Delaware
Del. city wants to let businesses vote in elections. It cleared key hurdle, but it’s faced pushback
For local elections in the United States, voting eligibility rules differ from place to place. But usually the baseline requirement is that voters be humans who are alive and voting on their own behalf.
Some municipalities in Delaware, however, have broadened the definition of a voter to include “artificial entities” such as businesses, LLCs, partnerships and trusts.
Delaware is famously one of the world’s most welcoming places for companies of all kinds and sizes to incorporate for legal and tax purposes. (More on that in a minute.) But welcoming businesses directly into the ballot box by some localities takes that welcoming a step further – and in the eyes of many a step too far.
Opponents to the idea include Common Cause Delaware, a citizens lobby that among other things advocates for voter rights and opposes the influence of big money in state government. Letting businesses vote in municipal elections dilutes the voice of the citizenry and “puts the idea that corporations are people on steroids,” said its executive director, Claire Snyder-Hall.
Seaford proposal meets resistance
The latest Delaware municipality to propose letting businesses vote in its local elections is the city of Seaford, with roughly 8,500 residents. It was once known as the nylon capital of the world. For years, it struggled economically after DuPont shuttered its nylon factory there. And today, through the development of multiple business parks and downtown revitalization efforts, the city hopes to strengthen its economy.
As Seaford Mayor David Grenshaw put it, “everyone has done everything they can to revitalize the community.”
Grenshaw cast the tie-breaking vote (2-2) this spring in a Seaford city council meeting to pass a motion to change the city’s charter so that businesses and other “artificial entities” that operate and own property inside city limits may cast ballots alongside city residents and human non-residents who own property in the city.
That would include companies ranging from brand-name corporations like Verizon and McDonald’s to tiny LLCs and partnerships.
To change its charter, however, Seaford needs the approval of the state’s lawmakers and the governor. Grenshaw said he never expected that to be a problem, since four other municipalities had no trouble getting approval for their decision to let businesses vote in the past.
But there has been pushback to Seaford’s proposal in the Delaware General Assembly this week.
After being pulled from the floor a few times, a House bill that would authorize Seaford’s changes was defeated on Thursday night. But procedurally it was allowed to be brought up for reconsideration on Friday and passed. The next stop is the bill was then sent to the state Senate, but it didn’t come up for a vote before the Senate’s session ended Friday night. And since the Senate is now in recess until January 2024, barring the call of a special session beforehand, floor consideration of the proposal will have to wait.
If eventually it does become law, an estimated 234 companies would likely become eligible voters, according to DelawareOnline, the online site of The News Journal.
How influential could that be in future Seaford elections? That depends partly on human voter turnout. Considering only 340 people cast ballots out of more than 5,000 registered voters in the last municipal election, 234 businesses could be a significant influence if they all show up.
But that isn’t what Grenshaw is expecting. “If we get a dozen votes out of this, that would be incredible. We do not anticipate this would sway an election.”
While Snyder-Hall agrees that Seaford residents should be voting in greater numbers if they want their voices heard, she noted that if businesses can become registered voters, one of two things might happen.
Either city residents may wonder why they should bother voting if, as she put it, the powers-that-be (which can also make campaign contributions) want a measure to pass or want a given politician elected. Or, she said, “it could motivate people to vote.”
Will this be a trend elsewhere?
However things turn out in Seaford, it’s not clear that other localities within or outside of Delaware might also want to invite companies into the ballot box.
Hal Weitzman, author of “What’s the Matter with Delaware? How the First State Has Favored the Rich, Powerful, and Criminal – and How It Costs Us All,” thinks the Seaford case is probably more of a quirk than a quake in how local elections will be run more broadly.
But it does draw the public’s attention to the unique position of Delaware in the business ecosystem. While physically the second smallest state in the nation, it looms large as one of the world’s most business-friendly locations.
Weitzman, who teaches at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, has described Delaware as “the closest thing America has to a registrar of corporate births, marriages and deaths.” By that he means, thanks to Delaware’s laws and institutions, it is often the most desirable place to form a new company, seek legal approval for mergers, litigate business disputes and file for bankruptcy.
Delaware is also attractive as a relatively low-tax environment. There is no sales tax and no tax on profits from intellectual property (e.g., licensing and trademarks), for instance.
And the state can’t be beat if you want to quickly and easily register a company online with few if any disclosure or documentation requirements. Weitzman noted roughly 40% of the state’s revenue comes from incorporation fees and associated revenue.
Last year, the number of business entities registered in the state exceeded 1.9 million and is on track this year to top 2 million, according to Delaware’s division of corporations. By contrast, the state’s population barely tops 1 million. That is roughly two registered businesses per person.
All in, nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated there. But so are hundreds of thousands of far lesser known private companies, LLCs, partnerships and trusts, the owners of which may choose to remain anonymous in the state.
