Peterson tribute highlights a man of many accomplishments

Hundreds gathered at the Chase Center over the weekend to honor former Governor Russell Peterson.

It was Peterson who was responsible for places like the Chase Center to exist, according to those in attendance. He had championed the clean up and development of the Wilmington water front along the Christiana River.

Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) recalls the first time he saw the drawings for a riverfront development plan. Carper was Governor in 1993 when Peterson came to his office with an idea. He said Peterson had outlined apartments, shops, and a nature center. It’s the blue print for what is there today. Carper told the story that he asked Peterson who was going to build it? “You are. You’re the Governor,” Carper said of Peterson’s response.

Former Congressman and Governor Mike Castle remembered Peterson’s reform of government among his many accomplishments. He said Peterson’s abolishing the commission form of government to one with cabinet secretaries changed the way business is done in Delaware. He said even though Peterson only served one term as governor he laid out his agenda in his inaugural address.  Castle said he stuck to his plan and accomplished a lot.

There was a who’s who of Delaware attending the service. Stories of Peterson’s accomplishments were mixed with those recalling Peterson as a family man and some who truly cared about Delaware.