Pam Nichols
I am very sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. I send my condolences to his family as well. I worked with Dennis at DSEA and agree with George: he could be very difficult one day and kind and helpful the next. I learned what I know about lobbying and Delaware's political system from him. We often were at odds about what to tell our members because of the nature of his work and the nature of mine: his to keep confidences and his reputation as an honest lobbyist, and me to tell our members what I thought they needed to know in order to better advocate for themselves. The day I finally understood this was the day I appreciated his work and all that he accomplished and stopped fretting! Much of Delaware's education law (the good laws that promote quality education for all and a voice for educators, as well as compensation and working conditions) was drafted and/or skillfully negotiated by him with legislators, administrators, the Dept. of Education and/or the State Board of Education.
May he rest in peace.
Pam Nichols
Retired Dir. of Communications - DSEA