Editing Seaford, Delaware (section)

== Government controversy ==
The former Mayor of Seaford, David Genshaw, has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of potential quid pro quo regarding a contentious abortion-rights ordinance. The situation intensified when the Delaware Attorney General's Office announced its decision to sue the city over the ordinance, which Councilman King has claimed was primarily driven by the former mayor's personal agenda. As of December 14, 2021, it was reported that the city had incurred over $10,000 in legal expenses tied to defending this controversial measure, raising concerns about the utilization of public funds.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Our view: Seaford abortion law donor must not trump citizens, voters |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/2022/01/28/seaford-abortion-law-donor-must-not-trump-citizens-voters/6596425001/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=The News Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>

Councilman King has publicly voiced his apprehensions regarding the involvement of the Attorney General's Office in suing a city administration. He stated, “It’s very sad when your AG’s office has to step in, again, and sue one of their own cities. We’re using taxpayer dollars and resources to fund this, and at the end of that what does that look like?” King has referred to Genshaw’s previous handling of related policy issues, including a right-to-work ordinance, suggesting that this pattern of behavior could set a dangerous precedent for local governance and waste taxpayer resources.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rolfe |first=Glenn |date=2022-01-09 |title=Identity of anonymous donor at issue in Seaford fetal-remains debate |url=https://baytobaynews.com/stories/identity-of-anonymous-donor-at-issue-in-seaford-fetal-remains-debate,68018 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Bay to Bay News |language=en}}</ref>

In response to the allegations, Genshaw defended the ordinance, asserting that it reflected the values of certain constituents and his administration. He mentioned the possibility of a private donor being willing to finance the city’s legal expenses in connection to the lawsuit filed by the Attorney General. This assertion intensified scrutiny from Councilman King, who raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the donor’s identity and the implications of such a relationship. King expressed his discomfort, indicating, “Dave [Genshaw] is saying ‘hey, you know what, we’ve got this magical donor that’s willing to pick up all the expense,’ and that whole conversation didn’t feel right… I’m like, man, that’s not what we’re elected for.” His remarks emphasize the necessity for transparency and accountability within local government, especially when public funds and interests are at stake.

Kathy Jennings, the Attorney General, initiated the lawsuit after issuing multiple warnings that the ordinance in question violated state law. The Attorney General's office reported that the ordinance is characterized as an 'anti-choice' measure, aligning with larger national trends of similarly restrictive abortion laws that have emerged in various states across the country. This lawsuit reflects not only a clash over local governance and accountability but also the broader socio-political divide regarding reproductive rights in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-01-12 |title=Quid Pro Quo in Seaford? Councilman blasts Mayor after state files lawsuit over abortion ordinance |url=https://tvdelmarva.com/quid-pro-quo-in-seaford-councilman-blasts-mayor-after-state-files-lawsuit-over-abortion-ordinance/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=TV Delmarva |language=en}}</ref>