Republican businessman Bobby Williamson wants to make voices heard as Delaware governor

Businessman Bobby Williamson got into the gubernatorial race “to get things done.”

A multigenerational Delawarean and lifelong resident of Bridgeville, Williamson first announced his candidacy this past July, creating a three-way race between himself, state House Representative Mike Ramone and retired New York Police Department officer Jerrold Price.

Since then, Williamson has built his platform on not only taking action, but also ensuring that the voices of his customers, neighbors and fellow community members are heard across the First State.

Many of whom, he explained, have often been excluded or discounted in the eyes of state government – and aren’t being represented by legislators that work “for the people.”

“That’s why we’re hurting here in Delaware,” Williamson told Delaware Online/The News Journal in a phone interview on Thursday, Sept. 5. “[Because you] can’t get an even say in legislation at all.”

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Here are key takeaways from Delaware Online’s conversation with Williamson.

A 'hands-on' approach

Through past and present experience in a wide range of practices – including construction and mediation – Williamson said that his line of work has sharpened his ability to “work with people to find solutions,” as well as how to navigate change and tackle multiple projects – skills that he intends to bring that same spirit to the Governor’s chair.

“I will find the answers [and] I will make everything happen to get things completed,” Williamson said. “I am a doer, not a talker.”

Williamson also said he intends to bring a “hands-on” approach to the role, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accountability, accessibility and creating “openness with the people” of Delaware as to what changes they would like to see in the state.

Protecting constitutional rights

Throughout the course of his campaign, Williamson has also advocated for protecting rights under the U.S. Constitution, including protections under the First and Second Amendments.

Williamson also said he wants to eliminate unwarranted mandates across Delaware, including those pertaining to electronic vehicles and single-use plastic, stressing that such decisions and innovations should be made by the public.

“[For] the government to enforce all that is just wrong to do,” Williamson said. “The people need to decide what they want.”

Opportunities for future generations

Williamson has also mentioned the importance of presenting additional options for education across Delaware.

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This includes providing vocational opportunities, individual student vouchers for families looking into different paths for learning and promoting the presence of specialty schools.

By doing so, Williamson said that this will not only present further opportunities for students, but it will also allow for both students and parents to help “establish a career path” that best suits them.

Ensuring fair representation

When asked about building coalitions within the state General Assembly, Williamson said, if elected, he will work to make sure that state legislators work together and that they remain “fair and impartial” when making decisions.

Williamson also said that, regardless of what happens next, he would continue to “find the solutions” that allow for residents and communities alike to have their voices heard.

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Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Republican Bobby Williamson explains plans for Delaware election 2024