Analysis, action and the fortitude to pursue solutions are the qualities that define Kim Hoey Stevenson’s life and career. These very same qualities are what will make her a great state senator for the 6th Senate District, a seat encompassing Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Milton. One of her accomplishments demonstrating these qualities is co-authoring the book “Overcoming Misfortune: Children Who Beat the Odds.” Politicians too often see money or handicapping test scores as the solution to help children raised in challenging home environments. Kim, however, was more interested in discovering why some children succeed despite being raised in difficult circumstances. Her research resulted in co-authoring the aforementioned book and expanding the districtwide mentoring program in the Cape Henlopen School District. In two years, the program has grown from zero to more than 200 mentors. As an active member of the American Mothers Inc., Kim was granted the 2013 Young Mother of the Year award. The organization was founded in the 1930s to support the role of mothers in America. She was part of the national board and most recently served on a panel discussion representing American Mothers Inc. at the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women. Additionally, she built and ran a nonprofit program that benefitted children with chronic and critical illnesses. Kim has a long history of public service. She served as vice chair of the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, where she took a leadership role in developing the Sussex County comprehensive plan. In a Cape Gazette editorial lamenting her resignation from the commission, they stated, “She didn't always vote with the majority on key subdivision and rezoning applications. However, she did garner support for several motions on controversial applications.” Independent decision making and the ability to work with both sides will serve her well in the state Senate. Her frustration with some of the land-use ordinances was clear. Upon resigning from the planning & zoning commission, she sent them a detailed letter with her thoughts and suggestions on how to improve ordinances and codes. She asked Sussex County Council to consider forming a stakeholders’ committee consisting of developers, engineers, environmental groups, land trusts and nonprofits. She also advised them to tighten up tree preservation regulations. Kim is no stranger to the Senate, where she served as communications director for the Delaware State Senate Minority Caucus. If elected to the state Senate, she will be helped by her existing relationships and knowledge of the inner workings of this esteemed body. To put it simply, she will hit the ground running in search of solutions for Delaware’s many problems. A life of admirable accomplishments and a solutions-oriented attitude will make her a great state senator.