MILTON, Del. - Questions remain unanswered as Delaware Republicans and those living in the state's 20th District share concerns about Rep. Stell Parker Selby.
On Monday, State GOP Chair Julianne Murray and Sussex County Republican Chair Daniel Willis sent a letter to House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and other House leaders, stating Rep. Parker Selby has not been sworn in, assigned to committees or attended key meeting since the session began.
CoastTV knocked on Rep. Parker Selby's door Wednesday morning. A man believed to be her husband answered. We introduced ourselves first, then asked how the representative is doing.
"Well she's not receiving visitors right now," he said.
We shared again that we are just asking how Parker Selby is doing.
"No, she's not going to be interviewed. She's doing okay, she's improving," he shared.
A younger man believed to be her son came to the door ushering the first man away from the door.
CoastTV asked the second gentleman the same questions, how is Rep. Parker Selby and what is she recovering from. Before we could introduce ourselves, the man says "you need to go."
We quickly introduced ourselves and asked the same questions again.
The second man said "she's fine."
"I was told she's making a recovery, I'm asking from what," CoastTV asked.
"Are you asking me HIPAA require- You're asking me HIPAA questions now, you need to leave," he responded.
"She's a public figure that represents the 20th district, the people need to understand why they're not being represented," CoastTV said to the man after he stated we were on private property asking questions.
HIPAA compliance applies to hospitals and medical professionals, not people outside of the healthcare system asking questions about someone's well being and specific health events.
CoastTV contacted Jenevieve Worley, Director of Communications for House Democrats, about Parker Selby's absence on Wednesday afternoon after knocking on her door.
"Rep. Parker Selby was not sworn in in January because she was not able to attend opening day of the 153rd General Assembly. Rep. Parker-Selby submitted a letter to the Speaker and the Chief Clerk stating that she would be absent for the month of January. That was ready into the record on the second day of session (January 15). You can view that recording here," Worley shared in an email.
A screenshot of an email from House Democrats with information about Rep. Stell Parker Selby.
When asked about the representative's health, Worley responded by sharing the following statement House Speaker Melisa Minor-Brown and Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris shared on Tuesday.
"We have been in regular contact with Rep. Parker Selby and her family, and, as we would for any representative – Republican or Democrat – we are affording her the time and space she needs to heal. We are encouraged by her progress and look forward to welcoming her back to Legislative Hall soon. Plans are already in place to formally swear her in, and that will take place in the very near future.
Rep. Stell Parker Selby's office has has remained open and has been diligently responding to constituent outreach and concerns throughout this period.
Out of respect for her privacy, we will not be commenting further on her personal health matters.
With that said, Rep. Parker Selby remains the duly elected representative chosen by voters in the 20th Representative District and is committed to continuing her service to the community."
On Wednesday at 12:09 p.m., CoastTV asked Worley if there is a possibility of a special election if Rep. Parker Selby is unable to return to office, and if anyone has shared when she is expected to be sworn in. We have not yet received a response.
CoastTV sincerely wishes Representative Stell Parker Selby a full and speedy recovery.