For immediate release, June 14, 2010
Contact: Larry Nagengast, (302) 373-5254
or larry@chipflowers.com
Flowers Calls on Jones-Potter to Schedule Public Debates
Treasurer Candidate Wants Voters to Hear, Compare Rivals’ Views
Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers called upon his appointed opponent, Velda Jones-Potter, to engage in a series of statewide debates to provide Delawareans with an opportunity to discuss the future of the State Treasurer’s Office.
“The position of State Treasurer is one of the most important elected offices in Delaware,” Flowers said. “It is critical that voters know how the candidates would lead the office and how they will contribute to strengthening the state’s economic well-being. With over 37,000 Delawareans unemployed, the time is long overdue to provide voters with an opportunity to decide which candidate has the best plan to restore prosperity to Delaware.”
While Flowers created an internal task force to work with community organizations to schedule the debates, his primary opponent, Velda Jones-Potter, wants to delay making debate plans, the Flowers for Treasurer campaign said today.
“We have contacted the Jones-Potter team, but they don’t want to discuss debate plans until July 15,” said campaign manager Dustin Parker. “Voters want more opportunities to see and hear the candidates. Delays in scheduling debates are not in the best interest of the voters and all officials holding public office must be accountable to the people of this state, even if they are appointed.”
Parker further stated, “Our internal poll numbers show without question that Flowers is the Democratic Party’s strongest statewide candidate for the office and voters believe that the office must be more engaged in key economic issues impacting Delaware.”
The Flowers campaign is proposing a series of five debates, one each in Wilmington, New Castle County, Kent County, eastern Sussex County and western Sussex County, before the primary election on Sept. 14. The last debate would be held in early August.
Flowers has released his proposals as The Flowers Framework, a summary of initiatives to improve the state’s fiscal outlook, more closely monitor economic trends and ensure efficient operation of the Treasurer’s office.
“We believe that Delawareans want and need a State Treasurer who will take a leadership role and partner with the Governor on key economic decisions. For a six-figure salary in these difficult times, voters deserve a treasurer who can do more than write checks, issue bonds occasionally and pay bills.” Flowers said.
Flowers, a Wilmington attorney who lives in Middletown, is founder and managing member of the Flowers Counsel Group, LLC, which advises major businesses on contractual agreements for major purchases and mergers and acquisitions. His global and Fortune 500 clients include DuPont, AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Barclay’s Bank Delaware, ING Bank FSB, Harvard University and the Buccini/Pollin Group.
Any organization interested in sponsoring a debate for State Treasurer may contact Dustin Parker at dustin@chipflowers.com, or call 302-656-7360.
