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Dear First-State Friend:

I wanted to send you a short note to let you know that after five years doing some of the most meaningful and interesting work of my career, I will be moving on in the coming weeks. Serving the state of Delaware as Senator Coons' chief of staff has been a privilege. I appreciate having been welcomed in to this role by so many committed stakeholders, and to learn the "Delaware Way" from my colleagues and many others politics, law, business, and civic engagement. Chris, Tom and John have worked hard to impart this ethos upon their congressional colleagues, but given the current state of our politics, it continues to be an uphill battle. Still, they're trying.

As you know, Chris is a unique brand of public servant. He is highly regarded by his colleagues - both Democrats and Republicans - for his intellect, his pragmatism, and his genuine desire to make progress for the good of the country. He eschews politics and posturing, and pushes his staff to work doggedly to get real results. His constant refrain to the Washington-based staffers is to go spend more time in Delaware, so as to better learn its culture and values.

Chris is fiercely loyal to his state and its people, interests, industries and organizations. I have been in more than one (hundred...!) meeting(s) where he has asked a CEO whether she's incorporated in Delaware or how she could be encouraged to expand operations in the First State. Given its geography, transportation infrastructure, port and ocean access, skilled workforce, large number of PhD's and scientists, lack of sales tax, beautiful beaches, (etc. etc. etc.!) Delaware is a great place to live and work! No one in Washington is a more passionate evangelist than Chris.

And for the businesses and constituents who are already in Delaware, there's nobody who works harder to be attentive to the home fires. Because of his vision (and, frankly, his oversight), our office's constituent service and constituent mail programs are the most responsive and effective in the Senate. Every constituent may not agree with every response they get back. But they appreciate that their concern was heard and that the response was timely.

I have had a wonderful nine years working in the Senate - five with Chris and four with Patty Murray and Tom Daschle - and I'm excited to be joining Cornerstone Government Affairs, a pragmatic and bipartisan firm, comprised of decent and hardworking people, with a commitment to customer service. So the professional approach will be similar to my current office. But the time at home with my wife and kids should be an improvement.

I look forward to staying in touch. Thank you for your support, guidance, and friendship over the years.

Sincere regards,
Todd


Todd Webster
Chief of Staff
Senator Chris Coons
202-224-0129

@chriscoon