Doug: Brian, as you know, my spouse and I live in your district and are well acquainted with the incumbent State Representative. We have lobbied Rep. George Carey in person and by mail and email for a decade now but he seems very proud of his 100% anti-gay voting record. Him we know all too well. Tell me about yourself.

Brian: I’m 45 years old, a native Delawarean and have resided in Milton for over ten years. After graduating from the University of Delaware I served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for five years. Upon leaving active duty I continued to serve in the Reserves while attending law school. I’m a partner in the Georgetown law firm of Stumpf, Vickers & Sandy. Last year my wife Emma passed away after a long battle with cancer. I have a seventeen-year-old daughter, Melissa. I have been a Democrat since I first registered to vote when I was eighteen.

Doug: The current Republican Representative has held office for almost 20 years. What makes you want to challenge him?

Brian: Sussex County is in a period of transition and tremendous change which is being fueled by rapid residential development. Many newer residents have moved from urban neighborhoods to this area to enjoy the natural beauty and lifestyle of a more rural environment. However, this very process will dramatically change the county. Our challenge is to ensure this change is made constructively so as to preserve what is best about Sussex County while welcoming new members to our community. To accomplish this we need a proactive legislator to address a host of issues from environmental concerns to the demands this growth will place on our infrastructure. Our schools must continue to get better. To successfully manage this change we must all work together in a spirit of tolerance instead of focusing upon our differences. The incumbent is a senior member of the majority party yet has avoided all major leadership positions in the Delaware General Assembly. His record is not one of activism nor, in my opinion, is he suited by temperament to respond effectively to this period of transition.

Doug: When you mention "a spirit of tolerance" do you as a heterosexual see lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Delawareans in need of a more level playing field?

Brian: To me the whole concept of "coming out" is somewhat disconcerting. I mean what does it say about our society when there is such a stigma about being gay that people suppress their real feelings, sometimes for a lifetime, for fear of how they will be treated? Discrimination based upon sexual orientation is simply wrong. By codifying this simple truth, legislation such as HB99 will serve to gradually reduce the impact of both overt and more subtle forms of discrimination.

Doug: The incumbent Representative has told me he is opposed to HB99 on religious grounds. Is a lawmaker’s personal religious perspective a valid determining factor in her or his legislative decisions?

Brian: Each of us comes to our faith in a different way: some through rigorously studying the Scriptures, others through their clergy and still others through quiet reflection. Regardless of how we arrive at our faith the process is a deeply personal one and legislators are no exception. I do not believe we can separate our faith or lack of faith from who we are as people. Nevertheless, it is not a lawmaker’s place to prescribe what is the orthodox path to salvation through legislative fiat. There is a reason why religion is addressed in the very first sentence of the First Amendment.

Doug: As you know, Brian, Sen. John Still wants to amend the Delaware State constitution to not only outlaw gay marriage but even civil unions. What do you think about that?

Brian: He obviously feels he needs a polarizing issue to get reelected. I’m sure he has frightened a lot of people. It is unfortunate that he has chosen such a divisive strategy for his campaign. I do not feel such an amendment is necessary.

Doug: Brian, I’ve got to say that heterosexual males in our society are many times homophobic or at least insensitive to the concerns of sexual minorities. How is it that you are so gay-supportive?

Brian: I don’t think I’m an exception. Most people try to be fair even if their life experiences do not predispose them to a certain viewpoint.

Doug: But what a refreshing change in mindset from what we’ve had to endure for almost two decades! Thank you very much, Brian.

State Treasurer Jack Markell will officially announce Brian’s candidacy at 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 18 at the Mulberry Street Café in Milton, with refreshments to follow. Everyone is welcome to attend!