The House-passed Seaford measure, however, would require that businesses registering to vote disclose its “beneficial owners” – which typically means anyone who owns or controls at least 25% of an entity.
The city clerk’s office would conduct a series of annual cross-checks to ensure that a business currently owns property in the city.
And the bill requires a business’ voter registration to be cross-referenced with other registration listings in the city and state to ensure that a property-owning business gets only one vote, even if it owns multiple properties.
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MARPLE — On a day that emphasized the power of education to change life trajectories, more than 1,200 students graduated from Delaware County Community College with associate degrees and/or certificates.
On Thursday, May 16, the college held two separate commencement ceremonies.
The morning ceremony was for graduates of the Allied Health and Nursing, STEM, and Workforce and Economic Development divisions, and the afternoon ceremony for graduates of the Business, Computing & Social Science, as well as the Communications, Arts & Humanities divisions.
Both ceremonies were held at West Chester University’s Hollinger Field House.
“While many diverse backgrounds are represented here today, we are united here for one purpose: education. We share the same goal of pursuing better opportunities through education at a more affordable cost,” said Edison Hong of Upper Darby, the student commencement speaker, who is the son of Chinese immigrants. “From my father’s escape during the Vietnam War to my mother’s pursuit of the American dream, their story intertwines with mine, wanting a better life. Their sacrifices resonate within me, and I use that every day to guide me as a first-generation college student.”
Hong, a graduate of Upper Darby High School, earned college credits as a high school student through DCCC’s High School Dual Enrollment Program. He earned his associate degree from DCCC in the fall of 2023 with majors in computer science and business administration and now attends Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is majoring in computer science.
Hong is one of 15 students nationwide to receive the 2024 Hites Transfer Scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges.
He served as president and founder of DCCC’s Computer Science Club, president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, president of the Business Society, and vice president of the Science Club and the Engineering Club.
“Your ability to overcome life while maintaining high academic standards is remarkable. Community college is and always has been the real standard of success,” said alumnus commencement speaker Frederick Shegog, class of 2020, of Drexel Hill.
Shegog battled homelessness and substance abuse prior to becoming an honors graduate of DCCC and a summa cum laude — highest honors — graduate of West Chester University, where he recently earned a master’s degree in public administration. His stepdaughter Megan Riley is a member of the DCCC Class of 2024.
Presiding over Thursday’s ceremonies was Marta Yera Cronin, the college’s president. A first-generation college student born of immigrant parents, she emphasized the generational impact that education can have on the children, grandchildren and other relatives of graduates.
“Your family members see the effort,” she said. “They see the tenacity it takes to study, often while working a part-time or full-time job to sustain a family, and you become their role model.”
Added DCCC Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Scott, “We commend your perseverance, long hours and nights of study and the sacrifices you have made to pursue your goal of attaining a better life for you and your family.”
Reservations being taken for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bus trip to honor Charlie Gracie
In honor of his late father, the great rock ‘n’ roller Charlie Gracie and the release of the updated public television documentary, “Fabulous Forever!,” Charlie Gracie Jr., in partnership with his mom, Joan Gracie, will host a bus trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, June 29.
Bus passengers will include DJs Lou Costello, Steve Kurtz, Johnny Midnight of Cruisin’ 92.1 WVLT and other notables.
The late Charlie Gracie, a native of South Philadelphia and a longtime resident of Drexel Hill, was an American rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues singer and guitarist who topped the charts with his hits, “Butterfly” and “Fabulous.” Gracie was a role model who was emulated by many rock ‘n’ roll legends, including Paul McCartney and Graham Nash, among others.
The bus will leave at 8 a.m. Friday from Springfield Country Club on Sproul Road, where permission was given to leave cars, and return there Saturday night, around midnight.
The trip will include seeing the museum’s Charlie Gracie exhibit, with plenty of time allotted to tour the museum, as well as watching the debut screening of the newly updated Character Driven Productions documentary about Charlie Gracie, “Fabulous Forever!” in the museum’s theatre.
Bus fee will run between $75 and $85, depending on number of participants, and the Holiday Inn Express rate for the overnight stay is roughly $160.
For full details or to book a seat, call 610-724-7319.
No Name Pops offer two free concerts this month
The No Name Pops (NNP) will present two free performances in Philadelphia at the end of May. On Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, May 25, The NNP’s Big Band will perform at 9th and Montrose, in the heart of the Italian Market, starting at 11 a.m. On May 30, The NNP Jazz Quintet will perform with guest vocalist Paula Holloway in Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th Street, from 6 to 7 p.m.
During the Memorial Day Weekend concert, planned in collaboration with Di Bruno Bros., guests will be able to enjoy their Italian Market purchases while seated at tables listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more. At Dilworth Park, guests can enjoy the golden era of American music, featuring the timeless hits of George Gershwin and Cole Porter.
“We are thrilled that we have been invited by Center City District and Di Bruno Bros to provide free music to our community, our mission statement in action,” said Matt Koveal, the NNP’s Executive Director.
