Last night I had the chance to attend some primary debates in Delaware hosted by the Community Newspaper and Greater Hockessin Area Development Association at the Hockessin Fire Hall. 
Now that we are heavily into the political season with the Delaware primary only two weeks away, I thought it might be good time to take a look at the early issues. (Warning to those looking for real estate: this is mostly politics and personal observations)
In the first panel, 3 of the 5 primary candidates were in attendance running for the US Senate and US Congress on the Republican side. Michael Castle (R) and Rose Izzo (R) were not in attendance. Christine O’Donnell (R) did a great job highlighting some key concerns with the absent Congressman. 
While Michele Rollins (R) and Glen Urquhart (R) both had generally aligned views, Michele appeared the more forceful advocate for her positions. Some interesting proposals on immigration were addressed.
Only 2 of the 4 Auditor of Accounts and State Treasurer candidates were available. Kenneth Matlusky (D) was present for the Auditors while Korn sent a representative. Chip Flowers (D) revealed a good grasp for the issues and positions while Velda Jones-Potter was apparently at another meeting.
The 2 local County Council 3 candidates were both available. Building on her previous years of experience, Janet Kilpatrick (R) demonstrated deep expertise in the local issues and processes. 
Michael Protack (R) continued with a strong performance building on his deep links in the community.
The final group consisted of all four candidates for Sheriff and was probably the most intriguing of the night. Michael Walsh (D) highlighted his years of experience in the position, his budget surplus, and the latest technological advances in his organization. Trinidad Navarro (D), William Hart (R), and Joseph O’Leary (R) all emphasized increased access, possible technological advances, and customer service. An interesting item was the handling of foreclosures.
Working in both New Castle County and Delaware County PA, the focus concerning Sheriff Sales of the two present Sheriffs could not be more different. Sheriff Joseph McGinn of Delaware County PA has made it a priority of his organization to work with the residents in his area to avoid foreclosure. 
His office will provide information on the foreclosure process and contacts that any homeowner can use to try to work out of their problem to avoid a sale. This includes an offer to act as a conduit between the homeowner and lender to ensure the process is moving further.
The current New Castle County Sheriff’s Office has a different view and sees no responsibility to help the homeowner. They are focused on the process and have been able to efficiently handle a quadrupling of their workload without adding any staff, while working efficiently with area attorneys, and creating a budget surplus. They have been able to continue to excel at their core functions of Service of Process, Auctions, and Prisoner Detention and Transportation.
All three challengers seem to be moving toward a more balanced approach.
Thanks to Jesse Chadderdon, Editor of the Community News, for acting as moderator and to the Community News and Greater Hockessin Area Development Association for sponsoring the event.
David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Newtown Square, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com
Barley Mill Courts is an exclusive small community with a pleasant mix of single family properties and 16 townhomes. The development is located just south of Barley Mill Road west of Route 141. This ideal location affords immediate access to Route 141, Route 52/ Kennett Pike, and Route 48/ Lancaster Pike. These provide easy commuting options into downtown Wilmington, Greenville, Centerville, Hockessin, and I-95 toward Philadelphia or Baltimore.
The first homes in Barley Mill Courts were completed in 1975 with development continuing into the early 1980s. The townhomes average 2,000 sqft with the largest unit ranging up to 2,850 sqft. The single family homes range from 2,500 sqft ranch homes to over 4,000 sqft classic colonials. The “courts” design allow for smaller lot sizes with an abundance of open common space. The homes themselves are today located in a nicely wooded environment.
Real estate pricing in the community has remained relatively stable through the years. The average sales price first rose above the $500,000 level in 2003 and has continued to ranged between $490,000 and $550,000 including both the single family homes and townhomes. Since having five sales with an average sales price of $519,000 in 2008, there was only one sale in 2009 for $490,000 and two sales in 2010 for an average price of $512,500. Today, there is one twin on the market for $465,000 and one pending single family home for $675,000.
Just West of Philadelphia 