Republican Mike Ramone aims to prioritize problem-solving in gubernatorial administration

A lifelong Delawarean and businessman, state House Minority Leader Rep. Mike Ramone identifies himself as more of a solutionist than a statesman.

“I’m not a politician,” Ramone told Delaware Online/The News Journal's editorial board members on Thursday, Aug. 29. “I’m a problem solver.”

Endorsed by the Delaware Republican Party, Ramone, who has represented Pike Creek since 2008, has built his platform on helping the community, as well as help change how politics is done in the First State.

First announcing his candidacy in May, Ramone chose to run for state Governor instead of seeking reelection.

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

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Incorporating a small-business perspective

Before state politics, Ramone made a name for himself as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Ramone said he initially became interested in running for office “to bring a business perspective” into the political sphere.

Ramone has also said he intends to use both his “entrepreneurial spirit” and his past experiences working in the state House to create lasting change in Delaware as governor.

Problem-solving versus politics

Despite his legislative background, Ramone has stressed how, at his core, he is someone who strives to find new, innovative ways to look at, and solve, ongoing problems.

He also said how he will strive to establish a “a very productive and creative way” of addressing addiction in Delaware, including reconfiguring the statewide prison system, as well as the groundwork for Delaware’s first medical school and allow fellow colleges and universities across the state to contribute to programming.

Ramone also stressed how he will work with both Democrat and Republican leaders to initiate these and other changes throughout the state.

“I’ve always been a person who tries to resolve problems – and most importantly ... I’ve always been a person who tries to treat everybody equally,” Ramone said.

A bipartisan approach

Reflecting on his time in the state House, Ramone remarked how several state legislators are too focused on “special interests,” as opposed to the most prevalent issues facing many First State residents and communities.

He cited past attempts to work across the aisle on multiple on “very focused on bipartisan efforts,” but that there is still a presence of “force-feeding communication” between Democrat and Republican legislators.

Ramone emphasized the importance of working together, regardless of party affiliation – as well as bringing together different perspectives and experiences – to create solutions that benefit all Delawareans, with all Delawareans in mind.

“I believe you don’t want to be the smartest person in the room,” Ramone said. “You want to have a lot of bright people in a room with you, but you want those people all contributing and taking part in the process to make sure there’s no unintended consequences.”

Focused on solutions

When speaking on his plans for the future of the First State, Ramone stressed that there are “creative solutions to the real problems.”

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This includes initiating conversations with insurance and pharmaceutical companies and hospitals to help achieve healthcare reform and focusing on incorporating fintech and biotech to develop more sustainable products and processes to tackle climate change.

Ramone also reiterated how he is a “people person,” whose lifelong residency and dedication to moving Delaware forward will “help create solutions” that will best benefit everyone.

“I just see a whole new way of doing things, and I really believe I can motivate people…and balance outside interest to our Delaware interests,” Ramone said. “That would make Delaware a better place to live.”

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 Mike Ramone explains plans for Delaware governor