Delaware State News | Opinion | by John Kowalko As a lifelong Democrat, who served for 16 years in the Delaware General Assembly, I have growing concerns about the 2023 embezzlement of $181,000 from the Division of Unemployment Insurance trust fund. One of my concerns is the strong possibility that Democratic state officials — both elected and appointed — may be involved in collusion and a cover-up, with the intent to hide the embezzlement from the public. Another concern I have is the apparent lack of Democratic leadership in the […]
The Public’s Right to Know Is Non-Negotiable
Delaware Call | Commentary | by John Kowalko As a lifelong Democrat, who served for 16 years in the Delaware General Assembly, I have growing concerns about the 2023 embezzlement of $181,000 from the Division of Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. One of my concerns is the strong possibility that Democratic state officials – both elected and appointed – may be involved in collusion and a coverup with the intent to hide the embezzlement from the public. Another concern I have is the apparent lack of Democratic leadership in the General […]
Colin O’Mara is my choice for progress in Delaware
The News Journal | Opinion | by John Kowalko Throughout my many years of engagement in politics, as an activist and an elected official, I have been consistent in one regard. I do not respect or regard negative ads or attacks on individuals running for office. I have found that most of this negative attitude is based on half-truths, innuendo and a disregard for the whole truth. I will judge candidates on the policies they propose and the policies they support and their willingness to publicly state that fact. When […]
Why won’t the General Assembly move forward on creating an Inspector General for Delaware?
The News Journal | Opinion | by John Kowalko There appears to be a certain illogical resistance to creating an independent Office of Inspector General by some members of the Delaware General Assembly. SS1 for SB 21, sponsored by state Sen. Laura Sturgeon, is the latest effort to create such an office that would benefit all Delawareans and taxpayers by creating a more transparent public access to government agencies, officials and situations that affect all of us. It would expose incidents of theft, waste and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. It’s […]
Letter to the Editor: Nothing to fear but the truth
Cape Gazette | Letter to the Editor | by John Kowalko There appears to be a certain illogical resistance to creating an independent Office of the Inspector General by some members of the Delaware General Assembly. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Woodbrook, is the latest effort to create such an office that would benefit all Delawareans and taxpayers by developing a more transparent public access to government agencies, officials and situations that affect all of us. It would expose incidents of theft, waste […]
Nothing to Fear But the Truth?
Delaware State News | Opinion | by John Kowalko There appears to be a certain illogical resistance to creating an independent Office of the Inspector General by some members of the Delaware General Assembly. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Woodbrook, is the latest effort to create such an office that would benefit all Delawareans and taxpayers by developing a more transparent public access to government agencies, officials and situations that affect all of us. It would expose incidents of theft, waste and mismanagement […]
Delaware Needs Claire Snyder-Hall in Dover
Cape Gazette | Letter to the Editor | by John Kowalko I was privileged to serve the people of Delaware for sixteen years as a State Representative. I took my obligation as an elected public servant very seriously and I believe I always served the best interests of Delaware’s families. I have observed candidates for public office step forward, some successfully and some not, to offer their talents to represent the people of Delaware. There certainly have been many who have had the qualifications and attitudes to be good public […]
Guest Commentary: A thank-you from RISE Delaware co-founder
Delaware State News | Guest Commentary | by John Kowalko As far back as mid-August 2022, when New Castle County Councilwoman Lisa Diller and I decided to found Retirees Investing in Social Equity Delaware, we realized that it would take a massive, organized effort on everyone’s part to stop the state of Delaware from imposing its Medicare Advantage plan on its current and future retirees. Joined by Connie Merlet, we decided to formally create and incorporate the entity, known as RISE Delaware. We agreed that retirees must organize and force […]
Guest Commentary: Kowalko announces resignation from RISE executive board
Delaware State News | Guest Commentary | by John Kowalko Dear RISE Delaware members and advocates, I wish you all the best in this upcoming holiday season and hope that we all enjoy a healthy and productive new year. In the interest of transparency and because all of you deserve to be kept fully informed, I am posting my letter of resignation from the RISE executive board below. I hope you all understand that the importance of RISE should never be diminished in this battle to restore our Medicare privileges […]
Letter to Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester
Delaware Call | Commentary | by John Kowalko Dear Representative Blunt-Rochester, I totally disapprove of your recent vote on H.R. 894 regarding antizionism and antisemitism. Your vote implies that you condone the genocidal practices of Netanyahu and the unfettered slaughter of innocent civilians and children in Gaza. The depths of suffering imposed on the Palestinian people by the IDF and Israel has reached a new level of inhumane actions. It is not your place nor Congress’ place to choose sides and blindly ignore the reality that Israel has continued its […]