Patty Rickman
DemocraticQ5 State Attorney Generals often join multistate coalitions on matters affecting their residents, including cases involving environmental regulation, public health, and consumer protection. What approach, if any, would you take to deciding when Delaware should participate in multistate legal action on science/health related issues?
When making decisions about joining multistate initiatives, there will be many factors taken into consideration. As Delaware’s next Attorney General, my first priority will be the people of Delaware and making sure their needs are being met. If the issue is one that is directly affecting Delawareans and their well-being, and participating in such an initiative would improve their well-being, it would be considered. I believe in objective government transparency and in public trust and I believe that listening to Delawareans about topics, such as this, matter greatly. I would not, however, participate in such an initiative if the efforts from my office would be redundant and take-away from more pressing matters involving Delaware, if the resources needed would take away from Delaware residents or if joining these efforts would knowingly negatively impact Delaware.
Q6 The Attorney General’s office enforces Delaware’s consumer protection laws, which can apply to false or misleading health-related claims, including in the marketing of dietary supplements and alternative medical products. What approach, if any, would you take to consumer protection enforcement in cases involving unsupported health or scientific claims?
If a health-related claim is misleading and is negatively impacting Delawareans, especially if there is public concern or prior knowledge of harm or potential harm, I will advocate for Delawareans’ rights. I believe that everyone has the right to choose how they care for themselves and I also believe that if a product has been proven to make a false claim, Delawareans should be protected and informed.
Q7 The Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcing state environmental laws, often in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control. What priorities, if any, would guide your office’s approach to enforcing environmental protections in Delaware?
The Attorney General has an obligation to uphold the Law. I intend to work alongside DNREC to ensure that their agency is supported and has the resources required to fulfill their duties in protecting and preserving Delaware and her people. Delaware is a special place and if Delaware’s ecosystems and environment are at risk, this could impact our vast wildlife and Delawareans for generations to come. I intend to be fair and communicative when handling matters of the Law, especially as it pertains to the health and well-being of all living things.
Q8 The Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcing the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act, which governs how resident’s personal data is collected and used. As the use of AI and large-scale data processing grows, what approach (if any) would you take to enforcing data privacy protections for Delaware residents?
I believe that privacy is directly related to safety and safety must be prioritized. While Artificial Intelligence can be a helpful tool, when used responsibly, we have to understand the objective reality that there are negative implications to consider. Everyone has the unalienable right to safety and privacy. Just as we have adopted HIPAA and abide by its strict statutes, we must understand and abide by the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act to best protect Delawareans. If Delawareans’ safety and privacy are at risk, I intend to advocate for them.