Jack Markell in 2016 DE Governor's race

On Drugs: Decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana

Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Delaware. Markell signed the bill privately shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party-line vote. "The governor remains committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most," a Markell spokeswoman said.

Opponents expressed concerns that the legislation sends the wrong message to children, `and that it will lead to greater acceptance and use of illegal drugs while hampering the abilities of police to conduct searches and seizures. "This is a bill we're going to regret," said Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover. "The message we're sending young people is one we simply should not send."

The legislation makes possession by an adult of a "personal use" quantity of marijuana, defined as an ounce or less, a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100, rather than a crime.

Source: Washington Post on 2016 Delaware gubernatorial race Jun 18, 2015

On Civil Rights: Supported same-sex marriage for Delaware

The Washington Blade has learned seven of the 12 Delaware state senators who had previously not stated their position on the state's same-sex marriage bill plan to vote against it next week. Aides for state Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover) [and six others] said the lawmakers will vote against House Bill 75 when the state Senate considers the measure on May 7. Eleven of Delaware's 21 senators need to vote for HB 75 in order for it to pass.

Equality Delaware's President reiterated to the Blade she remains optimistic HB 75 will pass. "I am confident we will have the votes to pass marriage equality in Delaware," she said.

Neighboring Maryland is among the nine states and D.C. that currently allow same-sex marriage. The Delaware Senate vote on HB 75 is scheduled to take place five days after Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed his state's same-sex marriage bill into law. Gov. Jack Markell has said he will sign HB 75 into law if lawmakers approve it.

Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial debate May 3, 2013

The above quotations are from 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts from 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts by Jack Markell. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 08, 2018