Pike Creek entrepreneur Patricia Creedon had filed to be the Democratic candidate in the 21st Representative District, the seat being vacated by the retiring Pam Maier (R-Drummond Hill).
Creedon, who started the electrical contracting company Creedon Controls in the basement of her home in 1989, said she believes her experience as a small business owner will pay dividends as a legislator.
“The company was built when the economy was brutal,” she said. “You had to learn to be lean and how to do more with less. Knowing Dover is in the same situation right now, I think I can help.”
If elected, Creedon said she would work on behalf of small business owners, whether it means pushing for health insurance purchasing pools or fighting for grants money to fund training she says will help keep high-wage jobs in the state.
She also listed education reform and opening up government as top priorities, but admitted that she’s yet to settle on specific plans for either.
“I’m at the very early stages where I’m forming a campaign committee,” she said. “The next step is to get out and talk to my constituents and find out what they want.”
In the 21st District, Creedon said controlling traffic and suburban sprawl was a top priority. She said better coordination between state transportation officials and New Castle County land use planners was paramount.
Creedon described herself as a big fan of Maier, even though they hail from opposite parties. She said her main focus is to be as available to her constituents as Maier was over her 12 years in Dover.
“I will work tirelessly for my constituents,” she said. “I will work hard to represent all of them and hope to have the kind of legacy Pam has.”
New Castle County Councilman Timothy Sheldon (D-Pike Creek), who was asked by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and others to run once Maier retires, said his decision to remain in county government was made easier once Creedon expressed interest in the seat.
“I am honored that the Democratic Party considered me for the candidacy,” he said. “However, I feel there is unfinished business with County Council that needs to be addressed. From talking with Pat, I know she has a good grasp on the issues here.”
Creedon, 55, lives in Linden Valley with her husband John. She has three adult children.