Founded in 2023, The No Name Pops is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of The Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Drawing from Philly’s rich symphonic pops legacy, the NNP melds tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre for concert experiences that will entertain and empower the entire community.
The No Name Pops respects the rich legacy of the music of Peter Nero, Grammy Award-winning pianist and conductor who launched Pops music in Philadelphia for over three decades. Led by accomplished conductors and featuring world-class soloists, The No Name Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire. For more information, or a list of upcoming performances, visit http://www.nonamepops.org.
Bonner-Prendie Classes of ’69 and ’74 hold reunions
Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School, Class of 1974 is planning a 50th reunion at Paxon Hollow Country Club, Broomall.
It is set for Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The reunion committee is searching for current email addresses to send out notices with the details. Class members are asked to send name and email address to: Bonnerprendie50threunion@gmail.com.
Bonner-Prendie Class of 1969 will hold its 55th reunion also at Paxon Hollow Country Club.
It is set for Sunday Sept. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m.
The ticket price is $69, which includes food and an open bar. There is a limit of 250 tickets to be sold and no tickets will be sold at the door.
Checks can be made out to MBAP Class of ’69 and mailed to 403 N. Lansdowne Ave. Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
Springfield Township Library offers programs on houseplants, Civil War medicine
Springfield Township Library will present an in-person houseplant workshop, “Leafy Characters,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 11.
“Leafy Characters” will help anyone who doubts their green thumb.
Amanda, from a local nursery will teach participants some house plant basics, plant propagating, different house plants and their needs and more. Participants will leave the program with more knowledge.
Space is limited and registration is required at www.springfieldtwplib.com.events.
The library will also present a program on “Civil War Medicine with the Mutter Museum,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18.
Everyone is welcome to learn from an educator at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia about the role and practice of medicine in the Civil War. A description of the impact this era plays on modern medicine will also be discussed. Some examples of Civil War medical inventions include ambulances and specialty medicines.
This event is via Zoom only. Registration at www.springfieldtwplib.com/events is required to obtain the Zoom link.
Readers can send typed community news press releases and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
Family reacts after teen shot, killed in Delaware County
A family speaks out after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed in Collingdale and police search for the killer.
COLLINGDALE, Pa. – A deadly shooting in Delaware County involving two teens happened Friday night and one of those teens died from the injuries.
The victim’s family, dedicated to a life of preventing gun violence, are mourning the sudden loss. Just days before his 17th birthday, Darell McCury was shot and killed in Collingdale.
“Never in a million years would I have thought I would get a call from my mother saying they shot Darell,” cousin Anton Moore stated.
He received another call soon after saying Darell didn’t make it.
Police in Delaware County say the 16-year-old was shot in Collingdale Friday afternoon around 4 p.m. on the 100 block of Lafayette Avenue. Another teenager was shot in the foot and survived, but Darell, shot in the torso, died at the hospital.
“I fell asleep last night and all I can think about, hoping that it was a bad dream, but it wasn’t a dream. It’s the reality of my family,” Moore said.
Darell is described as a playful teen who loved to dance and loved his family.
Moore continued, “I was just with Darell a week and a half ago. We took a bunch of kids from the neighborhood to Akron, Ohio to the LeBron James Museum. And, he was so excited.
He would have been celebrating his 17th birthday this upcoming week. Instead, his family is planning his homegoing services.
Moore said, “We have to be tough on this. We don’t want to see another family bury their child.”
Anton says although Darell was his little cousin, he was more like a nephew. Through his nonprofit organization, Unity in the Community, he has dedicated his life to gun violence prevention. Usually, Moore is the one comforting other families. Now, his own family is impacted by what he fights against every day.
“We have to do more to engage our young people, because it’s a sad situation. Once you put that kid in the ground, there’s no coming back,” Moore remarked. “This is tough, you know what I mean? But, we’re a strong family. We come from a family of faith. We believe that it’s better days ahead.”
Police are still looking for a suspect in the shooting. Anyone with any information is urged to come forward.
Delaware
*Update- Fourth Suspect Arrested* State Police Arrest Three Suspects and Two Remain At-Large for Series of Burglaries in New Castle County – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Andre Gershad, of Wilmington, Delaware, on several felony charges stemming from a series of burglaries that occurred throughout New Castle County over the last two months.
On May 16, 2024, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives located Andre Gershad at a motel in New Castle, and took him into custody without incident. Gershad was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $122,000 cash bond.
- Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 13 counts
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 6 counts
- Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
- Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 7 counts
- Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony) – 11 counts
- Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
- Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
- Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 11 counts
Detectives continue seeking assistance in locating one additional coconspirator, 33-year-old Perignon Brooks (pictured below), who remains at large.
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating these incidents. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Perignon Brooks to contact Detective M. Kerrigan by calling (302) 365-8487. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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