outcomes. Beyond my legal practice, I have served as a former Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, a charter boat captain, and an ordained minister.
Community Involvement Giving back to the community has been a lifelong commitment. I have volunteered with Meals on Wheels, served as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol for more than 20 years, and am a proud lifetime member of the MOT NAACP. I have also served as Vice President of the MOT Lions Club and as former Secretary and Vice Chair of the Representative District 8 Democratic Committee.
Campaign Facebook Page http://Facebook.com/Powell4The8th
Delaware faces significant challenges in housing affordability, healthcare access, education, economic growth, infrastructure, energy costs, public safety, and government accountability. I would address these challenges by increasing the supply of affordable housing, expanding workforce training and career education, supporting small businesses, expanding infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and broadband, improving access to healthcare and mental health services, strengthening public safety, protecting farmland and natural resources, and making government more transparent and efficient. Addressing these issues will require collaboration among state and local leaders, businesses, and community organizations.
Reducing homelessness requires addressing both immediate needs and the underlying causes. I would propose legislation to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing through zoning reforms, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships. It can expand rental assistance and eviction-prevention programs to keep families housed before a crisis occurs. Investments in mental health and substance use treatment, supportive housing, and job training can help people achieve long-term stability. Strengthening coordination among state agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and local governments, while improving accountability for how homelessness funds are spent, can help ensure resources are used effectively.
As a firearms owner, I support safe-storage laws and assault-weapons restrictions because these measures can reduce accidental shootings, youth access to firearms, suicides, gun theft, and the number of weapons entering illegal markets. Additionally, limiting access to certain high-powered firearms may reduce the severity of mass shootings. Safe storage is a practice all responsible owners should follow to protect their families. These measures are simply practical steps to improve public safety and reduce preventable gun violence.
Delaware should strengthen primary care, expand the healthcare workforce, and improve access to quality, affordable care. The state can support medical training, scholarships, and loan repayment for providers serving underserved communities, expand telehealth and behavioral health services, increase price transparency, and reward high-quality outcomes over the volume of services provided. Delaware should also monitor hospital, prescription drug, and insurance costs while protecting patients from excessive medical bills.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
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Agree
Strongly agree
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