Viewpoint: Gov. Meyer, transparency is the real 'Delaware advantage'

Transparency advocate John Flaherty urges the Meyer administration to encourage open conversation on accurate data on Delaware's corporate franchise.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:09pm

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In a guest op-ed, transparency advocate John Flaherty criticizes the recent removal of Mike Houghton from the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) by the Meyer administration. Flaherty argues that Houghton's questioning of why 'unprecedented' corporate formations weren't translating into tangible revenue projections was responsible oversight, not contrarianism, and that dismissing him sends a 'chilling message' about the administration's commitment to transparency around Delaware's vital corporate franchise data.

Why it matters

Delaware's corporate franchise is the state's second-largest revenue stream, and transparency around this data is crucial for maintaining the state's status as the 'corporate capital of the world.' Flaherty argues that the administration's actions suggest an unwillingness to openly discuss and measure challenges facing the franchise, like the 'DExit' trend of high-profile companies leaving the state.

The details

Flaherty criticizes the Meyer administration's removal of Mike Houghton, a veteran nonpartisan chair of DEFAC, for simply seeking clarity on the state's corporate franchise revenue projections. Houghton had questioned why 'unprecedented' new corporate formations were not translating into tangible revenue, which Flaherty says was a responsible inquiry, not contrarianism. Flaherty also notes that current and former DEFAC members called the withholding of updated revenue data from the March session 'unusual.'

  • Houghton has served on DEFAC since 2017.
  • The March DEFAC session occurred recently.

The players

John Flaherty

A citizen advocate and recurring commentator on Delaware state policy and fiscal transparency, as well as a spokesman for Delaware Coalition for Open Government.

Mike Houghton

The recently removed veteran, nonpartisan chair of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC).

Gov. John Carney

The current governor of Delaware who campaigned on values of collaboration and transparency.

Dave Sokola

The Senate President Pro Tempore of Delaware who stated that asking questions is a DEFAC member's right and responsibility.

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What they’re saying

“When Mr. Houghton questioned why 'unprecedented' corporate formations weren't translating into tangible revenue projections, he wasn't being a contrarian; he was doing exactly what a responsible council member must do.”

— John Flaherty, Transparency advocate

“Asking questions is not only a member's right, but a responsibility.”

— Dave Sokola, Senate President Pro Tempore

What’s next

Flaherty urges the Meyer administration to reinstate Mike Houghton to DEFAC immediately and release the full March corporate franchise revenue data before the May 18 gathering, arguing that the public and business community should not have to wait for 'May surprises' when the data exists now.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of fiscal transparency, especially around critical revenue streams like Delaware's corporate franchise, in maintaining the state's business-friendly reputation. The administration's actions suggest a troubling unwillingness to openly discuss and measure challenges facing the franchise, which could undermine Delaware's status as the 'corporate capital of the world' if left unaddressed.