House Bill 121, the Republican bill that would amend the charter of Seaford to allow corporations and LLCs the right to vote in municipal elections, was defeated by a vote of 22-18-1. A two/thirds majority vote was needed for this bill to pass since it is a charter amendment, meaning it needed 27 votes.
The Democrats voting for democracy and against this bill are: Paul Baumbach, William Bush, Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Sherry Dorsey-Walker, Krista Griffith, Kerri Evelyn Harris, Kendra Johnson, Larry Lambert, Valerie Longhurst, Melissa Minor-Brown, Eric Morrison, DeShanna Neal, Sophie Phillips, Cyndie Romer, Rae Moore, Madinah Wilson-Anton
The Democrats voting against democracy, and for this bill, and whom all must be primaried in the next election are: Stephanie Bolden, Bill Carson, Franklin Cooke, Sean Lynn, Sean Matthews, Ed Osienski, Stella Parker Selby, and Pete Schwartzkopf.
The Democrat who did not vote for reasons passing understanding: Debra Heffernan.
Some supposed Democrats make the argument that we always must rubberstamp these charter amendments to respect local traditions and how towns want to govern themselves. A muncipal version of state's rights, if you will. And that is complete and total bull shit. If Seaford came back tomorrow with a charter amendment legalizing slavery, you mean to tell me you would vote for that? Really? No. How about if Seaford wanted to deny the vote to African American residents? Please.
So as I predicted, the Republicans took the Bond Bill hostage. That bill requires a three/fourths majority to pass, or 31 votes. So when that bill came up for a vote, all the Republicans went not voting, meaning the bill failed by a vote of 25-1-15-1, with Valerie Longhurst voting no for procedural reasons so she can bring the bill back for another attempt tomorrow. Sean Lynn was inexplicably absent for this vote, probably in shock on how he voted on HB 121. I know, I was shocked too. He has been a big disappointment this year, what with his many bills to impose a geographic mandate on every court in the state.
After the vote on the Bond Bill, the Republicans up and left the chamber, and have been absent ever since, allowing smooth passage of a number of other bills, conveniently.
So here is where we stand: Under no circumstance can there be any arm twisting or negotiation. HB 121S, the Let the Corporations Vote Bill, must never pass any chamber of this General Assembly. Any Democrat who votes for it is in their final term in office. If that means that the Bond Bill dies, so be it. The Republicans will be responsible.
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