On day of mourning for George HW Bush, Delaware offices will stay open, Carney says

Gov. John Carney informed Delaware's employees late Monday that state offices would remain open Wednesday, a national day of mourning for former President George H.W. Bush. 

Keeping state offices and schools open on a day of mourning flouts tradition in Delaware, where employees have typically been allowed to stay home. 

When former President Dwight D. Eisenhower died in 1969, nonessential government employees in Delaware were dismissed from work at noon. 

When other presidents died, such as John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Lyndon B. Johnson, Delaware state offices and schools were closed. 

Other states have closed non-essential offices Wednesday for Bush's funeral, including the former president's home state of Texas, Maryland, Kansas, Nebraska and Maine. 

In New Jersey, some county offices will be closed. Other states and government offices may still make announcements. 

Carney informed state employees of his decision in an email sent at 4:30 p.m. Monday. 

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"State of Delaware offices will remain open on Wednesday, but we encourage managers to accommodate state employees who would like to watch President Bush’s memorial service, as long as it does not interfere with time-sensitive state business," he wrote. 

On Facebook, some residents voiced displeasure over the decision, calling it disrespectful and partisan. 

Others pointed to Maryland, where Gov. Larry Hogan closed state offices "as a mark of respect for President George H.W. Bush’s lifetime of service and unwavering dedication to our country."

“Today, I ask that you take time to remember and honor the immeasurable contributions of President George H.W. Bush and his legacy of principled leadership, decency, and commitment to our nation,” Hogan said in a statement. “This is just one small way the citizens of an eternally grateful state can pay tribute to a truly great American.”

Others were happy with the decision and thought it was more likely children would watch the service at school than at home. 

Jonathan Starkey, a spokesman for Carney, said it was a difficult decision that the governor took very seriously. 

"The fact is closing state government comes at a significant cost, and a reduction in services for Delawareans who need them. Governor Carney thought the best course of action was to keep state offices open, but allow state employees flexibility to watch President Bush's services," Starkey said. 

What do you think about Carney's decision to keep state offices open? Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com and let her know. 

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