DELAWARE - On Tuesday, June 17, Delaware House Democrats responded on Facebook to CoastTV’s reporting regarding Rep. Stell Parker Selby’s absence during this legislative session.
CoastTV news director John Dearing has issued this statement in response to the criticism:
"Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, in her statement, acknowledges the importance of transparency from House leadership. Minor-Brown says she takes that seriously. And yet, CoastTV News has reached out for months to get honest answers from Minor-Brown, as well as other Democratic and Republican House leaders regarding Rep. Stell Parker Selby's continued absence from Legislative Hall to no avail.
To our knowledge, there is no Delaware state law or House rule preventing Minor-Brown or other leaders from speaking with CoastTV News or any journalist. Minor-Brown claims the legislative work is accessible, and Minor-Brown writes she deeply respects the press' role in holding government accountable. If she truly believes these concepts, then she will sit with CoastTV for an in-depth interview while the legislature is in session instead of forcing CoastTV News to chase her through the hallways of Legislative Hall."
CoastTV and Draper Media believe this story is of vital public interest and reflects an ongoing issue in the community. As stated above, coverage will continue until action is taken to represent the constituents of District 20 and they are given a voice in Dover once again.